Lehmann refuses to give up
February 19, 2012 16:51:45 UK
Queensland Bulls coach Darren Lehmann says his team can snag an outright win against the Tigers, even though his side's batting line-up has collapsed twice.
The Bulls' start to the day was quite impressive as they dismissed the final five Tasmanian wickets for just 39 runs. However, their own start was as disastrous as the Tigers' end of their first innings.
Lehmann's team lost three of their premier batsmen before lunch and then lost another five before Ben Cutting came to his teammates' rescue by smashing an unbeaten 57.
South Australia are 1.90 to get the win in the Ryobi Cup final against Tasmania, who themselves are 1.90 to emerge victorious.
They only have a 145-run lead now and, with just one wicket in hand, it is clear that they are in a disadvantageous position. But Lehman is still confident that his troops can get the job done.
"We've got (a lead of) 140-odd, if we can eke out another 20 that would be great. That's all we've got so at the moment that's what we've got to defend and if we bowl well and hold our catches you never know. As we always say if you're in it late on Day 4 you've a chance. It's a really big day for everyone, both sides," Lehmann said.
"I think it's a wicket that's hard to get in on but if you bowl in good areas you can certainly get the wickets and create the pressure. It (the pitch) was quite sporting day one. It's quite an important toss to win here in Tassie and I think statistically it would show that, but it’s the way it is."
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