It should be a fantastic final

Today, obviously, is a huge day for both Sri Lanka and India.

We came into this Asia Cup wanting to bounce back after a disappointing few months in terms of our one-day cricket.

India, meanwhile, having recently lost the final of the Tri-series in Bangladesh, will be desperate to reclaim the Asia Cup from us.

It should be a fantastic final. Both teams have played some exceptional cricket in the past two weeks and we are very evenly matched. In the end, it will come down to which team is able to deliver under pressure on the day. We are confident of doing that.

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We'd naturally have liked to have won Thursday's match against India, keeping up our unbeaten record in the tournament, but the loss will have little bearing on today's game. Both teams start afresh and what happened is history.

We learnt a few things during Thursday's match, though, and there were quite a few positives for us. Our batsmen put together a decent score - perhaps 10-15 short of a very good score - and with a bit more luck for the bowlers in the first 20 overs, we could have made life very difficult for India.

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However, today, we'll have Vaasy back. He's had some stiffness in his back and there was no sense in risking him on Thursday. Now, he should be fresh and ready for the challenge of playing a crucial role with the new ball. It is vital to take early wickets in power-plays and Vaasy is an expert at that.

Vaasy's absence gave Dilhara Fernando a chance to get some more overs under his belt. Since coming back from injury he has been steadily regaining his rhythm. After a difficult start with the new ball he came back strongly and it will be a difficult choice between him and Thilan Thushara.

Having Ajantha Mendis back in the team will also be a big bonus. He's partnered Murali like a veteran during this tournament, showing a maturity beyond his years. Just 23, he possesses and great talent. He seems a true match-winner and he could be crucial today, especially if we can pile-up a big score.

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Like we have done pretty consistently throughout the tournament, it will be important for us to get a good start with the bat. One of Sanga, Mahela and I, the top three, should ideally make a hundred with the rest of the line-up batting around him. We need strong and consistent partnerships right throughout the innings.

We have seen big totals chased down throughout the tournament and you cannot relax just because you pass 300. Every over is crucial. Having said that, you also need to be wary of being overambitious in terms of your target. This is a final, after all, and chasing will be harder than normal.

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