|
|
|
| March 18, 2003 | Tuesday | Muharram 14, 1424 |
What Lankans should do to win today
PORT ELIZABETH, March 17: Reigning champions Australia remains the team to beat in the World Cup, but Sri Lanka need not despair when they take the field in Tuesday’s semifinal.
Here’s a way the unbeaten Aussies can be defeated.
Sanath Jayasuriya scores 122 and his opening partner Marvan Atapattu 101 in a first-wicket stand of 237.
Kumar Sangakkara chips in with 25 off 20 balls as the Sri Lankans pile up 343 for five from the allotted 50 overs.
When Australia’s turn comes to bat, Chaminda Vaas removes Adam Gilchrist in the first over, Jayasuriya takes four wickets and Muttiah Muralitharan and Pulasthi Gunaratne chip in with two each.
Australia will be bowled out for 264 to give Sri Lanka a 79-run victory.
It’s not a figment of the imagination. That’s what happens when Australia last lost a One-day International before starting a world record streak of 14 consecutive wins.
Sri Lanka were that team to overcome the Aussies at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Jan 9.
Both sides met again during the Super Six here earlier this month, this time it was a no-contest with Australia winning by a handsome 96-run margin.
It may be a relief to the Sri Lankans that the St George’s Park wicket plays as slow and low as the SCG.
There is hope yet for Sri Lanka.—AFP
|
|
|
|
