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| October 16, 2006 | Monday | Ramazan 22, 1427 |
Sri Lanka emerge as serious contenders
MUMBAI, Oct 15: Mahela Jayawardene's Sri Lanka warned Champions Trophy heavyweights they will be serious contenders for the title after steamrolling through the qualifying rounds.
Having swatted minnows Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka produced a flawless display at the stately Brabourne stadium on Saturday night to down defending champions West Indies by nine wickets.
Seamer Farveez Maharoof claimed 6-14, the best figures ever in Champions Trophy history, as the West Indians were shot out for 80, their lowest total against Sri Lanka.
The Islanders then cantered home in the 14th over as the first session was extended by seven minutes to facilitate a quick finish with Sanath Jayasuriya unbeaten on 45 and Jayawardene on 34.
It was Sri Lanka's 10 consecutive one-day win and Jayawardene was determined to continue the winning streak.
“We have not put pressure on ourselves by saying we'll win the tournament, but we will make sure we compete,” the captain said.
“Winning is a very good habit. When we lose we look for what mistakes we've made, but even when we're winning we're looking to see what mistakes we made and how we can improve our game.
“That has been the battle for us in the last six months. If we're really critical about the performance against the West Indies we'd say that we bowled too many no-balls.”
The West Indian total of 80 was boosted by the 17 extras that Sri Lanka conceded, including 10 no-balls and two wides, that turned out to be the second largest contribution after Wavell Hinds' 28.
The Sri Lankans had given away 21 wides and eight no-balls in their first match against Bangladesh in Mohali and 19 wides and seven no-balls against Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad.
The Sri Lankan captain said he looked forward to the sterner tests ahead.
“It doesn't matter which group you're in - to win a tournament like this you have to play good cricket and beat the best sides and that's what we want to do,” he said.
West Indian captain Brian Lara said his team was not willing to be written off despite
the embarrassing loss on Saturday.
“Last time no one gave us any chance but we won the title,” said Lara, referring to the stunning West Indian win in the final of the 2004 Champions Trophy against hosts England.
“I feel we have the guys and the ingredients to do so again despite what happened. We have to be positive and pick ourselves for the next stage where all teams start afresh.”—AFP
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