Lankans keen to maintain all-win record

India would be slightly drained out playing back to back matches but the urge to stop the Sri Lankans’ unbeaten run in the competition so far should drive them on.

With dew no more a factor in the tournament, Ganguly would not be afraid to bat first if he wins the toss. And that would be crucial considering that India have always done well batting first.

The confidence is back having choked Zimbabwe in a close match on Sunday and the captain went so far as to say India’s pace attack was the best in the world during the slog overs.

That attack will have to fire if India hope to restrain Sanath Jayasuriya and company who are on a roll in this tournament. With Anil Kumble a doubtful starter, the onus would really be on the trio of Zaheer Khan, Venkatesh Prasad, and Ajit Agarkar who have performed admirably well so far to come good once again.

But as always, India would be looking towards their batsmen to deliver the goods. With Rahul Dravid out to an injury, it will be interesting to see how newcomer S Sriram copes with the pressure of batting at the crucial number four position.

The captain is looking at the positive side of it all. Ganguly said the absence of Dravid and Kumble, who has been replaced by left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi, will give others the chance to perform well.

“It is up to the youngsters to grab their chances. They have to make the most of the opportunity,” Ganguly said.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka would like to continue with their winning juggernaut.

“We would like to win everything, that’s for sure,” Jayasuriya, who has led his side with aplomb to three straight victories, said.

Coach David Whatmore was very happy with his boys’ performance and said they must continue their good efforts.

“We are on the top and we would like to be there. We want to develop the right habit,” Whatmore said.

It means regular opener Avishka Gunawardene, who is going through a downslide after hitting a brilliant 132 against West Indies in the ICC knock-out tournament in Nairobi recently, might again find himself out on the sidelines on Friday.

Wicket-keeper Romesh Kaluwitharana, who came as an opener after a long time against Zimbabwe in the match on Wednesday, looked good and is almost certain to open the innings tomorrow

Teams (from): India: Saurav Ganguly (captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli, Sridharan Sriram, Yuveraj Singh, Robin Singh, Vijay Dahiya, Zaheer Khan, Venkatesh Prasad, Ajit Agarkar, Sunil Joshi, Hemang Badani.

Sri Lanka: Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Avishka Gunawardene, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold, Kumar Sangakkara, Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Zoysa, Muthiah Muralitharan, Tillekeratne Dilshan and Kaushalya Weeraratne.