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Sri Lanka looking to exploit inconsistent Indian bowling in final

Source: PTI
January 12, 2010 15:50 IST
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Kumar SangakkaraIndia's bowlers have been leaking runs in the last few matches and Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara is looking to exploit that weakness in the tri-series final in Mirpur, Bangladesh, on Wednesday.

"We have been putting pressure on their bowling for the last two or three months or even more than that. We would be looking to do that tomorrow. But, at the same time, we don't underestimate any side or any player. We will play to our strength to win the game tomorrow," Sangakarra said after his team's practice session ahead of the summit clash at the Sher-e-Bangla National stadium.

Sangakkara said his side has moved on from the crushing defeat it suffered at the hands of India on Sunday.

"It was a bad performance by us on Sunday with the bat and ball, and even fielding. We have forgotten that and it will be a fresh start tomorrow. We have been preparing for the final as best as possible and we want to win," he said.

Asked if a side bowling second can win a match in the tournament considering the dew factor in the evening, Sangakkara replied, "Of course, the side which bowls second can win if they post a big total and then bowl a tight line and length.

"Anywhere above 270-280 would be a good total to do that."

He was all praise for Suraj Randiv, who has impressed with both bat and ball in the series, and said he is looking forward to the rookie spinner playing alongside veteran Muttiah Muralitharan.

"Randiv has been having a very good tournament. He is pushing for a regular place in the side, no doubt about that. But Murali is Murali; he cannot be compared with anybody. When he (Murali) returns (from injury) to the team it will be exciting if Randiv plays along with him (Murali) if we can manage that," said Sangakkara, who has shone with the bat in and is the second highest run-getter in the tournament after India's Virat Kohli.

"That is very good for the Sri Lankan team. The newcomers are putting pressure on the seniors and pushing for a place in the side. In the Sri Lankan team the players are selected always on performance and merit. So there is the opportunity for the newcomers to give the seniors a run for their money," he added.

Asked about any particular strategy against the in-form Kohli, who is the highest scorer in the series with 273 runs, Sangakkara said, "He is in great form. We will concentrate on bowling line and length to him."

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