India lock horns with Sri Lanka in must-win WC match

With all the teams in Group A having won a match each, the hosts would try to keep their dreams afloat in the series, by winning the crucial league game tomorrow, if they want to qualify for the knock out stages.

After a comprehensive 105-run win against West Indies in the opener, the Indian eves struggled to chase down England's target of 272 yesterday.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, had caused the biggest upset of the tournament with their last-ball win against England but in their second match they lost to West Indies by 209 runs yesterday.

A record opening wicket stand of 175 between India's first-ever World Cup centurion Murugesan Tirushkamini and Poonam Raut, set up a huge total for the hosts to defend against the Caribbean island side in the first game and India would hope the openers provide them a good platform, after they missed out against England.

With vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur notching up her maiden century (unbeaten 107) in the previous game, India's middle order would be bolstered, though other players would have to pitch in to support her.

India has maintained a clean sheet against Sri Lanka in their 17 matches so far, winning 16 of them, while one was a no result.

However, India are in no mood to take their neighbours lightly and would like to put their best foot forward in the day/night game tomorrow.

"If we have to go inside the super six, next game is do or die for us. We are not going to take Sri Lanka lightly because on such wickets especially, it could be anybody's game. They have done well against England. I am hoping that our team puts on a good effort as usual," Indian skipper Mithali Raj said.