Oval holds no fears for Sri Lanka's Sangakkara

LONDON (AFP) — Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said the fact his side had not played at the Oval this tournament ahead of Friday's World Twenty20 semi-final with the West Indies would not hinder his side.

The West Indies have enjoyed arguably their two best results of this competition at the south London ground, thrashing Australia by seven wickets in the group stage and defeating England by five wickets, in a rain-affected match, to book their place in the last four on Monday.

Sri Lanka, unbeaten at the tournament, have so far played only at Lord's and Trent Bridge, where the pitches are not as quick and bouncy as the surfaces prepared at the Oval.

The worn wickets at both the other venues have aided Sri Lanka's impressive spin attack but Sangakkara, speaking after practice at the Oval here on Thursday, said conditions at Surrey's headquarters would also suit his team.

"We've played one-day cricket here before, it seems a pretty even track with good bounce and I think it will stay consistent right throughout," said Sangakkara.