Sub-continent teams are ahead, says Ranatunga (23 October 1998)

23 October 1998

Sub-continent teams are ahead, says Ranatunga

by Zahid Newaz in Dhaka

Arjuna Ranatunga considers the world champions Sri Lanka as one of the favourites along with two other teams of this sub-continent for Wills International Cup Cricket.

"None can predict anything for such a tough tournament, but India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are ahead as they are familiar with the environment and wickets of this region," he said.

Ranatunga said : One bad day is enough to skid off for one team from the knockout tournament as it's not a league-basis where chances remain for a team even after suffering a defeat.

The Sri Lankan skipper who reached Dhaka Thursday afternoon, said players of this sub-continent are also used to playing at the venue where the knockout basis tourney is going to be held.

"Even, I myself and our Sanath Jaysuriya played here for local Mohammedans," said Ranatunga who also toured Bangladesh with his team during the 1988 Asia Cup, the last visit for the Lankan national side.

But the veteran left-hander denied that their personal experience of playing in Dhaka would give some advantages as it's completely a different type of tournament and the pitch has also been changed.

About his squad, the Lankan long-time captain, who is playing for last 16 years and led the team in clinching the 1996 World Cup, described his squad as strong in all departments.

"We are playing well since clinching the World Cup," he said adding, "We are also in an upbeat mood as we defeated England in one-day series as well as one-off test."

Describing Lankan batting line as very strong, he said, "We have Aravinda de Silva who is one of the best batsman in the world and also Jaysuriya, very worthy for any team."

About the bowling side, the tested middle-order batsman said the weakness we had is now over as pacer Chaminda Vaas returned to the team overcoming his injury problem. "Fielding is also very good."

Asked about the return of experienced Roshan Mahanama, the Lankan skipper said he had a bad time for some period. "He has also overcame... and his return is a plus for us as one of the most experienced cricketers.

As ICC has launched a development programme across the world, Ranatunga said cricket is also spreading in his country. "Once it was centred only in Colombo, but now it reached the remote areas making more and more promising players."

When asked whom do they expect in the quarter final, he said both Zimbabwe and New Zealand are good one-day sides. "Especially Zimbabwe recently beat India in test."

Zimbabwe and New Zealand will take on in the lone pre-quarter final of the tournament on Saturday to play against Sri Lanka on October 26.

About the non-participation of host Bangladesh in the Wills Cup, the Lankan captain said: It's the decision of the ICC. I have nothing to say on the matter.

Recalling the gradual development of cricket in his own country which once was like Bangladesh, Lankan Manager Ranjit Fernando emphasised developing a cricket culture in the country to earn a prestigious place in world cricket.

Lankan coach Roy Dias, who also toured Bangladesh with Sri Lankan A team, said : We had been able to practice only a couple of days for the Wills Cup due to continued rain in last two weeks.

Arjuna Ranatunga (capt), Aravinda De Silva (vc), Roshan Mahanama, Hashan Tillekeratne, Sanath Jayasuriya, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Marvan Atapattu, Mutiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Avishka Gunawardene, Upul Chandana, Nuwan Soysa, Pramodya Wikramasinghe, Kumara Dharmasena.

Source :: CricInfo365