Want to maintain unbeaten record - Mahela

Chris DHAMBARAGE from Pakistan

Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardena said that his team will like to maintain an unbeaten record going into the July 6 final of the six nation Asia Cup limited overs tournament which is now in progress in Pakistan.

The Lankans who are the defending champions have already booked their place in the final will confront India in their last Super Four match of the tournament at the National Stadium in Karachi today (Thursday).

Jayawardena said that they will be having a close look at the India Pakistan clash before deciding on their final eleven for this match. They are certain to make a couple of changes depending on the outcome of the high profile match between India and Pakistan.

However Jayawardena said that his team’s intention is to win all matches of the tournament and that will also give them a psychological boost over their opponents. Jayawardena felt that they have now accomplished their initial target of qualifying into the final and could afford to make some changes for the game against India.

Even then the Lankan captain said that his team does not want to lose the grip over their opponents which they have maintained until now through some brilliant batting and bowling performances.

Jayawardena noted that both teams have been playing some good cricket throughout this tournament and it will be a good opportunity for them to study their strength and weaknesses.

Sri Lanka made a clean sweep in Group A where they completely outclassed their opponents Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates team in Lahore and followed up with two more impressive victories against the hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Super Four stage of the tournament.

The Sri Lankan team of course had their final training session at the NBP Sports Complex minus veteran Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara Chaminda Vaas, and Nuwan Kulasekera.

The Lankan team manager Shriyan Samararatne said that Jayasuriya of course needed some rest following two tough back to back matches while the rest decided to indulge in gym exercise.