CURTAINS FOR SRI LANKA AT INDIA'S DRESS REHEARSAL

Wounded by their lacklustre showing in the second round that condemned them to an early exit, Sri Lanka will walk out in Dubai tonight with little but pride at stake as they face India in the last Super Four encounter of the Asia Cup.

- By CHAMPIKA FERNANDO IN DUBAI

The fixture is a dead rubber in the standings after India secured their place in the final and Sri Lanka were sent packing following back-to-back defeats to Bangladesh and Pakistan. Yet, when the two sides meet under the lights, the game will carry significance in other ways.

For India, a chance to fine-tune ahead of Sunday's final and for Sri Lanka, one final opportunity to restore a little dignity after a campaign that promised plenty but unravelled in disappointing fashion.

The contrast between Sri Lanka's buoyant group-stage form and their stumble in the Super Fours could hardly be starker. Three straight wins, full of energy and intent, had propelled them into the business end of the tournament with growing belief. But when the pressure rose, their cricket wilted. Against Bangladesh they struggled to defend a score, they should have managed with comfort. Against Pakistan they were bundled out for 133, their batters guilty of rash strokes and muddled judgement.