Lanka match will be the big one: Ponting

Bridgetown, Barbados, Apr 13 (UNI) Having crushed Ireland by most emphatic way, Australia captain Ricky Ponting has now set his eyes on Monday's tie against Sri Lanka, describing it as a big match and the biggest hurdle before the final.

Talking to reporters after vanquishing Ireland by nine wickets in 12.2 overs within one hour, Ponting said he would have liked a tougher fight from Ireland.

''But perhaps the Irish were nervous and they lost quick wickets and we have some fantastic opening spell,'' said Ponting.

He, however, parried all questions regarding the tournament set up and minnows playing at Super Eights.

''You can not take away the credit of they being here.

After all they won more matches than India and Pakistan. However, it is a fact that had India an Pakistan been here, it would have been much tighter fight,'' he said.

Ponting admitted that Sri Lanka have some minor advantages as they were playing well in Grenada which has much slower pitch than that of Barbados.

Man-of-the-match Glenn McGrath, who was also present in the post match press conference, said he had four more matches to go before he hangs up his boot.

''This is the most important phase of the tournament.

We have been doing well and we must do well in the next four matches to take home the Cup,'' he said.

Expressing disappointment over his side's abject surrender to the world champions, Irish captain Trent Johnston said they have two more matches to go.

''There is some cricket left for us. We have the Bangladesh match coming up and then against New Zealand. We are looking forward to Bangladesh match.'' UNI MT PDS PM0027