Lankan's 'opted' for a tougher finalist, says Ramiz

Karachi, Jul 4 (UNI) Miffed by the home team's exit from the final of the Asia Cup, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raza said Sri Lanka missed a plot by allowing India to face its depleted side in its six-wicket loss here and will now have to face a tougher opponent in the summit clash on July 6.

India, yesterday, romped home to beat Sri Lanka by six wickets, as they convincingly overhauled the victory target of 309, thereby, securing a place in the final of the Asia Cup.

But Ramiz Raza, who is also a commentator for the tournament said, ''I think Sri Lanka should have played with much more fire to stop India from reaching the final as the Indians are a talented bunch of boys.'' He said Sri Lanka should have prefered Pakistan in the summit clash as they have already beaten them once in the tournament and, though, the hosts are a competetive side, they lack the consistency.

''Pakistan has played well but in patches. No doubt, they have the potential but the team still lacks that consistency,'' he said during his commentary yesterday.

Sri Lanka, who had already qualified for the final before the match against India, decided to rest two of its key players.

Lanka did manage to post a challenging total of 308, but it seemed a cake walk for the Indian batsmen who just toiled away the bowling.

Pace spearhead Chaminda Vaas and the highest wicket taker of the tournament 'tweaker' Ajantha Mendis were rested for the match which by all means was inconsequential for Sri Lanka.

The former Pakistan captain made it clear that the Lankans will have a tough time facing the Indians in the final which could have been averted had they showed a little more seriousness in their approach yesterday.

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