Lankans confident of doing well

Bernard Perera in Abu Dhabi

CRICKET: Sri Lankan cricketers led by Mahela Jayawardene walked into the Sheikh Stadium in Abu Dhabi for their final practice session before the first game against Pakistan in a very happy mood. All were in fine fettle to take up the challenge from the Pakistanis today, Friday.

Pakistanis are coming up for this one-day series with the sole intention of catching up their lost prestige. They were thrown out of the World Cup in the early stages and are making every effort to reach the top as early as possible.

Many of the players who participated at the World Cup are missing including their captain Inzamam-Ul-Haq. Here they will be led by Sohib Malik and two new faces taking their positions to face on international team: Mahela Jayawardene who led the Lankan team to the final of the World Cup 2007 too is facing the Pakistan’s minus many experienced team members.

He will have to use all his experience in handling his bowlers well on a pitch that they have never experienced. Pitch conditions and the climate in Abu Dhabi is something that both parties have to concentrate on.

In Abu Dhabi the people experienced the highest temperature yesterday which was 43 degrees. Today too the conditions are to be the same. The organisers here have delayed the start from 3.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. to avoid the hot condition. Sri Lanka time will be 5.00 p.m. when the game commences.

When asked about the combination for today’s game, Mahela said that the finals selection will be known only before the commencement of the game. Manager Michael Tissera said that a discussion is to be held later to finalise the final eleven and it will be put out in the morning.

The winners of this three match one day series is to receive the Al Wagid Trophy and a cash award of US Dollars 10,000. The location of the Sheikh Zayad Stadium is far away from the City Centre with few access facilities and the roadway to the stadium is half done.

Even the taxi drivers are hesitant to take in passengers to the stadium complaining of bad road conditions.

A sports writer from a leading newspaper in the UAE said that they have made many representations to the authorities to complete the roadway to the stadium before starting major tournaments. But still the authorities have failed to do the necessary things.

Pakistan team is due to arrive at the stadium for their practice session around 7.00 p.m. UAE time said an official at the stadium.

Abu Dhabi, Thursday