Toss would be crucial in the final: Dhoni

COLOMBO - India would have to put behind their mauling Saturday at the hands of Sri Lanka when they face the hosts again in the final of the Compaq Cup tri-series cricket here Monday.

It has been a roller-coaster ride for the Indian team in the two matches here. They outclassed New Zealand in the first match for a final berth, only to be outplayed by hosts in their next One-day International (ODI) match.

The 139-run defeat Saturday was the worst India suffered in Sri Lanka. The loss also meant that India will have to wait to get to the top of ODI rankings that they achieved for a day after beating New Zealand.

The final, therefore, would be a test of character for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s outfit who will now need to put up an inspiring performance if they are to stake claim to being a dominating force in the format.

The Indian team would be looking to summon their fighting prowess that saw them sew up a streak of five consecutive ODI series victories, including their last two against the island nation here.

Skipper Dhoni believes toss would be a crucial factor in the match.

“If you win it, you have 60 per cent chance of winning the match. Moreover, if you score 230-240, then you have a good chance as the bowlers will find it easier to bowl second,” Dhoni said on the eve of the match.

Much would depend on the performance of the Indian bowlers who gave contrasting performance in the first two matches. Dhoni, however, has defended his pace battery, saying it takes quite an effort to bowl in back-to-back matches.

Ashish Nehra’s form would be crucial for India as the conditions here suit his bowling.

The batsmen too will have to raise their game as they have, so far, struggled to come to terms with the two-paced wickets. Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Suresh Raina are the only three to who have found their feet so far.

India batsmen would also have to come up with a plan to tackle Sri Lankan medium-pacer Angelo Mathews, who came up with a six-wicket haul Saturday.

Squads:

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain and wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan/Abhishek Nayar, Harbhajan Singh, R.P. Singh, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Ashish Nehra.

Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (captain and wicketkeeper), Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilan Samaraweera, Thilina Kandamby, Angelo Mathews, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga.