Jayasuriya factor and Lanka’s chances at ICC World Cup

Sanath Jayasuriya once again played a match-winning role in Sri Lanka’s convincing 113-run win over the West Indies in the ICC World Cup ‘Super Eight’ final round match. He not only made a blistering century to pave the way for a commanding Sri Lanka total of 303 but also captured three wickets.

The circumstances under which Jayasuriya scored his second century of the 16-nation tournament is a classic example of his character and skills. Sri Lanka, batting first against the hosts, had a disastrous start, losing opener Upul Charanga and in-form bat Kumar Sangakkara early with only 35 runs on the board.

Hence, Jayasuriya could not afford to play his explosive stuff which has been the hallmark of his success. Instead, the veteran former Sri Lanka captain had a comparatively patient start.

But once he had a good taste of the West Indian bowling, there was no stopping. It was a treat to watch as the ‘Matara mauler’ blasted the Caribbean bowlers to all corners of the field. On the other hand, he had support from captain Mahela Jayewardena, who seems to be gradually regaining his form.

Jayewardena had to sweat for every single run as he could not show his usual perfect timing. But the presence of Jayasuriya was a big inspiration to Jayewardena as the pair shared a mammoth partnership for the third wicket.

The Jayasuriya-Jayewardena association completely took the game away from the West Indies. Even then, since the departure of Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka could not make those big hits they expected in the slog overs.

Nevertheless, that massive six by Tillakaratne Dilshan off the last ball of their innings made sure Sri Lanka pass that psychologically advantageous 300-run barrier.

If Sri Lanka is going to regain the World Cup this time around, or at least to make it to the final, Jayasuriya factor is going to be the most decisive.

If Sri Lanka could enjoy the luxury of Jayasuriya’s power packed batting, then they could keep the scoreboard moving and maintain a good run rate. Even if Jayasuriya fails with the bat, he is capable of chipping in with his usual accurate bowling.

There was a time our former selectors put a premature death to Jayasuriya’s illustrious career. Even some of our own media pundits partly contributed to that move, dishing out loads of rubbish to force this great cricketer to call it a day.

Thanks to the far reaching decisions by former Sri Lanka quick bowler, Ashantha de Mel, the Chairman of selectors, and relevant authorities, Jayasuriya was given an opportunity of coming out of retirement.

He immediately silenced his critics with a memorable ODI century in Australia. Ever since, Jayasuriya has been slapping with his critics, who were made to eat the humble pie at the end.

Jayasuriya is a natural cricketer. He has a born talent and strong arms to use his bat in an effective manner against any top bowler in the world. Despite many critics trying to block his way at certain times, humble Jayasuriya has let his willow to do the talking.

At the time of writing, Sri Lanka is playing England in their fourth Super Eight round match. Having beaten Bermuda, Bangladesh and India in the first round, Sri Lanka lost their opening Super Eight match to South Africa narrowly - by one wicket.

They would have survived this nail-biting finish and emerge victorious, had our batsmen fared even a little bit rbetter. But the day Jayasuriya failed, the rest of his colleagues too looked off colour.

Nevertheless, Sri Lanka put up a gallant show against South Africans. Defending a modest total of 208, they went right down to the South African last pair.

Quick bowler Lasith Malinga has been enjoying a tremendous success in recent times. Together with the experience of off spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan and left-arm paceman Chaminda Vaas, Malinga could form a penetrative Lankan attack which could hold the key to overcome crunch situations.

Malinga almost proved this and succeeded to a greater extent against South Africa when he accounted for that historic feat of four wickets in four balls.

All top teams, except for Sri Lanka and the West Indies, are almost assured of four points each in the Super Eight second round as they would get an opportunity of playing relatively weaker opponents like Bangladesh and Ireland.

But since Sri Lanka and the West Indies were drawn with those teams in their respective first round groups, they would play either Ireland or Bangladesh in the Super Eight.

Hence, Sri Lanka must win at least one of their two crucial games against the high-riding New Zealand and the defending champions Australia.

The Lankan team seems to be in good shape. Their batting could be further strengthened if skipper Jayewardena could regain his confidence fully and go for his natural stroke play. If the early form of Tharanga and Kumar Sangakkara could be blended with that pinch hitting of Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka could well put on match winning totals.

All in all it points to an exciting and decisive week for Sri Lanka cricket that would lead the nation to our traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year scheduled for next weekend. Fortune that would bring to Sri Lanka cricket team this New Year is left to be seen.