Sri Lanka performance allows fans to dream of glory
Sri Lanka's performance against New Zealand was not only convincing but also uplifting, with the manner in which it was attained giving credence to the team's claims that their form is peaking at just the right time
CricInfo
11-Feb-2003
Sri Lanka's performance against New Zealand was not only convincing but also
uplifting, with the manner in which it was attained giving credence to the
team's claims that their form is peaking at just the right time.
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"We're all used to seeing Sanath hit it to all parts. But it wasn't until
the ninth or 10th over that he played one of his trademark shots so from
that point of view he is able to once again show he is able to get a hundred
without whacking a 50 in the first 10 or 15 overs. When he does that, more
times than not the teams wins... and I'm just glad he's on my team." (Dav
Whatmore)
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During the last three months Sri Lanka's confidence had received a severe
bruising from a string of humiliating defeats in South Africa and Australia.
Pundits predicted further embarrassment in the World Cup.
| © CricInfo |
But, all along, coach Dav Whatmore urged players and fans to look at the big
picture and realise that, despite losing, Sanath Jayasuriya's side was
gaining priceless experience in unfamiliar conditions.
When Sri Lanka claimed back-to-back victories at Sydney the management
claimed that they had turned the corner and were gradually becoming
acclimatised to the quick, bouncy pitches that predominate in Australia and
South Africa.
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"Great work by Jayasuriya and Tillakaratne but our middle and lower order
failed miserably - who will be able to stand up and deliver a match-winning
total when our top order (1-3) fails"
(Flying Dutchman) |
Yesterday's 47-run victory provided credibility to Whatmore's positive
assertions, which had previously been considered little more than wishful
thinking. It appears that all the heartache may have been worthwhile after
all.
Crucially, Jayasuriya, the key player in Sri Lanka's limited overs top
order, is in the best form of his life. Crucially, immaculate shot selection
has been married to his natural belligerence, meaning that he is able to
sustain his batting onslaughts and build match-winning scores.
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| © Reuters |
A phenomenal strike rate ensures that when Jayasuriya fires properly, Sri
Lanka invariably emerge victorious. Should he be able to sustain his purple
form throughout the tournament then no side is unbeatable and World Cup
glory is attainable.
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"Earlier on I was a little tense but after five or six overs I thought I had
to play a long innings and I played positive cricket."
(Sanath Jayasuriya) |
The batting of Hashan Tillakaratne was perhaps even more encouraging. The
number three position was a serious concern and there were doubts as to
whether the adhesive 34-year-old could adapt his patient game to the demands
of the modern one-day game.
But he answered those doubts emphatically during a mature and industrious
innings, gluing the innings together and ensuring that Sri Lanka did not
lose their way when wickets tumbled in the slog over. With the side packed
with so much attacking flair his presence is reassuring.
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| © Reuters |
In the field the side produced their most disciplined performance for
sometime. All the bowlers contributed and not a single no ball was conceded.
Moreover, the fielding - with the exception of a fumbling Pulasthi Gunaratne
on the boundary - was slick and businesslike.
The next three games now provide an opportunity to build momentum with games
against Bangladesh, Canada and Kenya. The next crucial encounter will be
against West Indies at Cape Town.
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"For the second time Hashan Tillakaratne has proved that he can play the
sheet anchor role in the one-day side - he is a player of great ability"
(Sena Seneviratne) |
Qualification for the Super Sixes sis now virtually assured, assuming no
major upsets, but wins against South Africa and/or West Indies will be
immensely valuable with points due to be carried through to the second round
league.
If they can with one or both of those games then their chances of qualifying
for the semi-finals will be much improved. From there, with the likes of
Jayasuriya and Murali in the side, anything is possible.