Difficult for Sri Lanka to build substantial lead tomorrow: Zaheer

Colombo, Aug 9 (UNI) With Sri Lanka taking a two-run lead in reply to India's 249 with four wicket still in hand in the third and final Test, fast bowler Zaheer Khan feels that it would be difficult for the hosts to build a substantial lead on ''a good Test match wicket'' tomorrow.

''It is a good Test match wicket. If you are a batsman you really have to work hard to get going. I think it is a very good Test match wicket,'' Khan said.

Sri Lanka were 251 for 6 on the second day of the tie.

''First things first. We have to get them out as early as possible, without letting them get a big lead. That is what we are going to look for tomorrow,'' he added.

''First session is crucial tomorrow. From there we have to bat really well and put up a good total. So that they have to bat last on this track.'' The paceman was hopeful that the game would be in India's favour.

''We are very hopeful for tomorrow. The game is evenly poised now. Today a few decisions went here and there but we were really giving our best. It could have gone either way from there. We have to wait and watch how the game shapes up tomorrow,'' he said.

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