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Australia hope to equal England's record

World champions Australia will be aiming to equal England's record of 12 consecutive one-day wins when they meet Sri Lanka in the final of the Aiwa Cup triangular tournament tomorrow.

England's winning streak came between May 1991 and March 1992.

''If you look at our side and the way we are playing...we should win the game,'' said Australia captain Steve Waugh.

Australia have already beaten Sri Lanka twice in qualifying games.

Waugh will equal former captain Allan Border's record for the most number of one-day appearances by an Australian when he plays his 273rd match tomorrow.

Former World champions Sri Lanka are upbeat after edging out India on a better run-rate to win a place in the day-night final.

''We will certainly give Australia a good fight. We might even surprise them,'' said Sri Lankan team manager Chandra Schaffter.

Sure, Sri Lanka need a surprise performance to boost their chances tomorrow.

India had to bow out of the tournament and return home despite a fighting knock by injured skipper Sachin Tendulkar.

For Australia, opener Adam Gilchrist has been in excellent form, with Mark Waugh contributing his share effectively. Their batting line looks strong with the top order looking in good shape.

The bowling of Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie has so far been devastating and accurate, with Ricky Ponting leading the table in fielding.

The good news for the Lankans is skipper Sanath Jayasuriya's return to form. Yesterday as he smashed 71 off 53 ball. Atapattu also played the anchor's role, with the first wicket stand yielding 105. The side's fielding also saw much improvement.

UNI