Herath maybe the biggest hurdle in England’s way to semi-final

The spinner-friendly pitch of Firozshah Kotla will be the biggest factor in determining England’s route to semis-finals at the ICC World T20 2016. Sri Lankan old-timer Rangana Herath will look to exploit the Kotla wicket when they face England on Saturday.

In his only matches at World T20 2016, the 38-year-old orthodox spinner claimed 2 wickets against Afghanistan. With 17 wickets in 15 matches and a 5-wicket haul in his T20 international career, Herath remains one of best spinners on Asian soil.

England coach Paul Farbrace too showed signs of hesitancy to face the Lankans who previously beat Afghanistan by 6 wickets thanks to an 83-run knock by Tillakaratane Dilshan.

“They (Sri Lanka) are a very good side. They’ve had a tough little period. But they’ve still got good players, and they’re capable of beating anyone on their day, as we are, and as anybody is in this tournament,” said Farbrace as quoted by ‘The Guardian’.

Expressing anxiety towards Kurunegala-born spinner’s bowling, the England coach added, “Rangana Herath is someone we’re going to have to prepare and practise well for. Dilshan is another one, he skids the ball. Yes he does spin it but he’s also a very experienced bowler.”

If England win today, they will clear through to the semis whereas Sri Lanka despite winning this game, will have to beat South Africa, on the same pitch, on Monday to progress.