India have the edge over Pak, says Murali

Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan has tipped India to win today's Champions Trophy tie against Pakistan.

Muralitharan

"You can say that it is anyone's game, but India have a slight edge since they have come here on the back of a tri-series triumph in Sri Lanka," Muralitharan told MiD DAY.

"The manner in which they beat us at the Premadasa Stadium shows that they are a very good team which is in good rhythm."

ALSO READ

Mid-Day Top News: Maharashtra assembly polls likely only after Diwali and more

Maharashtra assembly elections likely only after Diwali

Congress: Centre insensitive to statehood restoration demand, will be poll issue

Raut defends Uddhav's push for decision on CM's face from MVA allies

Long queues at voting centres as first ever hawkers polls in city begin

Muralitharan's optimism is surprising considering India have come to the Champions Trophy without key players like Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan. Adding to their woes is the injury to Yuvraj Singh, who is out of the tournament. Yuvraj will stay with the team though.

Sri Lanka beat hosts South Africa in their opening game and despite the imperious form of T Dilshan, who scored a hundred against the hosts, Murali believed that there was an element of luck in the Islanders's win.