Cricbeat

COLOMBO: Experienced Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene said Friday he was surprised that Pakistan are not rated amongst the favourites to win the World Cup, insisting they are potential champions.

“I find it surprising that their name is not bandied about in the mix of potential World Cup winners as they have brilliant match winners with both bat and ball,” Jayawardene wrote about the 1992 champions on his blog.

Co-hosts India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and defending champions Australia are regarded as the leading contenders, with some tagging Pakistan as the dark horses.

But Jayawardene believes Pakistan can win the title.

Pakistan play Sri Lanka in a sell-out match here on Saturday, and Jayawrdene said his team are wary of the dangers posed by Shahid Afridi’s men.

“Pakistan are just as familiar with the conditions, so they pose a huge danger to any side, especially in the knockout stage and it should be a good match,” said Jayawardene of the Group A match.

“Despite what people may write or not write, we certainly are fully aware of what this Pakistan side can do to any team with seemingly little effort,” said Jayawardene.

Jayawardene said Sri Lanka needed to keep focus on the big game.

“Our game against Pakistan is huge for us. We need to maintain our focus and we know that we have to bring our ‘A’ Game if we are to continue our winning momentum”.