Sri Lanka’s performance against New Zealand was not only convincing but alsouplifting, with the manner in which it was attained giving credence to theteam’s claims that their form is peaking at just the right time

CricInfo11-Feb-2003Sri Lanka’s performance against New Zealand was not only convincing but alsouplifting, with the manner in which it was attained giving credence to theteam’s claims that their form is peaking at just the right time.”We’re all used to seeing Sanath hit it to all parts. But it wasn’t untilthe ninth or 10th over that he played one of his trademark shots so fromthat point of view he is able to once again show he is able to get a hundredwithout whacking a 50 in the first 10 or 15 overs. When he does that, moretimes than not the teams wins… and I’m just glad he’s on my team.” (DavWhatmore)During the last three months Sri Lanka’s confidence had received a severebruising from a string of humiliating defeats in South Africa and Australia.Pundits predicted further embarrassment in the World Cup.© CricInfoBut, all along, coach Dav Whatmore urged players and fans to look at the bigpicture and realise that, despite losing, Sanath Jayasuriya’s side wasgaining priceless experience in unfamiliar conditions.When Sri Lanka claimed back-to-back victories at Sydney the managementclaimed that they had turned the corner and were gradually becomingacclimatised to the quick, bouncy pitches that predominate in Australia andSouth Africa.”Great work by Jayasuriya and Tillakaratne but our middle and lower orderfailed miserably – who will be able to stand up and deliver a match-winningtotal when our top order (1-3) fails”
(Flying Dutchman)Yesterday’s 47-run victory provided credibility to Whatmore’s positiveassertions, which had previously been considered little more than wishfulthinking. It appears that all the heartache may have been worthwhile afterall.Crucially, Jayasuriya, the key player in Sri Lanka’s limited overs toporder, is in the best form of his life. Crucially, immaculate shot selectionhas been married to his natural belligerence, meaning that he is able tosustain his batting onslaughts and build match-winning scores.© ReutersA phenomenal strike rate ensures that when Jayasuriya fires properly, SriLanka invariably emerge victorious. Should he be able to sustain his purpleform throughout the tournament then no side is unbeatable and World Cupglory is attainable.”Earlier on I was a little tense but after five or six overs I thought I hadto play a long innings and I played positive cricket.”
(Sanath Jayasuriya)The batting of Hashan Tillakaratne was perhaps even more encouraging. Thenumber three position was a serious concern and there were doubts as towhether the adhesive 34-year-old could adapt his patient game to the demandsof the modern one-day game.But he answered those doubts emphatically during a mature and industriousinnings, gluing the innings together and ensuring that Sri Lanka did notlose their way when wickets tumbled in the slog over. With the side packedwith so much attacking flair his presence is reassuring.© ReutersIn the field the side produced their most disciplined performance forsometime. All the bowlers contributed and not a single no ball was conceded.Moreover, the fielding – with the exception of a fumbling Pulasthi Gunaratneon the boundary – was slick and businesslike.The next three games now provide an opportunity to build momentum with gamesagainst Bangladesh, Canada and Kenya. The next crucial encounter will beagainst West Indies at Cape Town.”For the second time Hashan Tillakaratne has proved that he can play thesheet 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 nomajor upsets, but wins against South Africa and/or West Indies will beimmensely valuable with points due to be carried through to the second roundleague.If they can with one or both of those games then their chances of qualifyingfor the semi-finals will be much improved. From there, with the likes ofJayasuriya and Murali in the side, anything is possible.