Gwalior, May 11: Both Arjuna Ranatunga and Rameez Raja agreed that tomorrow's Independence Cup match here would be crucial for their respective sides.

``We need to begin the tournament on the right note. We'll play positive cricket and field the best possible side,'' the Sri Lankan skipper said. Rameez Raja said he would like to tighten things a bit after the team's loss to New Zealand in Mohali in the tournament opener.

``We'll have to make a more concerted effort in our batting and try to check the flow of runs in the initial overs. That is where the New Zealanders outplayed us.''

Ranatunga said the tag of world champions would remain on the Lankans ``till the next World Cup''. He added, ``We are now used to the pressure of being champions and we know how to take defeat in our stride. '' The absence of Pakistan's main bowlers would be an added advantage, he felt. Rameez Raja hinted at some changes in bowling after the team's poor show in the match against New Zealand. ``We will have to change our tactics against the Sri Lankans. We have to keep our options open,'' he said.

Both skippers said the wicket looked a good batting wicket. ``People come to watch batsmen score fours and sixes and not to see batsmen getting out cheaply or bowlers taking wickets. A high scoring match is always welcome in a one-day game,'' said Raja.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.