SAS Nagar, May 23: ``It is definitely going to be a tough match'' predicted Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga about the first final of the Independence Cup to be played at the PCA Stadium here tomorrow. Both the teams had nets, and fieling practice under lights, this evening. Arjuna was his usual relaxed self and felt that both the teams had even chances of winning the match.

``Pakistan are playing very well and are on a high after their win against India at Chennai. They are a very strong batting side. But, their bowling is somewhat weak, and, we will be looking to take advantage of that,'' he said.

When asked about his side's loss to Pakistan at Gwalior, Arjuna felt that though they lost four quick wickets there, they did well to get 259 runs. ``It is a day to day game. Besides, Aravinda is due for a big knock. He generally delivers when we need him the most. We don't want to put any pressure on him but hopefully he will come good tomorrow.''

About Saeed Anwar's record-breaking innings against against India the Lankan captain said,``Someone who can score close to two hundred runs in a one day game is a great player. Our entire team got 214 at Hyderabad. But, for our sake, let's hope he's completed his quota of runs.''

The Lankan manager Duleep Mendis said, ``One thing is pretty sure that the game will be a good one for the spectators as the wicket looks to be a batting track and should be full of runs. But Arjuna's response was more guarded. ``Even at Hyderabad we thought that the wicket was full of runs but could manage only 214,'' he said.

A beaming Pakistan captain, Rameez Raja, exuded confidence after his side's win over India. ``The victory was special. Beating India in India is a great feeling and we wanted this one very badly after our loss here in the World Cup.''

The hero of the Chennai clash, dashing left-hander Saeed Anwar added, ``I have put my knock at Chennai behind me. It was a tremendous feeling getting the knock at the right time, and that too against India. But, tomorrow is a new game and I will be beginning afresh.''

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.