Karachi, July 4: There was time when an India-Sri Lanka encounter used to be a foregone conclusion, the former coming out on top on most of the occasions. ’96 changed that forever.

In the World Cup that the Islanders sensationally won, the Indians lost to Lanka two matches and a long-held edge. Thereafter, it has been a neck-and-neck affair with Lanka winning almost half of the 52 One-day Internationals against India that have produced results.

For Sri Lanka, it is a reminder of two individuals who took the world by storm then, and, ever since, have been the pillars of strength for Lankan cricket — Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya. For the Indian think-tank, though, it’s an added crease on their forehead as the two teams clash in the Asia Cup final at the National Stadium on Sunday.

In the last 12 years, the offie has taken 59 wickets, while the Matara Marauder has accumulated 2,132 runs against India, a fact that indicates as to who Mahendra Singh Dhoni & Co need to be wary of. For the record, Jayasuriya has actually scored about 1000 runs more than Sachin Tendulkar in India-Sri Lanka ODI clashes these many years.

Even in the last match, when India defeated Sri Lanka chasing 308, Jayasuriya (43 off 37balls) gave his team a blazing start while Murali’s 2 for 44 was the most economical spell of the match. “It’s a team with a lot of experience,” said India coach Gary Kirsten, pointing out that the two players have, between themselves, 724 matches under their belts.

Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene, meanwhile, will be champing at the bit to right a few wrongs that led to his team’s defeat on Thursday. While Jayasuriya and Muralitharan delivered the goods, bowlers Thilan Tushara and Nuwan Kulasekara failed to contain the Indian top-order.

Notwithstanding the defeat, Jayawardene may like to set a target than chase one in the final. “If we win the toss, we’ll look to bat first, score well and put the pressure on the opposition,” he said.

If his plans are to be executed, he knows his openers have to get going, with Kumar Sangakkarra playing the second fiddle if Jayasuriya goes hammer and tongs. He’s also likely to recall Ajantha Mendis, hoping that the mercurial spinner assists Murali while bowling in tandem. A rejuvenated Chaminda Vaas will only add more firepower to their attack.

So, regardless of whom the coin favours, India have their task cut out. Dhoni’s new-look team have scant regard to history and reputations, still they need to tackle Murali and Jayasuriya if they are to beat the defending champion and lay their hands on the trophy.