Mendis vows to give India a tough time

Chris Dhambarage from Pakistan

CRICKET: Sri Lanka›s mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis vowed to give the Indian batsmen a tough time ahead of the six nation ACC Asia Cup limited overs tournament final scheduled for today (Sunday) at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The 23 year old who preferred to be called as an off cutter said that he will make every attempt to bring down the Indians and help skipper Mahela Jayawardena to win his first title since taking over the captaincy in 2006.

Even then Mendis said that he does not want to apply too much of pressure on his bowling but will concentrate this final as just another one day international. Mendis who piloted Sri Lanka Army Sports Cub to win the SLC Premier League Tier B title recently is the leading wicket taker in the competition with a tally of eleven scalps from four outings.

Mendis who made his one day international debut against the West Indies at Port of Spain in April this year will be bowling against the Indians for the first time. But he said that by playing in the Asia Cup he has gained a lot of experience and confidence.

Mendis felt that he had a pleasing outing against Pakistan where he took a four wicket haul after having returned career best figures of five wickets for 22 runs against the United Arab Emirates team during a preliminary round match played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The clash against the Indians will no doubt be another challenge for Mendis who has always drawn inspiration from the champion off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. (Karachi, Saturday).