Batting first, the Sri Lankans started in emphatic fashion led by the redoubtable Sanath Jayasuriya. His 109 was interrupted by cramps and rain, but he showed why he is one of one-day cricket’s greatest batsmen. The Sri Lankan performance also raised questions about India’s standard against Bangladesh and emphasised that India does indeed have a tough job against the Lankans on Friday.
Bangladesh, for large parts of the match were mere spectators as Jayasuriya, Jayawardene, Sangakkara and finally Chamara Silva bludgeoned them around to post 318; a total always out of Bangladesh’s reach.
Bangladesh was hardly the team that efficiently beat India a few days ago, as they were convincingly outplayed in just about every department of the game. As all the permutations and combinations that were being played out for India’s entry to the next round came good, it must have left India with some uncertain thoughts about their own ability to beat the Lankans.
All is not lost for the Bangladeshis just yet, though. If India is beaten by Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh team just need to win over Bermuda; a certainty at the moment. But if India beats Sri Lanka by any margin, their task is doubly tough since the net run rate differential between India and Bangladesh has already extended to over 4 runs!
Group B was always looked at as the group of death and it sure is living up to billing. An uneasy time for Indian fans and the team alike follows and although Bangladesh was beaten convincingly, they still have a chance to go through.
Sri Lanka Captain, Mahela Jayawardene
On Jayasuriya's lofty ton
"It was a brilliant effort from Sanath, a great hundred,"- "I remember somebody asking him whether he wants to retire. This is the time to ask him."
Bangladesh Skipper, Habibul Bashar
On Bangladesh's poor fielding
"I'm very sorry, it was a bad match for us,-"It was a bad day. I hope we will never have a day like this again."
On their chances to qualify for the Super 8
"We've to look at the India-Sri Lanka game now."
On Bangladesh playing their final game on Sunday
"We have a little advantage, we would know what we need to do,""Even if we had lost by a close margin, we could have improved our net run rate which would have helped us in the last match."
PHOTOS © GETTY IMAGES
