sri lanka report card

Malinga gets top marks.

By Jonhenry Wilson

Upul Tharanga

Played in all of Sri Lanka's 11 matches, disappointed at every turn, sported a really dogged strike-rate and in no way lived up to the promise he showed in the ICC Champions Trophy. Guilty of not converting decent starts. Being groomed to fill the boots of Jayasuriya but it's taking longer than the Lankans would like. 3.

Marvan Atapattu

Struggling with injury and very short of game time, the former skipper went along for the trip to the World Cup anyway. The coaching set-up probably called on his wealth of experience for advice, etc on a number of occasions, but he watched Sri Lanka's entire campaign from the pavilion, not getting a game. n/a.

Malinga Bandara

A brilliant spinner in his own right but forced to live in the shadow of the legendary Muralitharan. Was granted one game against the Aussies in the Super Eights but failed to grab the opportunity with both hands - pitching in figures of one for 53 in just under 10 overs. 4.

Muttiah Muralitharan

Joint second highest wicket-taker of the tournament, Muralitharan fronted the Sri Lankan three-pronged spin-attack with his usual authority. All in all claimed 23 scalps, including a match-winning four-fer against the New Zealanders to earn his nation a spot in the final. Had a sad final though, going wicket-less for seven expensive overs. 8.

Lasith Malinga

Who will ever forget the day he so very nearly snatched victory from the jaws of deafeat against South Africa? The first man in the history of the game to take four wickets in four balls. 'Slinga Malinga' - A real personality and an unusual action to match. A fast-bowler in the truest form and the perfect foil to Vaas. 9.

Nuwan Kulasekara

With Vaas, Malinga, Fernando and Maharoof fronting the pace charge, the inexperienced Kulasekara was never likely to get many games. He managed to get the nod for two but failed to impress in both. Not a wicket to show for his 11 overs and, fancied somewhat as an all-rounder, one run in one knock isn't exactly mind-blowing. 5.

Farveez Maharoof

In constant competition with Fernando for a spot in the starting XI, Maharoof lost out to his countryman for the semi-final and final - the latter, perhaps a decision Sri Lanka will not be pleased with in hindsight. Bagged two four-fers against Ireland and Bermuda - lowly competition yes, but four-fers nonetheless. 5.

Dilhara Fernando

Had a poor World Cup. Really needs to tame his wild spirit and will then be able to gain a permanent spot in the final XI. Is lethal on his day but blows hot and cold far too often. With the career of Vaas drawing to a close Fernando really has to step up to the plate more often, or else it's tickets for him, with Maharoof waiting in the wings. 4.

Tillakaratne Dilshan

Did a job with the bat and ball. Providing some no-frills, no-fuss batting in the middle-order and held his own with his off-spin. Has enjoyed better times and could perhaps take himself a bit more seriously with the bat in hand. Takes a while to get going but once in, is a good as Jayawardene or Sangakkara. 5.

Russel Arnold

Announced he would retire from the one-day and only managed a single in his last match. Silent but effective, farmed the strike well at the tail of the innings collecting invaluable runs in the closing overs. Nabbed a surprising three wickets when called upon to have a bowl on the odd occasion. 6.

Chamara Silva

The find of the tournament for Sri Lanka, his quick-fire half-tons provided often-needed impetus in the middle-order. Lethal on the front foot and merciless on the quick bowlers. One for the future and with a World Cup under the belt now, set to front the charge of the new generation of Lankans. 8.

Sanath Jayasuriya

Smashed two tons against Bangladesh and then against the West Indies. Would have probably wanted one more biggie while in the Caribbean. His 63 in the final could have been converted into that biggie; alas it was not to be. Took seven wickets with his 'round-armers' too in his quest to be recognised as an all-rounder. 8.

Mahela Jayawardene

Led from the front with great aplomb and finished top run-scorer for the Sri Lankans. His century against the Black Caps in the semi-final was blazed with such assurance and four other half-tons were of great value when Tharanga, Sangakkara and Dilshan were not doing a good enough job. 9.

Chaminda Vaas

Was as economical as ever and often managed to put his opponent's top-order under early pressure, leaving Malinga to claim the glory with the wickets. A workhorse of note and a vital cog in the Sri Lankan attack, sorely missed when rested against the Aussies in the Super Eights. Pitched in with some tidy lower-order knocks too. 7.

Kumar Sangakkara

They managed to get to the final without much of a contribution with the bat from him but the Lanakans will can feel aggrieved by Sangakkara's lack of performance with the bat. Came to the party to a degree in the final but really should have gone on to a biggie. His keeping to Murali and the like was sterling as always. 6.