Playing away from home will be an advantage for Sri Lanka when they take on India in the World Cup final to be played at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, believes Upul Chandana, a member of the 1996 World Cup winning squad.
The Arjuna Ranatunga-led side played their 1996 summit round at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore against Australia and for the second time they will be playing away from home despite being the co-hosts.
“There will be no pressure on Sri Lanka. In fact, it will be on India to perform. It will be an advantage. We played our 1996 final in Lahore and now we will be playing in Mumbai, hence, the home team would be under tremendous pressure as they will be playing in front of their crowds,” Chandana, who will be here in Mumbai for the final, told DNA from Sri Lanka.
The 38-year-old is confident that Sri Lanka can win the Cup with their well-balanced side. “They have a balanced side with a good batting line-up. Then we have Malinga, Murali and Mendis. So, you can assume it’s a winning side. With this they can repeat the history,” said the Galle-born player.
Chandana, who is a veteran of 147 ODIs, said off-spinner Muralitharan will be the man to watch out for in the final. “He has played five World Cups and is the most experienced player in the side. He will be the player for Sri Lanka when they take on the world’s best batting line-up on a turning Wankhede track. He would look to retire from international cricket with great memories,” said Chandana.
Chandana said he is also looking forward to the contest between Murali and the Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar.
