Tough clash between Ranatunga and Cronje (30 October 1998)

30 October 1998

Tough clash between Ranatunga and Cronje

by Zahid Newaz in Dhaka

Both Arjuna Ranatunga and Hansie Cronje, considered two of the best captains in modern-day cricket, expect a tough match when they take on each other at flood-lit Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.

It will be the 15th encounter between the two giants when the two captains go to wicket for toss to decide who will bat first in the first semi-final of the biggest cricket carnival in Bangladesh.

Previous records are a little bit favourable for South Africa as they have seven wins against Ranatunga and Co. But the margin is quite small as Sri Lanka's win against South Africa is six. Of the 14 matches played between the two countries, one had no result. However, pre-tournament favourite Lankans' performance especially in the sub-continent and omission of front ranking players of South Africa, including Donald and Pollock, either for injury or resting, indicate Ranatunga's boys are also favourite for the semi-final.

Ranatunga said the match will be very competitive, Hansie Cronje liked to term it a very tough one. He said they are well prepared to face the world champions and reach the final.

"Being the world champions, they will be under tremendous pressure. But we'll not have any such pressure", he told the newsmen after practice session at Abahani ground at Dhanmoni.

Cricket fans in Bangladesh believe that the match will be a fight between the two brilliant captains as what Ranatunga tried to make understand that how a captain leads his side is also important.

"Everything doesn't depend on only batting. Things also depend on bowling, fielding and other conditions."

Whatever Ranatunga tells the press, it's obvious that the match will be dominated by batsmen as the wicket is a batting paradise. And Jayasuriya, Cullinan, de Silva, Ranatunga or Cronje may be the hero of Friday's match to steer his respective team to the final.

Source :: CricInfo365