One-Day Cup Final: Kumar Sangakkara says Surrey must keep cool at Lord's

Kumar Sangakkara has urged his Surrey team-mates to keep their heads in Saturday's Royal London One-Day Cup final against Gloucestershire.

Surrey journey across London to Lord's intent on backing up their promotion to County Championship Division One with their first one-day trophy since 2011.

But Sangakkara, who scored 166 in Surrey's four-run win over Nottinghamshire in the One-Day Cup semi-finals, says his colleagues must treat the showpiece game - which is live on Sky Sports 2 from 10am - like a regular match if they are to come out on top.

Live Royal London One-Day Cup Cricket

"The key for us is to enjoy the day and forget that it's a final, forget that it's Lord's, and not to get overawed or overwhelmed," said the Sri Lanka legend.

"We need to appreciate what's brought us here and then repeat it on the day, keep our focus on the task at hand and our thoughts simple.

"As we slowly build up to the game, the excitement will heighten but I just hope that we keep our eyes on the ball and our minds on what we are there to do.

"We need to execute our basics, trust in each other and enjoy a wonderful game of cricket."

Surrey's 2015 campaign has been one to savour, having booked a return to the top flight in the County Championship after a two-year absence, as well as a spot in this weekend's Lord's final, the venue for their CB40 triumph over Somerset four years ago.

Batsman Jason Roy has also established himself as a key component in England's new-look one-day team, while Zafar Ansari - who looks set to miss the Gloucestershire game with a dislocated thumb - has earned a call-up to the Test squad for the upcoming contests with Pakistan in the UAE.

So while Sangakkara is determined to add another piece of silverware to the Surrey cabinet, he insists defeat on Saturday would not sully the season.

"The result is not going to take anything away from the season we've had and the way the players have blossomed and the team has shown its character."

"It's going to be a very, very special day but whatever the result, the journey has been wonderful," said Sangakkara, who is contracted to Surrey until the end of the 2016 campaign.

"If we can cap it off with a win, even better, but the result is not going to take anything away from the season we've had and the way the players have blossomed and the team has shown its character.

Watch the Royal London One-Day Cup Final between Surrey and Gloucestershire from 10am on Saturday, Sky Sports 2. You can also catch the game with a NOW TV Day Pass.