Dilshan hails 'best ever'

All-rounder reflects on day to remember in Kandy

Last updated: 10th March 2011  

Dilshan hails 'best ever'

Dilshan: Day to remember

Today Dilshan had that magic touch with bat, ball and on the field.

Kumar Sangakkara
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Tillakaratne Dilshan labelled his all-round masterclass against Zimbabwe the best performance of his career as Sri Lanka romped to a 139-run victory in Pallekele, Kandy.

The aggressive right-hander smashed 144 of 131 balls at the top of the order before crowning a day to remember with figures of 4-4 to sew-up a victory that confirmed a quarter-final place.

Dilshan was dismissed just one run short of compatriot Aravinda de Silva's World Cup record score of 145 against Kenya in 1996, while his 282-run opening stand with Upul Tharanga was just five runs short of breaking the all-time one-day international record.

In pursuit of 328 for victory Zimbabwe got off to a promising start but were derailed after the exit of opener Brendan Taylor (80 off 72) and were bundled out for 188 with 11 overs remaining.

Frustrated

Dilshan, who had scored just one half-century from his past four World Cup matches, completed his memorable outing as he then bamboozled Zimbabwe with his off-spinners.

The all-rounder admitted that he had been frustrated at his inability to convert starts into a big score and make an impact on the outcome of the match.

"I was really disappointed about not cashing in on the starts I used to get," Dilshan said.

"But I am happy with the performance today. It was a very good wicket to bat and the ball came on well. This is my career's best match."

Dilshan's day could have been even better but Mahela Jayawardene failed to hold onto a catch at slip which would have secured him a hat-trick.

"The hat-trick unfortunately went away. But before that Mahela had taken a brilliant catch, so the second wicket really belongs to him," Dilshan added.

Magic

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara heaped praise on Dilshan for his magical impact on the game.

"The opening stand just took it away," he said.

"Dilshan has been an important players for us over the last 10 years. Today Dilshan had that magic touch with bat, ball and on the field."

Losing captain Elton Chigumbura admitted it was a disappointing show from the Zimbabwe.

"We needed bigger score from other batsmen after Brendan Taylor's 80. I am disappointed with the show today.

"But we will stay positive and learn from mistakes and try to improve in the remaining matches."

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