Sri Lanka sets the pace through Dilshan

Richard Dwight

Armed with four formidable frontline pace bowlers and two equally competent spinners and, considered as favourites over Sri Lanka - the over confident South African skipper, Graem Smith, did take many by surprise, by spending Sri Lanka to bat first on a tailor made batting strip at the Centurian Park.

His cocksure approach did seem to soar with the early dismissal of the mercurial Jayasuriya, with the Sri Lanka score at 14.

But that’s how far the proteas went, for thereafter with the reassuring entry of skipper Sangakkara - opener Tillakaratne Dilshan came into his own with his superb batting to stamp his class, and so wrest the initiative for Sri Lanka to exercise its superiority and be in command, over a side that was tipped to win.

Not many, nor even Dilshan, would have felt that he was going to excel beyond himself to the exetent that he was going to have the bowlers, pace as well spin mercilessly at his feet.

If in earlier times his attitude to batting was lackadaisical to be non-chalant, it has since changed on his being made to open for which position he does seem to display a fondness.

Dilshan does revel against pace and has the ability now, to confidently face the crucial deliveries sent down by a spinner, with much patience.

Evidence of this was seen at the Centurian Park, where he in devastating mood tore the South African bowling apart, with utter disdain and contempt.

He was the monarch of all he surveyed and his right there was none to dispute.

Quite a few would be over-shadowed to suffer by comparison when batting along with Dilshan - especially when he bats in his own characteristic, inimitable style. His century at Centurian Park was entertainment of a high order to light up the tournament.

Skipper Kumar and Mahela are batsmen, who are pleasing to watch and did with graceful elegance score half centuries. Both of them are reminiscent of the Middlesex twins, Dennis Comeption and John Edrich who contributed much to the England side during the early post war years.