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We will seek to deliver: Dhoni

Special Correspondent

Dambulla: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said his side would seek to deliver in a big game.

He said here on Friday, “Hopefully, we will do the right things and it will reflect in the result.”

Dhoni spoke about a par score of around 220 or 240 runs and expected the side's struggling line-up — Virender Sehwag is the lone exception — to put runs on the board.

“We need to get the basics right. If we can get the small things right then bigger things will happen. If you are bowling first, try to make use of the conditions. There will be a strong breeze blowing across the field. We can restrict the opposition. If we bat first, we have to build partnerships.”

Toss not a factor

The toss was not big factor this time around he said. “I think we have found out in this tournament that toss is not a factor unlike in the earlier series when you win the toss and make 240-250 runs and the opposition finds it difficult to score under the lights while chasing. I think when we played on a fresh wicket instead of a used-up pitch, we found that chasing was not that difficult.”

Dhoni said the new ball had been a crucial factor in this tournament. “There have been batting collapses and teams have been bundled out for around 100. A good start is important. We should not lose too many early wickets.”

On the in-form Sehwag, he said, “We don't want to put undue pressure on Sehwag. He is a free flowing cricketer.”

He said controversies were behind both the teams ahead of the final.

Serious threat

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's captain Kumar Sangakkara believes India will be a threat in the final. “India has lifted itself for the final and has outplayed us on many occasions.”

He felt India should be given credit for winning consistently. “This suggests they (India) are used to that. We have been in a lot of finals as well. We have to make sure that we lift ourselves tomorrow for a special effort.”

He added, “I watched India's game against New Zealand. India took advantage of the conditions and managed to put pressure on the Kiwis. The bowlers bowled the right line and attacked.”

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