Sri Lanka aim for third successive Asia Cup title

Sri Lanka will go into the Asia Cup final against India today at the back of three successive wins in the tournament while India aim to win their first Asian title in 16 years. The hosts, whose impressive record in the Asia Cup and all tournament finals against India boosts their confidence, will seek their third successive Asian title.

Sri Lanka have played India in nine tournament finals since 2000 with only one defeat. Indian captain MS Dhoni denies calling it pressure and deems it coincidence.

“We won the last time we played a final in Sri Lanka,” he said. “Somehow we have not been able to win [on other occasions], maybe the performance isn’t good, or whatever the reason, but I don’t think there’s too much pressure on you just because it’s a final.”

But that last time came when India won by 46 runs in the Compaq Cup final on the back of a Sachin Tendulkar century, who has missed out this time around.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said his team was confident and eager to win the final.

“A final is a final and we are going to hit the ground running and really try and win it,” said Sangakkara.

With the final group match allowing the hosts to test their bench strength, Farveez Maharoof did his chances no harm by bagging a hat-trick and taking a five-for. Lasith Malinga has bagged seven wickets in two games while India are due to miss out Virender Sehwag through injury.

It will be India’s batting versus Sri Lankan pace attack that will hold the key to the final that will be played at Dambulla.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2010.