NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka national cricket team will have to sharpen their approach against slower bowlers when they face New Zealand national cricket team in a must-win Super Eight clash on Wednesday.

The hosts were unable to chase a modest 147 against England on a sluggish surface in Pallekele, exposing frailties against spin and cutters. Conditions in Sri Lanka have generally been more challenging for batters compared to co-host India, and the trend is expected to continue at the R. Premadasa Stadium where large boundaries make clearing the ropes tougher.

Sri Lanka’s shot selection also came under scrutiny after the heavy defeat in their Super Eight opener and the team will need to correct those errors quickly.

"It's a T20 game, so obviously you come into a game, so you are looking to score as many runs as you can. So when the ball is not coming on to the bat, it's easier said than done," Sri Lanka's Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour reflected on the side's poor poor performance.

"Are there better options? Yes, definitely could have been taken. I thought on a wicket where the ball is stopping, so pushing is not a great idea. A couple of our wickets lost out on guys pushing for a single. I don't think that was a great option in these conditions," he added.

While much of the batting responsibility has rested on Pathum Nissanka, left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage has stood out with the ball. The pace attack too has delivered steady performances so far in the tournament.

New Zealand eye strong response in Colombo

New Zealand, who shared points with Pakistan after a washout at the Premadasa, also possess quality spin options including skipper Mitchell Santner.

With rain not expected to play spoilsport this time, both sides will be desperate to register their first win of the Super Eight stage.

Sqauds:

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie.

Match starts 7PM IST.

(With PTI Inputs)