Knife-edge finishes will boost Sri Lanka, says Jayawardene by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 5th April 2007

 

Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene believes the two heart-stopping finishes against South Africa and England can inspire his team's push to the World Cup title.

 

Sri Lanka lost by one wicket to South Africa last week but turned the tables on England by clinching a nerve-shredding last ball two-run win here on Wednesday.

 

Dilhara Fernando clean bowled Ravi Bopara with the last delivery of a dramatic Super Eights match which put Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, into second place in the table and on course for the semi-finals.

 

England, chasing 236 to win, are in fifth place and currently out of the semi-finals shake-up and with a match against champions Australia next up on Sunday.

 

"We bowled well and got wickets at crucial times," said Jayawardene whose team had England reeling at 133-6 at one stage.

 

"It was a brilliant all-round effort. We bowled in the right areas but it wasn't good for the heart.

 

"The South Africa game was also too close for comfort but it just shows that everyone is fighting for it. It's an important tournament and finishes like this are good for cricket.

 

"We had them at 133-6 and thought we were just one ball away from exposing the tail. But Paul Nixon (42) and Ravi Bopara (52) batted really well and took it to the last few overs."

 

Jayawardene admitted that he thought his team's total of 235 would not have been enough to defend.

 

"I threw away my wicket and I thought we were 15-20 runs short, but the bowlers came back strongly."

 

England skipper Michael Vaughan, who again failed with the bat being dismissed for nought, said that despite the defeat his team could be proud of their efforts.

 

"The team is pretty quiet in the dressing room at the moment but we can be proud of ourselves. We were outstanding with the ball at the start and then Paul and Ravi gave us a chance of reaching the target," said Vaughan.

 

"I thought we would just get over the line but it wasn't to be."

 

Sri Lanka have a break until next Thursday when they play their next Super Eights game against New Zealand in Grenada.

 

England, however, must find a way past Australia here on Sunday.

 

"We will have to play in a similar way to make sure we get the two points," said Vaughan.

 

"We can take a lot of positives from the game. Not many people thought we could play that well in these conditions."

 

The captain also praised Bopara.

 

"He's a good player and to hold his nerve in that environment was an incredible effort," said Vaughan.

 

Fernando, who finished with three wickets, said he was confident about bowling the last over of the match.

 

"I've been playing really well in the last few weeks, so I had a lot of confidence," said the 27-year-old seamer.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)