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Sri Lanka want to win the World Cup for Murali

By Pti

Colombo, Feb 24 (PTI) With Muttiah Muralitharan all setto retire from international cricket after the World Cup, SriLankan team wants to win the coveted trophy as a farewell giftfor the spinning legend.

The 38-year-old veteran, who holds record 800 wickets inTests and 521 in ODI, quit the longer version of the game inJuly last year and is now playing in the mega-event for thefourth and the final time.

"He is a special person, a legend. Everyone in the teamwants to give him (Murali) a good send off. We want to win theCup for Murali. It will be a great tribute," said teammateChamara Kapugedera during the team''s practice session here atR Premadasa Stadium.

The right-handed batsman also said that Sri Lanka, the1996 champions and 2007 runners-up, were keen to lift thetrophy for their fans.

"The Sri Lankan crowd have been very supportive of us,even in bad times. So we are working hard to bring the Cuphome again for our supporters too," Kapugedera said.

Sri Lanka, on Saturday will take on Pakistan, who havenever lost a World Cup match against the formers in their sixprevious meetings.

But Kapugedera said his team is well-equipped to face anychallenge from Pakistan.

"Pakistan are a good team. They have a good combinationof bowlers and batsmen. Yes, the pressure is there when weplay them. But then again, we are also a good team with a goodcombination. Saturday''s game should be a good one," he said.

Kapugedera also expressed confidence that the Lankanbatsmen were ready to counter the hostile Pakistani bowlingattack.

"I think our top order is prepared for the challenge. Ourtop-order has faced good fast bowlers before. We have had avery good stint in Australia too (last year). The guys are upfor the challenge and we are looking forward to delivering thegoods," he said.

Story first published: Thursday, February 24, 2011, 17:00 [IST]
Other articles published on Feb 24, 2011