Jayasuriya's innings 'one of my best'

Sanath Jayasuriya may be playing in his last World Cup, but has proved he still has it in him to demoralise any attack with his breathtaking strokes. Jayasuriya was on song in his team's second Super Eights match against West Indies, hammering a 101-ball 115 - his 25th ODI century - with four sixes and ten fours.

The knock revived memories of the 1996 World Cup when Jayasuriya redefined batting in the opening overs with his consistent over-the-top hitting. The left-hander looked subdued in the beginning against Brian Lara's side, making 14 off 33 balls, but his next 27 came in just nine.

"I want to finish the World Cup on a high note," Jayasuriya said. "I haven't planned beyond this tournament. This is one of the best knocks I've played. It came in the World Cup and in a crucial game. We lost to South Africa the other day and we didn't want to lose again.

"Although I have 25 centuries, I'll never forget this one. Somebody had to take the responsibility in the middle, so I thought after I had batted for ten overs, that I should take the responsibility and bat for a longer period."

The longer he batted, the more helpless the West Indies bowlers and fielders looked. When he was bowled by Daren Powell in the 39th over, Jayasuriya had already put his team on course for a big total.

"It was not an easy wicket early on," Jayasuriya said. "The ball was not coming on to the bat and it was seaming around a little bit. We didn't want to lose any wickets so I think Mahela [Jayawardene] did a very good job from the other end."

He put on 183 for the third wicket with Jayawardene, who regained form with a solid 82. Jayasuriya then tested West Indies with his spin, finishing with three wickets.