Murali happy to see Lanka going as underdogs [February 09 2011]

by Chris DHAMBARAGE

Legendary off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan believe that going into the World Cup as the underdogs will help Sri Lanka to perform much better and repeat their 1996 performance in the sub continent. Sri Lanka who were the champions in 1996 and runners-up in 2007, are co-hosting the ICC showpiece event with India and Bangladesh, with the opening match in Dhaka on February 19.

Sri Lanka are in Group A with defending champions Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya, with the top four sides qualifying for the quarterfinals. Muralitharan stated that India, Australia and South Africa have been tipped as the hot favourites ahead of the tournament and these teams will be under tremendous pressure during the preliminary round.

The 38 year old World record holder in both Test (800) and One Day Internationals(519) noted that they were the underdogs in 1996 as well and went on to win theWorld Cup defeating Australia in the final. However Muralitharan said that the situation may be slightly different this time but still the team would like to start their campaign as just another side in the tournament.

Muralitharan also said that his team should not lower their guard against smaller teams competing in the tournament. “Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, we know these teams, who the players are, and their form. But we dont know about Kenya, Canada and Zimbabwe and they can cause a surprise,” “We cant call these smaller team’s minnows anymore, because they have surprised stronger teams in the past.” added Muralitharan, who has retired from Tests and will leave one-day cricket after the World Cup.