Ganguly lashes out at inept batsmen

Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly was a livid man at the end of the clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup here tonight. Speaking to the press soon after the match, the usually composed Ganguly let his guard down. "What can I say when batsmen with the experience of 150, 200, 300-odd internationals don't know what to do on a flat batting track," he replied in anger to a question. Although he was severe on the batsmen, even the bowlers were not spared: "We gave away at least 25 runs more, but the total was still attainable."

When asked what he would tell his batsmen Sourav Gangully waited long, collected his thoughts and ended that pregnant pause with the loaded statement "I'll tell them." On hearing that, coach Kapil Dev chuckled quietly to himself beside the skipper.

Ganguly's Sri Lankan counterpart, Sanath Jayasuriya, declared man of the match as well as the most valuable player, naturally had no complaints. "We did well today," he said. "It was hot and humid out there and it took some effort," he admitted.

The Sri Lankans, with the second win, have gathered four points and are all but sure of a place in the final. India now need to beat Pakistan.