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World champs take on Kiwis

by Zahid Newaz in Dhaka
26 October 1998



Defending world champions Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga has said they would play to win against New Zealand in their first match of the Wills International Cup today.

``All our players are fully fit... we'll play for the win,'' he said Sunday talking to the newsmen at the BUET ground in Dhaka after the Sri Lankans' practice session.

About their opponent in the Monday's second quarter-final, the long serving Sri Lankan skipper said: ``The confidence of the New Zealand team is now high after beating Zimbabwe, but we're the world champions.''

``New Zealand is a very good team,'' he added.

Replying to a question, Ranatunga said: Normally we love to chase, but we'll take the final decision on the field if we win the toss.

About batting in the second session under floodlight, the Sri Lankan skipper said it will be no problem at all as the lighting is good and also there is no dew at night.

Asked what would be a safe score, Ranatunga said 260-270 will be a challenging score at the Dhaka Stadium, where he played a league match for local giant Mohammedans two years back.

Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana will open the Sri Lankan innings while Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa will open the bowling attack, he informed.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming once again said he is expecting a very tough match against the world champions Sri Lanka. ``We beat New Zealand superbly, and our side is ready to give the highest to play in the semi final,'' he added.


Source: CricInfo365
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