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| December 22, 2003 | Monday | Shawwal 27, 1424 |
India face Sri Lanka in ‘A’ series opener
KOLKATA, Dec 21: Pakistan look determined to cap their first visit to India in four years with a victory in an Asian junior triangular one-day cricket tournament starting here on Monday amid tight security.
“We have come here to win,” said Pakistan ‘A’ captain Shahid Afridi ahead of the limited-overs series also involving a second-string Sri Lankan team.
India will meet Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tournament featuring a mix of international players and the best of young talent from the three countries. They clash with Pakistan on Thursday.
“We are extremely happy to be here and playing against India is always very special. An India-Pakistan match always brings the best out of both the teams,” said Afridi, who is trying to regain his place on Pakistan’s national team.
“We have a lot of friendship among ourselves, but on the field we play aggressive cricket. This series is important for us because good performances will help youngsters make the senior side.”
Pakistani cricketers last toured India in 1999 when the national side under Wasim Akram played three Tests.
The Indian government banned bilateral cricket matches against Pakistan in 2000 following tension over Kashmir, but allowed the teams to take part in multi-nation events like the World Cup.
The recent thaw in diplomatic relations between the arch-rivals saw cricket ties being revived again in November with an Indian under-19 team touring Pakistan for a four-nation tournament.
India’s national team is scheduled to tour Pakistan in March-April next year for Test matches and one-dayers.
India ‘A’ skipper Hemang Badani hoped Pakistan’s presence would spur his team to put in an impressive performance.
“We’re playing Pakistan at home after a long time and we want to do well,” said Badani, who was also axed from India’s national side like his Pakistani counterpart.
“I think the prospect of playing Pakistan will spur our young side. We have great respect for them and we know we have a good contest on our hands,” he said.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ captain Russel Arnold said his team’s goal was to gain more international experience.
“Of course, we want to win the tournament, but the bigger aim is to gain some experience,” he said.
The teams will play each other twice in league matches before the top two advance to Dec 30 final.
Schedule
Dec 22: India v Sri Lanka.
Dec 23: Pakistan v Sri Lanka.
Dec 25: India v Pakistan.
Dec 26: India v Sri Lanka.
Dec 27: Pakistan v Sri Lanka.
Dec 28: India v Pakistan.
Dec 30: Final.—AFP
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