The heat is on, in more ways than one

The man, who led the island side to a sensational win in the last edition of the World Cup, felt that the defeat at the hands of the Kiwis in the away series is a thing of the past. ‘‘We have started very badly, but, that’s all gone.’’

‘‘This is another match. Whoever wins will reach the finals,’’ he said, adding ‘‘we are very positive.’’

Sri Lanka were beaten by Pakistan in their opening match at Gwalior.

But, with yesterday’s result all the four teams have equal points with one win and one loss each.

Ranatunga, who made a valiant 98 in his last match at the Lal Bahadur stadium against India in the Hero Cup, described Sanat Jayasuriya’s brilliant century yesterday as ‘‘the best I have seen in one day cricket.’’

If the Sri Lankans made light of a total of 225 in Mumbai, it was mainly due to the brilliance of their World Cup hero Jayasuriya.

The continued failure of his dreaded partner Rumesh Kaluwitharana has been a cause for worry for the Lankans who, in fact, thought of reverting him back to the lower middle order in the match against India. But, the modest Indian total seems to have given the explosive little bat another chance at the top of the order. ‘‘We had a discussion after the (Indian) innings and decided to continue him (Kaluwitharana),’’ said Ranatunga.

The Sri Lankans faced the wrath of an unruly Eden Gardens crowd in that infamous semifinal last year. Yesterday at Wankhede too they had a taste of it when their pace bowler Chaminda Vaas was hit by a water bottle. But, ‘‘it was a small incident,’’ the Sri Lankan captain said. ‘‘It’s all gone now’’.

The Sri Lankans, who have decided to rest themselves today, will have their nets tomorrow under the lights.

Kiwis confident: On landing in the city on Sunday, the New Zealanders may have realised that they have indeed taken a right decision to delay their stay in Bangalore (a much cooler place) by two days before arriving here for their crucial match against Sri Lanka to be played at Lal Bahadur Stadium on May 20.

It was clear that they found the heat a bit too much for their comfort. But nevertheless New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming exuded confidence that they will do well against Sri Lanka. ‘‘It is very hot, hotter than other places,’’ said Fleming. But at the same time he felt they will have an even chance. ‘‘It will be an exciting match. It is like semifinal situation.’’

The New Zealand skipper, however, said that the Lankans are playing great cricket. ‘‘Jayasuriya played fantastic cricket the other day. So we have a game in hand.’’

Asked if they have any plans to contain the rampaging Jayasuriya, Fleming said they have planned a way out. The two teams had played against each other in recent times where they drew one-all in the one-day series.

Fleming discounted the myth that Indian pitches are spin-oriented. ‘‘The pitches are very flat now. It seams and helps the medium pacers. The spinners have not dominated the tournament so far.’’

The New Zealand skipper was of the view that in the beginning overs their bowlers do not seem to bowl well. ‘‘But we have the best attack in the middle and end overs,’’ said Fleming.

The Kiwis had a practice session at the Lal Bahadur Stadium later in the evening.