<p>Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga has declared himself fit to play against New Zealand in the opening match of the Cricket World Cup on Saturday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>An ankle injury prevented Malinga from playing in Sri Lanka's seven-match one-day series against New Zealand in the lead-up to the world tournament but he told reporters Sunday he is ready to return.<br /><br />Malinga is likely to play in Sri Lanka's World Cup warm-up matches against South Africa in Christchurch on Monday and Zimbabwe on Wednesday.<br /><br />Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said Malinga was "back to full fitness. He's doing everything 100 percent, he'll be 100 percent for the games."<br /><br />Maliga was less emphatic, saying "I'm getting used to the pain because I really want to play in this World Cup. If there's pain, it doesn't matter. I want to play. ... I'm not sure of the pace and how that's going, but I've got good rhythm and a good run up."<br /><br />Malinga has been described as the best death bowler in world cricket and his return substantially strengthens Sri Lanka, who were beaten 4-2 in the series against New Zealand. Mathews said "Lasith has the X-factor" which could swing the World Cup opener in Sri Lanka's favor.<br /><br />Malinga said he wasn't concerned that Sri Lanka was investing so much hope in his return.<br />"Honestly, I don't know what the pressure means," he said. "I'm used to all the pressure situations. I have a free mindset and I just want to do what I can do."<br /></p>
<p>Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga has declared himself fit to play against New Zealand in the opening match of the Cricket World Cup on Saturday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>An ankle injury prevented Malinga from playing in Sri Lanka's seven-match one-day series against New Zealand in the lead-up to the world tournament but he told reporters Sunday he is ready to return.<br /><br />Malinga is likely to play in Sri Lanka's World Cup warm-up matches against South Africa in Christchurch on Monday and Zimbabwe on Wednesday.<br /><br />Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said Malinga was "back to full fitness. He's doing everything 100 percent, he'll be 100 percent for the games."<br /><br />Maliga was less emphatic, saying "I'm getting used to the pain because I really want to play in this World Cup. If there's pain, it doesn't matter. I want to play. ... I'm not sure of the pace and how that's going, but I've got good rhythm and a good run up."<br /><br />Malinga has been described as the best death bowler in world cricket and his return substantially strengthens Sri Lanka, who were beaten 4-2 in the series against New Zealand. Mathews said "Lasith has the X-factor" which could swing the World Cup opener in Sri Lanka's favor.<br /><br />Malinga said he wasn't concerned that Sri Lanka was investing so much hope in his return.<br />"Honestly, I don't know what the pressure means," he said. "I'm used to all the pressure situations. I have a free mindset and I just want to do what I can do."<br /></p>