Why Murali is such a threat to India

The war between India and Sri Lanka in Mumbai tomorrow will be built on many mini-battles.

One of cricket's oldest rivalries will play out on the field for the last time:  the world's leading wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan against the world's biggest run-getter, Sachin Tendulkar. (Watch: Sachin vs Murali)

Of the 74 wickets that Murali has taken against India in 62 games, Tendulkar has been his victim five times.

And Murali's best performance in ODIs -- 7 for 30 - came at India's expense on October 27, 2000 in Sharjah.

He was also Man of the Match with 3 for 41 when Sri Lanka forced India out of the World Cup in Trinidad in the last edition of the World Cup in 2007. (Watch: Is Sri Lankan team better than India)

Sachin Tendulkar, however, has  scored nearly 3000 runs against Sri Lanka -2965 runs with the help of eight centuries, at an average of 45.61 in 78 matches.

Tendulkar, who has scored 99 international hundreds (48 ODIs and 51 Tests), would also love to strike his hundredth ton in his hometown and in the "most important match of his career".

The other clash will be Lasith Malinga's deliveries versus Virender Sehwag's big hits.

Sehwag scored 284 in under a day's play when the two teams last played a Test in 2009-10.

While Malinga hasn't had much of an opportunity to show his class against India, Sehwag showed his penchant for the Sri Lankan attack when he scored 284 in under a day's play when the two teams last played a Test at the Brabourne stadium here in 2009-10.

Call us on 5664441 and record your suggestions on what India need to do to win the World Cup. We'll get Deano, Sunny & AJ to respond to you.