India face stiff task against Sri Lanka

India will have to brace up for a stiffer challenge when they clash with hosts Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Group B league match in Dambulla on Sunday, fully aware that their famed batting line-up needs to shrug off the early season rustiness quickly.

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Although the scrappy batting show was understandable considering it was their first competitive outing after the trip to Pakistan, Sourav Ganguly and his men have to pull up their socks against the Lankans, who have the advantage of playing at home.

The day-night encounter at the picturesque Rangiri International stadium could turn out to be a fascinating contest between the formidable Indian batting line-up and joint world record holder Muttiah Muralitharan, who will relish bowling on this slow track.

Though the Indians were not really tested in the opening match against debutants UAE, captain Ganguly has exhorted his players to get into rhythm early to keep themselves on track towards regaining the Asia Cup after a gap of six years.

"They bowled well in the first 15 overs. In fact, we did not bat well. But it is understandable as it was the first match after the break and things will get better," Ganguly said.

"We got a bit rusty. I hope we play better against Sri Lanka," the India captain said.

The Indians are expected to retain the same team that did duty against the UAE, which means that off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, returning to the squad after a seven-month injury-induced break, would be again confined to the dressing room.

The two young pace sensations -- Irfan Pathan and Laxmipathy Balaji -- were quite impressive in the first match while Zaheer Khan, who is also returning to the team from injury, bowled reasonably well.

The two top teams from each group will qualify for the Super League stage.

Sri Lankan captain Marvan Atapattu was optimistic about his team's chances in the six-nation tournament, saying his players have the potential to win the title.

"We have two very strong opponents in Pakistan and India. But if we play to our potential in home conditions, we will certainly win," Atapattu said.

"The boys are looking forward to the competition. It is important for us to do well. Expectations are high, which is always the case for the hosts. We have to live up to it as we are high on confidence, especially after the manner we ended the Australian tour."

The islanders have a major injury worry with star performer Sanath Jayasuriya down with a side strain. Although the former captain took the field in the match against the UAE, he may not be in a position to bowl.

"I am not sure if he can bowl or not. But if he is ruled out from bowling in the entire tournament, it will definitely affect the composition of the side," Atapattu said.

The slow nature of the track at the Rangiri stadium should provide some assistance to the spinners as was evident in the first game on Friday. Both Anil Kumble and Sachin Tendulkar managed to obtain some turn, making it difficult for the batsmen to play their strokes.

It will be interesting to see how the Indian batsmen counter Muralitharan who has a very good track record at this ground.

Teams (from):

India: Sourav Gangully (captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Shewag, V V S Laxman, Rahul Darvid, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Par|èiv Patel, Ashish Nehra, Anil Kumble, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Lakshmipathy Balaji.

Sri Lanka: Marvan Atapattu (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Tilakaratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Zoysa, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Upul Chandana, Rangana Herath, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Lasith Malinga.