Loss would mean end of the road for India

by Sa'adi Thawfeeq

3 July 1998


By virtue of beating India by eight-runs in a thrilling encounter at SSC grounds on Wednesday, world champions Sri Lanka booked their place in July 7 final of the Singer-Akai Nidahas trophy triangular.

Sri Lanka's two points pushed them to the top of the standings with one game to play against New Zealand on Sunday at the SSC grounds.

However, they needn't wait so long to find out who their opponents will be in the final. That would be known in today's contest between India and New Zealand at the SSC.

It will be a crucial game for India if they hope to meet Sri Lanka in the final. A loss would mean the end of the road for India, because New Zealand will draw level with them on five points. In the event of that happening, the Sri Lanka-New Zealand game on Sunday will only become a dress rehearsal for the Tuesday's final at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

According to tournament conditions, if two teams are tied on equal number of points, then the results between the two sides in the qualifying rounds will be given first preference in determining the final places. Nett run rate comes into play only as a second option.


Source: The Daily News

Contributed by CricInfo Management
help@cricinfo.com

Date-stamped : 03 Jul1998 - 06:16