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Sri Lanka, on the other hand, would like to continue their

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Press Trust of India
dream run and try to dent the World Cup hopes of a few more top teams. The island nation has become a force to reckon with after stunning England and hosts India. The Lankans would now look to bounce back from their defeat against New Zealand in their Super Six opener. In batting, they seem to depend heavily on Eshani Kaushalya Lokusooriya who played a whirlwind knock of 56 off 41 balls against England and then followed it up with an unbeaten 56 in 31 balls against India. Skipper Shashikala Siriwardene said, "She is a huge advantage for us. (But) I believe that the top order needs to do well." Asked if Australia have a game plan for Lokusooriya, Blackwell said, "She has been playing very well. One of the players of the tournament so far, I would say. Very dangerous player with the bat and scoring at rate she can and the boundary hitting ability of her. Siriwardene said Australia would be wary of the things her team has achieved in the tournament so far. "Since (they know) what we can play and are capable of I am sure they won't take us lightly." The Sri Lankan bowling attack lacked spark against New Zealand and they would expect Lokusooriya and Udeshika Prabodani to get some early breakthroughs and put Australia on the back foot. Teams (from): Sri Lanka: Shashikala Siriwardene (captain), Sandamali Dolawatta, Chamari Attapaththu, Eshani Lokusooriya, Lasanthi Madushani, Dilani Manodara, Yasoda Mendis, Udeshika Prabodani, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Inoka Ranaweera, Deepika Rasangika, Sherina Ravikumar, Chamani Senevirathne, Prasadini Weerakkody, Sripali Weerakkody. Australia: Jodie Fields (captain), Alexandra Blackwell, Jessica Cameron, Meghann Lanning, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, Erin Osborne, Sarah Coyte, Lisa Sthalekar, Renee Chappell, Julie Hunter, Megan Schutt, Elyse Vilani, Holly Ferling.

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First Published: Feb 09 2013 | 12:45 PM IST

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