Jayasuriya delighted, Saeed not disappointed

Islamabad, March 1: Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya termed the two-wicket win over Pakistan as one of the most memorable one. He praised the heroic effort by Arjuna Ranatunga who batted with a thumb injury. "I should thank him for securing this victory for us," the skipper said in a press conference.

The Sri Lankan captain agreed that they held the advantage in the absence of speedster Wasim Akram. He said the strategy was to keep wickets intact. He added that though eight wickets were down, the team was confident that until Ranatunga was in the centre they had the chance.

Jayasuriya praised the efforts the depleted Pakistani side and maintained that they fought hard to win the game.

Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore said fourth day was bad for the tourists in which they lost their stranglehold over the Test. The coach also said that it was one of the best victories since his association.

Pakistan skipper Saeed Anwar said injuries to key bowlers Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq was the turning point in the Test.

The skipper appreciated every member for giving his best. "We lost the Test but I am extremely happy the way we played. Not many teams could have performed like us in this Test."

Saeed disagreed that they went into the game one bowler short by playing six batsmen. He argued that all over the world leading teams like Australia and South Africa play with six batsman and four bowlers. Crucial fielding lapses, Saeed continued, were the part of the game. He said the opponents also made mistakes but in the end playing hard and positive cricket matters.

Saeed called for hard and bouncy pitches for the Peshawar and Karachi Tests.

The captain said that although they lost the game but it gave a lot of confidence to the players.

Coach Intikhab Alam said Saqlain bowled after The Management received all-clear from the remaining medical tests.

The coach and captain said that the team for the second Test would be named in the next couple of days. Saeed, however, Saeed said there won't be too many changes.