Team shows great character - Mahela

Chris DHAMBARAGE from Pakistan

Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardena said that his team had shown a great deal of character in winning their second successive match in the six nation Asia Cup limited overs tournament.

The defending champions cruised to a convincing 142 run victory over the United Arab Emirates team after having trounced Bangladesh by 131 runs both matches played under lights at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Jayawardena praised his lower order batsmen for their spirited performance that helped them to recover well and post a match winning total at the end.

Sri Lanka were in danger of being bowled out inside their 50 overs before all rounders Kaushalya Weeraratne and Nuwan Kulasekera rescued the side with a stubborn eighth wicket stand.

The Sri Lanka captain said that it was good to see their lower order batsmen making some useful contributions that will certainly help them in the more important matches coming ahead.

In fact Sri Lanka will be up against hosts Pakistan in their opening match of the Super 4 on Sunday at the National Stadium in Karachi. However Bangladesh and India will start the second round tournament with a clash on Saturday at the same venue.

Skipper Jayawardena also commended the effort of opener Mahela Udawatte who batted well for his fighting half century in the game against the United Arab Emirates team.

The left hander who came in place of Sanath Jayasuriya performed his role to the fullest satisfaction while stroking a fluent half century under pressure.

The Sri Lanka captain said that it is good to have a healthy competition among the teammates and they will need to carefully plan their strategy from here onwards if the team is to reach the final schedule for July 6. (Lahore, Friday).

The Super 4 schedule

(All matches at the National Stadium Karachi):

June 28: Bangladesh v India

June 29: Sri Lanka v Pakistan

June 30: Sri Lanka v Bangladesh

July 1: Rest

July 2: Pakistan v India

July 3: Sri Lanka v India

July 4: Bangladesh v Pakistan

July 6: Final

July 7: Reserve day.