The quality of lights at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium has come under the scanner. The eight light masts that are fitted with 20 bulbs in each tower are not adequate according to players. After bowling Sri Lanka to a thrilling win, speedster Lasith Malinga agreed that lights have been a problem here but the local side is used to it.

A win with a bonus point was a good start for India but a few proverbial problems exist. The senior members had not played competitive cricket for nearly a month and the rustiness showed on the field. Lack of sting with the new ball continues to haunt. If not for Virender Sehwag’s freakish success with the ball, the target could have been further challenging.

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis agreed the runs added by the Sri Lankan lower order and the incisive spell by Lasith Malinga were the reasons for defeat on Tuesday. “I think we gave away too many runs towards the end. I think we should have restricted them to less than 242 after having them at 168 for seven. It was not the best of bowling efforts and we should have done better in the field. Lasith Malinga came in and bowled superbly,” said Waqar.

Only inertia and butter-fingers ensured a partial contest. India looked rusty on the field but Bangladesh did them a favour by batting without imagination to hand set an easy target. The famed top-order came a cropper but Gautam Gambhir, with skipper M.S. Dhoni for company held the innings together as India opened their Asia Cup campaign with a six-wicket win and a bonus point here on Wednesday.

The biggest challenge for the Indian thinktank will be deciding the final composition to take on Bangladesh in the Asia Cup opener here on Wednesday. Past records suggest one-way traffic. In 21 one-adyers, India have emerged triumphant in 19 but Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be wary that India’s only loss to their eastern neighbours in a neutral venue hurt them the most. The 2007 World Cup debacle was scripted by a buoyant Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka defended a par total with competitive zeal and a clear game plan but Shahid Afridi nearly spoilt the party with an innings of rare quality. Braving severe cramps, Afridi cracked a robust 109 (76 balls, 8x4, 7x6) to keep the game alive before Kumar Sangakkara pulled out an acrobatic catch to cut his innings short.

The poor showing in the T20 World Cup and the tri-series in Zimbabwe should be a good wake-up call for India.
With half the side scheduled to join the team here on Tuesday evening, skipper M.S. Dhoni exuded confidence. “Pressure will always be there. As an Indian cricketer I have not played a single match without pressure.

Pakistan, ravaged by infighting and match-fixing allegations, will look to turn a corner against a formidable Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup opener at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium. Speedster Shoaib Akthar and batsman Shoaib Malik return to the squad, providing the team with experience.

A continental compromise, spread irregularly over the last 26 seasons will see its 10th edition commence in this sleepy tourist town on Tuesday. The Asia Cup for long has been more a matter of convenience than a logical explanation to the already cramped international calendar.