KARACHI: Former Test captains Hanif Mohammad and Rashid Latif along with other ex-Pakistan cricketers have hailed Sri Lanka’s six-wicket triumph in the World Twenty20 final against India in Dhaka.

“It was my wish that Sri Lanka win this time and they did it,” Little Master Hanif Mohammad said.

“The Sri Lankans played like a team and accomplished something special for their nation,” he said. “Look at their seniors; Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Angelo Mathews; they were playing under juniors. But they really played as a team and were duly rewarded for their team spirit.”

While noting that India also played good cricket in the final, Hanif reckoned sending out-of-form Yuvraj Singh to bat ahead of Suresh Raina and M.S. Dhoni slowed down India’s run-rate. “That was the turning point of the match,” he underlined.

“It’s a great achievement by Lasith Malinga’s team who gave a grand farewell to Sangakkara and Jayawardene.”

Both former Sri Lankan captains have announced their retirement from T20 Internationals during the course of the tournament.

Sri Lanka lost to Pakistan in the 2009 World T20 final when Younis Khan’s team won the title at Lord’s. The Islanders then lost the 2012 World T20 decider to the West Indies at home, in Colombo.

“Sri Lanka played smart, tactical cricket and Sangakkara’s brilliant knock steered them to a grand victory,” Hanif commented.

Meanwhile, former Test left-arm spinner Iqbal Qasim declared Sri Lanka’s win memorable against favourites India.

“After winning the Asia Cup they completed a double by winning the World T20,” Iqbal, also a former chief selector, said.

Another former chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed Sallu said the World T20 victory was the bigger win for Sri Lanka than the recent Asia Cup success, also attained in Bangladesh, because 2007 champions India were being tipped as firm favourites to regain the global T20 title.

“The way Sri Lanka played in the final, they fully deserved to win the title,” Test paceman Tanvir Ahmed commented. “They played attacking and courageous cricket and exhibited patriotic approach that helped them to win the prestigious title.”

Former Test off-spinner Tauseef Ahmed also congratulated Sri Lanka for their fantastic win.

“The Indians were favourites for the trophy but Sangakkara played like a champion in his last T20 International to help his team win the maiden T20 title,” Tauseef said.—APP