The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : `Dream encounter' at Uppal stadium

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Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

`Dream encounter' at Uppal stadium

V. V. Subrahmanyam

READY FOR ACTION: Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh having a close look at the pitch at Rajiv Gandhi stadium, Uppal, in the city on Tuesday. -PHOTO: SATISH. H.

HYDERABAD: It will be a dream encounter, by all means! The duel between elegant Hyderabadi captain V. V. S. Laxman and crafty spin merchant Harbhajan Singh of Punjab in the Ranji Trophy match at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Uppal) should be a contest to cherish for a long time.

It is a do-or-die clash, as both the teams desperately need an outright win to stay in the race for the knockout phase. With the World Cup selections around the corner, it is obvious there will be no scope for complacency. And, that Punjab will also have the India fast bowler V.R.V. Singh in its attack is another big attraction for the cricket lovers. Ask Harbhajan about Laxman. "Well, he is a great batsman. It is a challenge to bowl to him. ," the wily slow bowler remarked. "He is a special player no doubt. But I am ready and eager for the big match," says the Punjab bowler. On his part, Laxman rates him a wonderful spinner. "I had faced him earlier in a Duleep Trophy match.Should be an exciting encounter," he told The Hindu on the eve of the match.

Will Harbhajan get the `doosra' right or will Laxman essay his trademark strokes consistently? The next four days will provide the answer.

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