A back breaking match for India and Dhoni against Sri Lanka

By John Cheeran
India and Mahendra Singh Dhoni have a match on their hands against Sri Lanka today. It is a back-breaking back-to-back match for Dhoni.
And India must win today’s clash to progress into the final of Asia Cup. Sri Lanka has already reached the final and is free to try out a few tricks on the Indians.
Basics remain the same for India.
Its batsmen are among runs but bowlers are struggling on wickets that lend little support. The question is how deep, how big, the Indian batsmen can perform on the big day.
Sri Lanka is a side that Indians respect, and to a certain extent, fear.
Pacers will not trouble batsmen on the sort of wickets Pakistan has prepared for this tournament, and hence, spinners Muttaiah Muralithran and Ajantha Mendis will have a great impact against Indian batsmen, provided the Sri Lankan team management decides to play both bowlers today.
In the context of the tournament, today’s match is inconsequential for the Sri Lankans since they have already reached the final.
But any chance to hurt India, and in this case, an opportunity to shut the doors of Asia Cup on the rich men of the cricket, will be pounced on by the world cup finalists.
And, a last word.
If Dhoni wins the toss, as he did against Pakistan on Wednesday, the Indian skipper would do well to chase so as to have the best chance to beat the Sri Lankans.
Good luck.