Jayawadene confident of winning Asia Cup

Karachi, Jul 4 (UNI) Despite losing to India in the final Super Four match here, Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene is confident of retaining the Asia Cup title in the summit clash on July 6.

According to Jayawardene, hosts Pakistan would have been a more dangerous opponent than the 'Men in Blue'.

''I think Pakistan can be a very dangerous side playing a big match in front of its home crowd. So in a way we have cut that element of crowd support out. It is good for India and Sri Lanka they don't have to worry about this factor,'' Jayawardene told mediapersons here.

According to the skipper, the Lankan players will have to fulfil their respective roles to perfection to emerge victorious in the final.

''What is important is how we executive our plans and strategies in the final which is the big match for us,'' Jayawardene said.

When asked about the reasons for the six-wicket defeat to India in yesterday's match, Jayawardene blamed the failure of the batsmen to put up a big enough total.

''We lost wickets when our batsmen were set. You need a big hundred from someone which we usually get to post a big total,'' he said.

''We were 25 to 30 runs short in the end.'' UNI XC AB DS1232