Jayawardene plans campaign

Mahela Jayawardene has performed well © Getty Images

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene believes a perfect World Cup is a possibility as his side prepare to take on South Africa.

The Sri Lankans have won all three of their contests to date, their latest sending Asian powerhouse India packing, and Jayawardene thinks getting on a roll through the Super Eight stage could be crucial.

Another of the world’s leading captains, New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming expressed doubt that any side could go through this Caribbean competition undefeated.

The eventual winners of the 2007 trophy will have participated in 11 matches.

“For us the challenge was to win every game in the group stages,” said Jayawardene.

“It is the same here, you need to win practically every game that you play. That will give you a lot of confidence and a lot of momentum.

“You are not going into a game thinking ‘It’s okay we can give this one away’ because there are four places in the semi-finals. You don’t think like that.

“In a tournament like this you have to make sure you win every game: if you play really good cricket, yes it is possible.

“I am sure teams that have been beaten once up to now will be thinking it is possible for them to win every one from now on.

“Each game you win builds your confidence, the opposition will fear you as well when they play you, so it is always momentum-driven in a tournament like this.”

With two points already in the bag, and the healthiest run-rate of the final eight, Sri Lanka begin the second stage top of the qualification table.

So despite targeting the best-possible scenario, the 1996 World Cup winners could yet progress to the final four with a couple of defeats.

Because of their strong position Jayawardene has not been forced to contemplate permutations just yet but admitted: “Taking those early points will definitely benefit us.

“It is quite tough to figure, especially with Bangladesh and Ireland in the group.

“It appears to be the top six teams battling it out for four places, so I reckon to win at least half of the games you play would be minimum.

“If you can win more you will probably be in the comfort zone. But the earlier you can get the wins under your belt the easier it will be for you going forward.

“There is also rain, something you cannot control, so when you get the opportunity it is important to get the maximum out of it.”