 In my first article before the commencement of the World Cup I mentioned that there was only one team as my favorite and that was Sri Lanka, because I believed that we had the talent and the temperament to win especially because we were playing in the sub-continent. At the time of writing this article (Thursday) we are just a step away from achieving that goal which is not surprising to me.
However what has surprised me is my recall as a back-up to the team. I was relaxing and attending to some routine work at home on Wednesday morning when the Chairman of Selectors Aravinda de Silva called me and wanted me to join the squad for the final in Mumbai as a back-up for Angelo Matthews. Later I got to know that Suraj Randiv was also called up as a back-up for Muralitharan.
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| Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara (L) congratulates teammate Tillakaratne Dilshan (C) after a boundary during the Cricket World Cup semi-final match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium. |
To be part of another World Cup, especially a final was a something like a dream, especially after being left out of the original squad. I am not very sure if I would be playing on Saturday however I am elated at the opportunity of being with the boys again and in the Sri Lanka dressing room. Memories of Lahore have suddenly resurfaced for me all over again. As a youngster I remember how tensed we were to the run-up to the final in 1996.To experience this all over again is a terrific feeling. I only hope it ends up in similar fashion. Win or lose I am very proud and I am truly honoured to be part of another World Cup team in the finals.
Getting back to the action, Sri Lanka came out on top in both the quarter final against England and the semi final against New Zealand. First it was the three spinners Muralitharan, Mendis, Rangana Hearth that did a splendid job to restrict the Englishman to something like 230 after Dilshan opened the floodgates by castling th stumps of skipper Andrew Strauss. Dilshan continues to prove his all-round capabilities and how important his contribution has been to Sri Lanka cricket lately.
When the Lankan openers walked in I did not think any of those present at the Premadsa Stadium expected the game to be over as early as the 40 th over. It was an exhibition of power hitting, precision timing and perfect placement that had the Englishman simply watching. Dilshan was playing in the manner only he can play-taking those risks and hitting over the top. Tharanga on the other hand looked in sublime touch. His style and class is always a treat to watch. The double century stand was a great opening partnership that gave the Lankans the much needed confidence for the semi final against the Kiwis.
Once again it was the three spinners that rattled the Kiwis in the semis after their top order batters threatened to put up a challenging total on the board. Apart from picking up regular wickets Muralitharan, Mendis and Herath curtailed the free flowing Kiwis as they were made to work hard for their runs.
When the Lankans began their chase openers Dilshan and Tharanga continued from where they left off against the Englishman.Tharanga was in fine touch and batting very confidently after his unbeaten century in the quarter final. It needed something spectacular from the Kiwis to see the back of him. And it came when Ryder pulled off a blinder from cover point.
Dilshan continued to pile on the runs as he became the highest scorer in this World Cup. He appeared to be playing much better than what he did against the Englishman. His shot selection was better and he was not taking big risks. I am sure the calming influence may have been skipper Sangakkara who was constantly speaking to him and guiding him. The pair complimented each other as they added over 100 runs and laid the foundation for another massive win. However a clutter of wickets saw the Lankan slip from 160 for one wicket to 170 for four wickets.
Middle order batsman Thilan Samaraweera and Chamara Silva were left to steer the ship to safer territory as the Kiwis threatened to take the game away from the Lankans.Silva perished early that had the Lankans at 180 fo 5 wickets that brought in the injured Angelo Matthews The young all-rounder once again proved that he has a cool head on his shoulder. Matthews to me is another cricketer that reads the game and analyses the situation very well. He was unruffled and despite his injury came up with a cameo innings that sealed victory for the Lankans.
The middle order, yes may be a bit of a worry. But I am certain that they can deliver when the situation demands. It is never an easy position to bat, but I think Chamara Silva,Thilan Samaraweera and Angelo Matthews can rise up to the occasion –if it demands, to take the Lankans home. You need to constantly assess the situations, look at the need and carefully plan out the strategy. The talent is there in abundance, it is the manner in which you execute it that matters and determines if you are going to be successful or not. |
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