Captain Sourav Ganguly has pointed out four Sri Lankans as potential match winners as India get ready for Sunday's day-night final of the Asia Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium, picking in-form batsman Sanath Jayasuriya as the biggest threat.
Ganguly's assessment of the four Sri Lankans for IANS:
SANATH JAYASURIYA (left-handed opener, 34-year-old)
He is a key member of the team. He plays well against India. The key player to Sri Lanka's batting in one-day cricket is Sanath Jayasuriya.
Record against India
Matches-53, Innings-51, Not out-3, 50s-10, 100s-5, Highest score-189 (also career highest), Runs-1,888, Average-39.33, Catches-19.
MARVAN ATAPPATU (middle order batsman, 33-year-old)
He is a good player. He's the best batsman after Sanath Jayasuriya in one-day cricket in the Sri Lankan side.
Record against India
Matches-37, Innings-37, Not out-4, 50s-8, 100s-2, Highest score-118, Runs-1,139, Average-34.52, Catches-8.
MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN (world Test record holding off-spinner, 32-yr-old)
He is a good bowler. We have played him before. He's done well for Sri Lanka. Obviously, he is the strength of the side - and we will have to play him well.
Record against India
Matches-36, Overs-307.1, Maidens-22, Runs-1,247, Wickets: 44, Four-wkts in innings-1, Best bowling-7/30, Average-28.34, Strike rate-41.89, Economy rate-4.06.
Record against India
Matches-36, Overs-307.1, Maidens-22, Runs-1,247, Wickets: 44, Four-wkts in innings-1, Best bowling-7/30, Average-28.34, Strike rate-41.89, Economy rate-4.06.
CHAMINDA VAAS (left-arm pace spearhead, 30-year-old)
He and Murali are the two experienced bowlers in their side. We have played against them, we had successes against them, and I hope we play well against them in the final.
Record against India
Matches-42, Overs-328.1, Maidens-33, Runs-1,474, Wickets-56, Four-wkts in innings-1, Best bowling-5/14, Average-26.32, Strike rate-35.16, Economy rate-4.49.