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Rediff.com  » News » We played the perfect game, says Ganguly

We played the perfect game, says Ganguly

March 10, 2003 21:20 IST
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After a 183-run demolition of Sri Lanka, Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly sent warning signals to Australia saying his team was "fired up" and ready for any challenge.

"We go to Durban (to play the semi-final). It does not matter whether we meet Australia or any one else in the semi-final or final," Ganguly said.

India, who had a shaky start in this tournament, booked their berth in the semi-final with Monday's victory and are now heavily tipped to take on the Australians in the final on March 23.

Ganguly said his team was on a roll after six consecutive victories and ready to take on any opposition.

"After the defeat against Australia, we have registered six wins in a row in this high pressure tournament. Everybody is fired up and clicking," he said.

The Indian captain described Monday's win as a "perfect game".

"It was a perfect game for us. We batted very well, bowled superbly and the fielding was outstanding. It was a great day for us and the credit goes to everyone."

Man of the match Javagal Srinath, who picked up four wickets for 35 runs, gave credit to batsmen for setting the stage for the bowlers.

With fine knocks from Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag India amassed 292 for six before bowling out Sri Lanka for 109 in just 23 overs.

"The batsmen did a good job by giving them a target of 293. It was a good score and the credit goes to them," a modest Srinath said after destroying the Sri Lankan top-order in a devastating opening spell.

Besides Srinath, India used only Zaheer Khan (2-33) and Ashish Nehra (4-35) as the Lankans surrendered meekly.

The veteran fast bowler said, "It's a good wicket to bowl and a great one to bat. Line and length were the key and we tried to maintain them."

Asked whether he would love to have a go at the Aussies on the same track, Srinath, who took his tally to 14 wickets in the World Cup, said "I would be happy."

A "disappointed" Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya blamed an all-round failure for his side's lacklustre performance in the field.

"It was a bad day for us. We did not bowl well and it was disappointing."

Trying hard to justify his decision to send India in to bat on a good batting track after winning the toss, Jayasuriya said the team failed to utilise the early advantage.

"The bowlers could not use the juice on the pitch. The wicket was seaming but we bowled all over the park. The batsmen also did not bat well".

He said his side needed to pull the socks up in their last Super Six match against Zimbabwe to be in contention for a place in the semifinals.

"It will be a big game. We have to play much better cricket next time."

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