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Bring on Pakistan, says Sri Lanka

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-02-22 07:55

HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka - Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said his team was looking forward to its first real test in the World Cup against Pakistan after crushing Canada in its opening match.

Jaywardene gave the 1996 champion a flying start with an 80-ball century to help his team to a solid 332-7 before dismissing Canada for 122, taking its opening Group A match by a huge 210-run margin.

It next faces 1992 champion Pakistan in a glamour match on Feb 26 in Colombo.

"The first game in a tournament is always very important. We started with the right tone and now we look forward to our next match against Pakistan which is a very good side," said Jayawardene.

"Pakistan has got some great individual players and we play them quite often and we know how dangerous they can be, so we have to do our homework right and prepare ourselves and go in with a very positive mindset.

"I think everyone is looking for an opportunity to play against Pakistan."

Jayawardene, whose century was the fourth fastest in the tournament's history, admitted he didn't know he had also made the quickest World Cup hundred by a Sri Lankan.

"I didn't know that until the last minute when they told me, but I am quite happy it was a good start for us," said Jayawardene, who beat Sanath Jayasuriya's 85-ball hundred against Bangladesh at Port of Spain four years ago.

Jayawardene also praised Canada's initial bowling efforts.

"There were a few nerves before the game started just to get on with the World Cup, especially in front of our home crowd," said the veteran batsman.

"It's not easy to play a team like Canada. ... they bowled well initially," said he said.

Jayawardene praised his players' attitude.

"I think the boys had the right attitude going into the game. We were very positive with the ball on the field as well, and the most important thing was to keep wickets in hand and then Kumar (Sangakkara, 92) and myself gave impetus."

Jayawardene added an invaluable 179 for the third wicket with his skipper after Tillakaratne Dilshan set the platform with a brisk 50.

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 02/22/2011 page24)