World champs take on Kiwis (26 October 1998)
Defending world champions Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga has said they would play to win against New Zealand in their first match of the Wills International Cup today
26-Oct-1998
26 October 1998
World champs take on Kiwis
by Zahid Newaz in Dhaka
Defending world champions Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga has said
they would play to win against New Zealand in their first match of the
Wills International Cup today.
"All our players are fully fit... we'll play for the win," he said
Sunday talking to the newsmen at the BUET ground in Dhaka after the
Sri Lankans' practice session.
About their opponent in the Monday's second quarter-final, the long
serving Sri Lankan skipper said: "The confidence of the New Zealand
team is now high after beating Zimbabwe, but we're the world
champions."
"New Zealand is a very good team," he added.
Replying to a question, Ranatunga said: Normally we love to chase, but
we'll take the final decision on the field if we win the toss.
About batting in the second session under floodlight, the Sri Lankan
skipper said it will be no problem at all as the lighting is good and
also there is no dew at night.
Asked what would be a safe score, Ranatunga said 260-270 will be a
challenging score at the Dhaka Stadium, where he played a league match
for local giant Mohammedans two years back.
Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana will open the Sri Lankan
innings while Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa will open the bowling
attack, he informed.
New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming once again said he is expecting a
very tough match against the world champions Sri Lanka. "We beat New
Zealand superbly, and our side is ready to give the highest to play in
the semi final," he added.
Source :: CricInfo365