12.00pm
CENTURION - India believe victory over New Zealand in tonight's (NZ time) World Cup Super Six match will give them a better chance of winning the tournament, captain Saurav Ganguly said today.
Ganguly told a news conference that Sri Lanka, who qualify for the semifinals if New Zealand lose and they
then beat Zimbabwe, had the ability to upset defending champions Australia in the semifinal at Port Elizabeth.
"We want to win this because it settles a lot of combinations," Ganguly said.
"It gives Sri Lanka an opportunity to qualify for the semifinals.
"They could be a handy side in Port Elizabeth where the ball has turned a lot."
Australia beat India by nine wickets in the first round, dismissing them for their lowest World Cup score of 125.
Ganguly said he might reshuffle his batting order on Friday to give all his batsmen an opportunity before the semifinals.
"That is an option we definitely are looking into. We want all our batsmen to be in good touch before we go to Durban," he said.
He said India were not too concerned about the prospect of facing Shane Bond, one of the fastest bowlers in the world who took six for 23 against Australia.
"The pressure is on New Zealand," he said.
"Pakistan have a better attack and we beat them.
"Even England's pace attack was very good and we beat them under lights in Durban. So there is no reason for us to panic tomorrow."
Ganguly added he was looking forward to meeting Kenya in the semifinals.
"I've got to be honest," he said.
"It is better than facing other sides like South Africa or West Indies. We will have to play well. Kenya have played well in this World Cup and luck has gone their way.
"We have to be really, really up for the game because they have surprised quite a few teams. We don't want to be surprised."
- REUTERS
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