THE Eden Gardens curator, Maheshwar Sahu, is the hidden trump card for India as they try to blunt the Sri Lanka batting attack in today's World Cup semi final in Calcutta.

The Indians, whose total of 271 was overhauled by Arjuna Ranatunga's men in their group encounter, are leaving nothing to chance to stop the most trenchant batting line up in the tournament.

A request by the Indian team management to slow the newly laid centre strip at the 100,000 capacity stadium was conveyed to the ground staff soon after Saturday's quarter final win over archrivals Pakistan.

The 55 year old Sahu, who has been tending the Eden Gardens turf for 20 years, obliged immediately.

"We have watered the wicket a lot in the past few days to remove the bounce," Sahu said. "It will be a pitch factory made for the Indian batsmen and spinners."

Both teams had similar verdicts after looking at Sahu's creation yesterday - the semi final is unlikely to be the run feast many expect.

Sri Lankan manager Duleep Mend is said: "The pitch looks a little wet and there is not much grass on it. I think it will he slow."

Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin added: "Our strength lies in our halting and spinners. This wicket looks ideal for both."

The toss will play a crucial role in determining the fortunes of the match, for the team batting second under lights will be affected by a thick layer of smog that envelopes the ground at dusk.

India have won their last three internationals at the Eden Gardens by batting first, when the wicket was at its best.

"Yes, batting first is a distinct advantage here," Azharuddin said. "It's never easy to chase runs at night."

Meanwhile, Wasim Akram has revealed in Islamabad that he had received death threats after Pakistan's World Cup defeat against India. And he dismissed allegations he had bet against his side retaining its title.

The team captain spoke out after virulent criticism continued to mount following the team's elimination from the tournament.

"I do not deserve this," the all rounder said at a special press conference at the National Stadium here. "I have received death threats and my family is getting abusive phone calls. I have always played my best for Pakistan.