Date-stamped : 03 Apr97 - 22:22 Lankans determined to atone for recent poor showings DUBAI, April 2: The Sri Lankans are determined to atone for their poor showing during their recent tour of New Zealand when they clash with Pakistan and Zimbabwe in the three-nation singer Akai Cup, beginning at the Sharjah Stadium from Thursday. [Image] Sri Lanka, aiming to become the "best side" in the world by the year 2,000, were wiped off by New Zealand - a perpetually rebuilding side - in the two-Test series, but just managed to save their blushes by drawing the one-day series. The World Cup champions, coached by Bruce Yardley of Australia, however are not unduly worried about their "sudden loss of form." they are pretty confident of returning to their usually incisive form when the Sharjah tournament gets under way. "It's a new tournament. We have come to here to play positive cricket," Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga said on arrival in Dubai on Monday. "We know what went wrong with the team in New Zealand and we determined not to repeat those mistakes. The failure of our top batsmen was the main reason for our defeat New Zealand. "But then the New Zealand tour is history now, the boys, as usual, are pretty keyed up for the tournament," the skipper said. "One-day cricket is a different ball game altogether. Any team can win on their day. So it's difficult to predict the outcome of any tournament", said Ranatunga. If the past performance is any indication, Sri Lankans have done well against Zimbabwe, in particular. Of the eight match one-day internationals between the two teams, Sri Lankans have won seven. Sri Lanka have also won their only match against Zimbabwe at Sharjah in the Wills Trophy in 1993. But against Pakistan they haven't had a good track record. The two teams have played 59 matches with Pakistan inning in 43 and Sri Lanka in 15, one match failed to produce a result. In Sharjah, Pakistan have won 11 matches against Sri Lanka and lost just five. But then statistics are hardly any indication of the present form. Zimbabwe are currently riding the wave of success of following their recent victories over England and India. And Pakistan, the most unpredictable side, can take the wind of out any team's sails on their day. Source: Dawn Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)