Sri Lanka out to maintain unbeaten run

Elmo Rodrigopulle reporting from West Indies

WORLD CUP: It is going to be a no quarter asked or given clash in group ‘B’ when Sri Lanka front up to India at the Queen’s Park Oval, here in Trinidad on Friday, in a World Cup match.

The Sri Lankan’s who dumped the Bangladeshis on Wednesday, made certain of a fling in the Super 8 series, while for India who surprisingly lost to Bangladesh it will be a do or die battle.

The Lankans are playing the cricket we know they can, and if they remain focused and continue the good run, they could make further progress and if the pieces continue to fall right, they can fly back home with the World Cup.

However the Lankans must nor relax and take the game against India lightly. They must endeavour to beat the Indians and maintain an unbeaten record in the group which will boost their confidence.

It is also hoped that the Sri Lankans would do no tinkering with the team that is playing and make changes, which could unsettle the spirit that is existing at the moment.

It is usual to make progress with the winning team and we hope the selectors would keep it that way.

It must be galling for former captain Marvan Atapattu to be relegated to the reserve ranks. But it cannot be helped, because in a tournament of this nature, it is the winning and not relaxing that matters.

In this game it is the hope of every Lankan that Sanath Jayasuriya would continue to fire. A sound opening from him and Upul Tharanga will go a long way to see the team to a big and formidable score that could put pressure on the Indian batsmen.

Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara, and Chamara Silva have all been in the runs and can be expected to remain that way.

In the game against Bangladesh Jayawardena threw his wicket away when set for a big score. He must make it a point to bat with more responsibility, because he must remember that he is the captain and set an example. Russel Arnold and Tillekeratne Dilshan have not had the opportunities. But can be relief on to get among the runs.

Chaminda Vaas as usual gets the early breakthrough which is very vital for the bowlers following Lasith Malinga, Ferveez Maharoof and spinner Muttiah Muralitheran to capitalise on. The Indians too have a well balanced side and will come out firing all cylinders in their bid to figure in the Super 8.

Against Bermuda all their batsmen got into the run making act. Virender Sehwag returned to his familiar role that of making runs and blasting the opponents attack.

The Indians will also be looking for runs from skipper Dravid, Tendulkar, Uthappa, Dhoni and Singh.

The bowling will be in the capable hands of Zahee Khan, Ajit Agakar and Anil Kumble.

The wicket is lively in the morning and helpful to the bowlers and tends to be batsman friendly as the game progresses.

The captains will be looking to win the toss and then decide.