SPORTS
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Ganguly to bank on batsmen in today’s final
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8/1/2004
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COLOMBO, July 31 (AFP): Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly said Saturday he hopes his team's batting will click in time to help win the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. "Our batsmen have been scoring runs in the tournament and it is only a matter of clicking together. We have not performed to potential but all that could change tomorrow," Ganguly said. India scraped through to the final at the cost of Pakistan, who beat them in a super league match but were pipped on bonus points. Ganguly also said the return of Venkatsai Laxman from a knee injury would boost the team's batting in Sunday's match. "Batting has always been our strong point and the return of Laxman means we are full-strength. We have just started a new season so our best is yet to come," he said. Ganguly was not worried about the return of Sri Lanka's frontline bowlers Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas, who missed their super league encounter which India won by four runs to enter the final. "We are not concerned about who will be playing for them. Our concern is to do well ourselves and play to the best of our abilities," said Ganguly. Sri Lankan skipper Marvan Atapattu was expecting a close match. "They are playing well at the moment and I expect the final to be another close match. Not much separates the two teams and it is only a matter of who plays well in the final," he said.
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COLOMBO: India cricketers, Mohammed Kaif (L) and captain, Sourav Ganguly (R) in discussion at a nets session at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Ground in Colombo, 31 July 2004, on the eve of the final of the Asia Cup. India play Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final 01 August. — AFP Photo
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