Date-stamped : 15 Apr97 - 02:18 13 Apr 1997 Poor show in Sharjah Dawn PAKISTAN the World Champions not long ago lost the triangular contest and Sharjah Cup to Sri Lanka, the reigning kings in one-day cricket, on Friday. The islanders deserved the victory in the fourth attempt against their reputed rivals in the Emirate-based encounter. That the losers had an impressive record of repeated successes on their favourite ground did not deter the Ranatunga boys' upbeat mood, with Arvanda de Silva leading the way. In fact, this extraordinarily-equipped cricketer was the chief architect of his team's triumphant performance. Pakistan, on the other hand, missed its wonderful match-winner and ace opener Saeed Anwar on account of persistent illness. His partner Aamir Sohail was also left out on disciplinary grounds. Thus, the squad was deprived of a distinct advantage that could possibly have tilted the balance in its favour. Also, the inexplicable collapse down the line dealt a grievous blow that virtually neutralised whatever stiffening the middle order batting provided. Unfortunately, the replacements, tried to fill the opening slot, failed miserably. A strong point traditionally in favour of Pakistan namely its formidable bowling, both in terms of pace and spin did not disappoint but could not check the aggression nor penetrate the defences of de Silva. Above all, the Sri Lankans seemed fired with zeal and the will to win when Pakistan appeared to lack the combative spirit so essential in competitive cricket. While winning and losing is part of the game, particularly as so much cricket is being played so often in different places, a disturbing factor that has of late surfaced more pronouncedly is the impression that many or at least some of the matches are 'fixed'. With plenty of money at stake allegations of betting are also being openly bandied about. Whether there is substance in these allegations or not, such suspicions are bound to damage the game seriously. When confidence is shaken, the foundations of any sport are shaken. An intensive investigation in this regard has become imperative. Source:: Dawn (http://xiber.com/dawn/) Contributed by Masud (masud@cricinfo.com)