Sana - Mahela thrash Windies attack

Elmo Rodrigopulle in West Indies

WORLD CUP:A majestic century 115 from Sanath Jayasuriya who was involved in a grand stand of 183 with his skipper Mahela Jayawardena (82) for the third wicket enabled Sri Lanka to whip the West Indians by 113 runs in their Super 8 match here, on Sunday. Sri Lanka 303/5 WI 190.

With this victory the Sri Lankans stay on course for cricket's most prized possession the World Cup 2007.

When a smiling and contended looking Brian Lara the West Indian captain won the toss and asked the Sri Lankans in and when they lost two early wickets - that of Upul Tharanga and Kumar Sangakkara with the total on 35, it looked as though the Lankans would have to struggle to get a competitive score and put pressure on the Windies.

Heavy overnight rain and early this morning did not allow the covers to be taken off and let the moisture dry out. It was the moisture on the wicket that went to cause the losing of the two early wickets.

When Jayawardena joined Jayasuriya, the wicket was favouring the Windies fastmen who were revelling on it.

Jayawardena and Jayasuriya were under tremendous pressure. But they rode it cleverly to put the batting back on the rails.When asked how he rates this century from the 24 others he scored in this style of game, Jayasuriya said that this century was the best and which he will remember for the rest of his career.

The dashing left hander had a slow beginning, which is not his style of play. When the third power play was introduced he unwound to smash Devon Smith for 18 runs in one over - 3 fours and a six and that signalled the beginning for the Lankans and the end for the home team.

After that Jayasuriya was devastating. No bowler was spared as Jayasuriya cut, drove, hooked and pulled to pulverize the bowlers. It was his bash that made Jayawardena to get into the run making act after a string of poor scores.

Jayasuriya was finally out playing a tired shot and dragging the ball on to his wicket. He and Jayawardena added 183 for the third wicket to take the game away from the Windies. He hit 10 fours and four big sixes in his 101 ball innings.

Jayawardena played a captain's knock to make 83 in 113 balls with 2 fours and a six. It was an innings played for the welfare of his side.

This was Jayasuriya's second century in the tournament and if he continues in this form could be in the running for the 'Most valuable player of the tournament'. He won this award in 1995/96 tournament.

Of the other batsmen Tillakeratne Dilshan smashed two sixes in his breezy innings off 39 in 22 deliveries. When the Windies batted they too lost two early wickets for 40 and when Kumar Sangakkara brilliantly stumped Brian Lara for 2 with the score on 42, their innings began to fall apart and they were never really in the chase.

Only a 4th wicket stand between the two Guyanese - Shiv Chanderppaul 76 and Ronnie Sarwan 44 was worth talking about in their reply 4 sixes off Muralitheran. When Sri Lanka's victory is being spoken about, one must also compliment wicket Keeper Kumar Sangakkara for his two excellent stumpings.

Jayasuriya in addition to making 25th century captured 3 for 38 to win the man of the match award for the second time.

For the Windies their World Cup campaign is over unless they can win their next three games to stay afloat.

Guyana, Sunday