Emotional Jayasuriya disappointed by losing finale

Wisden CricInfo

April 7, 2003

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An emotional Sri Lanka skipper Sanath Jayasuriya couldn't hide his disappointment as Sri Lanka lost their last game under his leadership and were knocked out of the Sharjah Cup.

Sri Lanka were clear favourites to qualify having not lost to Zimbabwe for two and a half years but were defeated by four wickets after a lacklustre batting display.

"It is obviously a very disappointing end on my last tour as Sri Lanka captain," said Jayasuriya afterwards, who was playing his 300th one-day game.

"We didn't bat well at all and it was never going to be easy to defend such a total. The wicket was slow but there should be no excuses - five of the top order made starts but no-one went on."

The 33-year-old confirmed on Sunday that he would be standing down after this tournament and he took the opportunity to thank coach Dav Whatmore and his players.

"I would like to thank Dav and all the players who have supported me during the past four years. I have really enjoyed my captaincy and will to continue giving my 100% as a player."

Zimbabwean captain Heath Streak hailed the performance of his bowlers, who restricted Sri Lanka to 193, and middle order batsman Grant Flower, who guided the side home with an unbeaten 61.

"This was a great performance today," said Streak. "We had got one or two departments working beforehand but today we pulled it all together."

"We knew it would be very hard chasing four or five runs per over against their spinners and we always needed to contain them in the first innings."

He now believes his side having nothing to fear in the final against Pakistan: "We should play with confidence. We have nothing to lose as underdogs and should just go out there and do our best."

© ESPN EMEA Ltd.

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Series/Tournaments: Cherry Blossom Sharjah Cup
Teams: Sri Lanka
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Pakistan won by 8 wickets (with 88 balls remaining)
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Kenya v Sri Lanka at Sharjah - Apr 6, 2003
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