Whatmore's men need help (Getty Images).

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Sri Lanka will have their eyes elsewhere as they try to prepare for their final World Cup Super Six game against Zimbabwe in East London.

Sanath Jayasuriya's side could be out of the tournament before Saturday's game if New Zealand can beat India at Centurion on Friday.

Defeats by Australia and India have left Sri Lanka in fifth place in the Super Six with just the seven and a half points they carried over from the first stage.

The Kiwis have half a point more and will join Australia, India and Kenya in the last four with another win.

Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore accepted there is nothing that can be done about the situation and must hope India can continue their six-match winning run.

Former Lancashire team boss Whatmore said: "We'll certainly be watching the game very closely but there's not much we can do about it. It's out of our hands."

Even if India do win Sri Lanka will still have to beat Zimbabwe, a team determined to salvage some pride after a humiliating defeat by Kenya confirmed their elimination on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka know themselves what it is like to be beaten by the African minnows, with their defeat in Nairobi the main reason why their World Cup survival hangs by a thread.

Sri Lanka won Pool B but their surprise 53-run reverse to Kenya left them trailing to Steve Tikolo's upstarts when the Super Six table was formed.

Jayasuriya should be fit be fit to face Zimbabwe despite taking it easy in practice due to tonsillitis. The destructive opening batsman shrugged off the pain of a chipped bone in his thumb and a bruised forearm after being hit by Brett Lee to play in the 183-run loss to India but was struck down by a fresh ailment.

Team manager Ajit Jayasekera told the tournament's official website, www.cricketworldcup.com: "We didn't want him to exert himself because he is recovering from a severe attack of tonsillitis.

"He is currently taking antibiotic injections twice a day. We do expect him to be available for Saturday's game."

Troubled Zimbabwe will bow out of the tournament with the future of most of their team far from certain.

Zimbabwe's campaign has been hindered by political problems and rumoured in-fighting.

Skipper Heath Streak has refused to speculate on his future in the role while Andy Flower has already confirmed his international retirement. Several others may be forced to follow if selectors decide to try to reinvigorate the side with younger players.