Malaysia set to boost bowling in ACC Trophy curtain-raiser

SHARJAH: Malaysia is likely to take an extra bowler into tomorrow's crucial opening Group A match against Hong Kong in the Asian Cricket Council Trophy at Sharjah Stadium.

Although team management remained guarded about the likely side to take the field, Malaysian captain, Suresh Navaratnam, indicated the team composition and nature of the strip may demand an additional bowler.

"The pitch is flat with nothing in it so we will need to score at least 250 runs," Navaratnam, said.

"However, we have batting right down to number 11 so we may play an estra bowler."

The 25-year-old skipper said Malaysia's fitness levels and relative youth would give them an edge against a squad which contained players in their thirties.

"Fitness will help with both the mental side and taking those catches where agility comes into it."

Navaratnam said playing what is arguably the team's most difficult match at the start of the tournament would be an advantage.

"I take it as a good thing - have to play very well right from the start and a win puts us in a good frame of mind for the rest of the tournament."

Malaysia go into the tournament with the advantage of a three-match visit to Sharjah and Dubai against local selections.

"In those matches we got to play some of the players in the UAE team."

A reflection of the nature of the tournament is the case of Malaysian batsman, Mathew William, who steps off the plane four hours before the match starts.

William finished sitting for examinations for a degree in Canberra yesterday and will have completed a 16 hour journey when he arrives at 5am tomorrow Sharjah time.

The match is likely to decide the winner of Group A, with both teams favoured to beat Singapore and Kuwait, who meet in the other group A match tomorrow at the Dubai Cricket Council No. 1 ground.

In the only group B game tomorrow, the likely finalists clash at the Dubai Cricket Council No. 2 ground.

The Malaysian squad for the match, with the 12th man to be named tomorrow is: Suresh Navaratnam (Captain), Rohan Selvaratnam, Rakesh Madhavan, K.Ramdass, M.Muniandy, Mathew William, Vishnu Suppiah, K.Krishnamurthi, S.Vikneswaran, Arul Suppiah, Yazid Imran, Shanker Retinam.