Atapattu is run out. (Getty Images)

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Sri Lanka virtually assured themselves of qualification for the World Cup's Super Six on Friday - but they had to work hard for it.

Chasing a victory target of 229, West Indies narrowly missed out - a final score of 222 for nine from their 50 overs resulting in a six-run loss.

They refused to give up even though at 122 for six - effectively seven with Ramnaresh Sarwan in hospital after being hit in the head - few would have backed them to win.

But they kept at it and needed 14 off the last over bowled by Pulasthi Gunaratne.

A 47-run partnership by Vasbert Drakes and Shivnarine Chanderpaul for the seventh wicket kept West Indies in the match.

But the inspiration came when Chanderpaul was dismissed for 65 - a knock which contained six fours and came off 90 balls.

Sarwan, who had just returned to the ground after receiving stitches at a Claremont private hospital after Dilhara Fernando hit him behind the left ear, strode to the crease to a standing ovation from the Newlands crowd. Even more amazing, he did not wear a helmet.

But his batting was even more impressive, as he started hitting the Sri Lankan spinners to all parts of the ground.

He took 14 runs off one Sanath Jayasuriya over just when things seemed lost - but despite a gutsy 47 off 43 balls, including two sixes and four fours, his team were beaten.

If Sarwan was the Windies' hero, Chaminda Vaas again starred for Sri Lanka, taking four wickets for 22 runs from his 10 overs.

Vaas was the joint leading wicket taker in the tournament with Wasim Akram with 12 prior to the game and went clear of the Pakistan legend with another stunning display of fast bowling.

His first spell of two for 14 in seven overs contained the crucial wicket of Brian Lara (1) and Wavell Hinds (2).

But he virtually sealed the win - and qualification for the next stage with the second over of his second spell (his ninth) when he took the wickets of Chris Gayle (55) and Ridley Jacobs (0) in four balls.