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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.