'Indians peaking at the right time to have a go at title'
Sunday, March 2 2003 17:56 Hrs (IST)

Johannesburg: Sri Lanka's World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga gave India the thumbs up on Sunday, saying it was peaking at the right time to have a go at the title.

"I think India can go far, it is looking very good at the moment," said Ranatunga, who led Sri Lanka to its lone World Cup title in 1996.

Ranatunga was very impressed by India's six-wicket win over Pakistan at Centurion on Saturday and said Saurav Ganguly's men looked the best bet from Asia to win the World Cup this time.

"It would be great if an Asian team can win the tournament," said Ranatunga, who is here as a television commentator. "I am not writing off Sri Lanka's chances, but India too could be there in a big way."

India last won the World Cup 20 years ago in 1983, but two of the last three tournaments have been won by Asian teams: Pakistan in 1992 and Sri Lanka in 1996. Pakistan also reached the final of the last edition four years ago, but lost to Australia by eight wickets.

Ranatunga, regarded as one of the shrewdest captains in the modern game, said he was very impressed with Indian skipper Ganguly. "Ganguly is good for India," he said.

"I would not say he is the best captain going but I admire his arrogance and the way he handles his players. I cannot understand why people have a go at him. He takes the blame when things don't go right."

Copyright AFP 2001

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