It was a good finale

Pull up their socks - is exactly what the Sri Lankans did in the fourth ODI against New Zealand which in the end was to be the last game of the tour. After two dismal performances they went on to play to their potential. The Black Caps were thoroughly exposed.

The side looked pretty much settled on this occasion. The questions still remaining are the middle order batting position and the fifth bowler. Chamara Kapugedara filled the batting slot. Dilhara Fernando took his place in the side as the fifth bowler. In one day cricket should the top five batsmen play their part then it puts the team into a real commanding position. On paper Sri Lanka hits top class in this respect. Sanath Jayasuriya, now the most capable one day player leads the way. He can still maul any attack as he showed on this tour. The power in the strokes and the sweet timing is an ideal partner. In his own style Tharanga also keeps the scoreboard moving. His strength is hitting the ball in the region between cover and the stumps. For a player so young he has activated the knack of regularly hitting the ball into gaps between cover, extra cover and mid off.

The rest of the top order is formidable. Captain Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara and Marvan Atapattu are experienced, technically sound and can gather runs at a steady pace. Yet, the choice to include an extra batsman or to include a bowler instead, has not been sorted.

It will be a heavy burden on young Kapugedara to bat in the number six position. Often in that position the batsman has to get runs quickly or stem a collapse. It is a challenging situation that this batsman has to face regularly. T.M. Dilshan who has played over a hundred ODI’s is best suited to play this role. His brilliant fielding and occasional off breaks add to his value. Unfortunately, he is going through a bad patch and was omitted from the side. But, still he is a player who should be kept in the game. Chamara Silva has nosed his way in. He did well in the test arena but could not get his act together in the ODI’s. He has yet to establish himself in the squad and consistent run getting is essential. Like Dilshan, he takes too many risks at the start of an innings. Both have to bide a little more at the beginning, rotate the strike with singles and then look to play more attacking strokes.

Fervez Mahroof and Chaminda Vaas have an important role in the batting line-up. Both are primarily in the side as bowlers. Yet runs from them are also essential. Mahroof does have a lot of batting ability and must work towards establishing himself as an all rounder. He must tighten his defense as part of his batting strategy and must now look to bat through with the tail.

Vaas, Malinga, Dilhara Fernando and Mahroof are the main quartet responsible of handling the new ball. Malinga has developed a most lethal yorker and is going places with that delivery. Fernando too, with the pace he can generate should cultivate bowling yorkers, regularly.

It was encouraging to see Vaas pick-up wickets and make life difficult for the New Zealand batsmen with subtle variation of seam and swing. Mahroof who is still learning his trade has had very good days and some off days too. He has the heart to take punishment and still come back. A quality that is an absolute necessity for bowlers at every level – the will – to keep coming back, wave after wave, relentlessly striving until results are achieved.

What experience, knowledge and ability, Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya possess. No other team can boast of such a spin duo in one day cricket. They have helped Sri lanka wriggle out of many a tight corner and produced match winning spells. This team that will now travel to India for four ODI’s is a complete outfit. There is all round strength available and tons of experience to go with it. Highest levels of concentration and focus will be key to achieve results.

After 1996, this is the best equipped team going for a World Cup. They could go all the way, should they play to their potential.