Mahela plays down Gayle factor

6 October 2012 04:58 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 62 Bookmark

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Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene played down the Chris Gayle factor in Sunday's World Twenty20 final saying the West Indies team was not just about the swashbuckling opener from Jamaica.

The left-hander destroyed Australia in Friday's semi-final with an unbeaten 75 off 41 balls, studded with six massive sixes and five fours.

Australia captain George Bailey said after his team's loss that Sri Lanka's title hopes will be over if the hosts failed to dismiss Gayle cheaply on Sunday.

"Not too much," Jayawardene said when he was asked if Gayle will be a key factor in the final.

"He is just another player in a very good West Indies team. We have to have our focus on the entire team and the way we analyse and have a game plan is for a team not for individuals.

"That's not the way we went about this tournament. We never went after individual players. That's why we controlled things the way we can control."

Gayle, 33, has been in superb form with three half-centuries and has scored 219 runs, including 19 fours and 16 sixes, the highest by an individual in the tournament.

Sri Lanka defeated West Indies by nine wickets the last time they met, in the Super Eight stage of the tournament.

"They played some good cricket and you've got to admire them," Jayawardene told reporters.

"They got some quality players like any other team and they've got their strengths and weaknesses. Both teams deserve to be in the finals."

Sri Lanka have lost their last three World Cup finals across different formats but Jayawardene is not ready to dwell too much on the past.

The right-hander was involved in all of them -- when Sri Lanka were defeated in the 50-over versions in 2007 and 2011 and also lost the World Twenty20 final in 2009.

"We don't want to go back into the past history and say that it hasn't worked for us," Jayawardene told reporters.

"The preparation has been pretty good and we are not thinking too much about the final and what has happened and all that.

"We were not good enough to win those finals but we believe that we have the capacity to win this one.

"We played good cricket to get to this place and we are looking forward to an exciting final tomorrow."

Winning the toss to get the chance of batting first on the slow pitches often prove crucial in the sub-continent but Jayawardene said that in the shortest format of the game the conditions almost remained the same for both sides.

"It's funny how T20 cricket is, it's not a big game where the wicket's going to change quite a bit drastically so both teams have equal opportunities," he said, admitting that playing in front of the vociferous home crowd was an advantage.

"You go for the toss and say this is our game plan and if it comes our way we'll try and execute that but if we lose the toss whatever the opposition team comes up with you change your game plan and try and work on that."(Reuters)

Related link
Sorry Sri Lanka, but it's definitely ours-Gayle

Comments - 62

Lal Sunday, 07 October 2012 08:28 AM

When you consider the class and cricketing intelligence of Mahela and Sangakkara combined with current form of our team, we have the upper hand over power hitters of WI. However, after all Crickets is a very uncertain game. Anything can happen on any given day! But, I still believe that SL team’s current team composition, and Mahela’s intelligent leadership with the blessings of 20 million Sri Lankans we should win the ICC T20 World Cup 2012.

0 1

Mohd. Sakeer Sunday, 07 October 2012 04:05 AM

Come on SL, lets make it big and make it happen this time ... It is going to be "Mahela Factor" ...
All the best SL and we are behind you ...
Regards
Mohd. Sakeer
(Al Khobar - KSA)

0 2

Sakeer M. Zubair Sunday, 07 October 2012 04:08 AM

Come on SL, lets make it big and make it happen this time. It is going to be "Mahela Factor", not Gayle!!!
All the best SL and we are right away behind you ...
Regards
Sakeer M. Zubair

1 5

Lanka Shantha Sunday, 07 October 2012 04:06 AM

A cricket match is not decided by any one.
1.Weather God
2. Turf Condition and preparation.
3. Neutral umpires.
4. Team Spirit
5. Ground Support.
6. Luck.

1 2

Kalana Sunday, 07 October 2012 05:22 AM

Nice saying... you're matured than before... very good...

1 0

NAREN Sunday, 07 October 2012 05:32 AM

mahela you and your boys must show the world "that no one messses around srilanka in srilanka"

1 2

M.I.MUSTHAQ MOHAMED Sunday, 07 October 2012 05:56 AM

DON'T WORRY GAME IS ON OUR SIDE LIKE SUPER EIGHT WON BY EIGHT WICKETS. EASY WIN FOR SRI LANKA CHRIS GAYLE THINKS THAT HE IS THE HERO.

0 4

humaid reyal Sunday, 07 October 2012 06:36 AM

i think mahela was right srilanka looking to be champions 2012 icc world cup t20

0 1

MagodisThuma! Sunday, 07 October 2012 06:49 AM

No Malefic's at the 7th house of the horoscope !

0 0

MagodisThuma! Sunday, 07 October 2012 07:00 AM

Gullivers Vs Lilliputs !

2 4

RajasH Sunday, 07 October 2012 06:56 AM

you missed out politicians

0 1

Sameer Sunday, 07 October 2012 07:04 AM

Well said 'dcold' Vimal is really a idiot to mix up things... this a great day for our nation and please dont talk stupid and spoil the feeling.. lets wish our team all teh very best and 20 million hearts are with you Mahela and team... lets win the WC

11 4

winindd Sunday, 07 October 2012 07:08 AM

who knows, both two previous finals he was there and same result. why take any chances? it's demoralizing even to us in the stands.

2 9

S. Harindra Sunday, 07 October 2012 12:00 AM

I wish Mahela and his brave squad all the very best against the West Indies, today in the final.
At the same time I also express my pleasure on their victory against the arrogant Australians.
via DM Android App

0 0

Moahammed H. Sunday, 07 October 2012 07:41 AM

Yes Mahela. You got it absolutely right as usual. We are proud of you and your boys. You & Sanga gave our nation the quality both at cricket and away from cricket.... We know that the team will do your best and be sure that we are always with you wheather you win or loose... Guys we are proud of you....

1 3

rajaraja Sunday, 07 October 2012 07:43 AM

both the team have shown what they can do, we have to accept win of any team, but should have an interesting game of cricket

0 0

thomas Sunday, 07 October 2012 03:55 AM

we show the world how matured are sri lankas, not like " spoil the party comment" by sammy. Caribbean boys should go for etiquette class to learn about what to tell what not to tell. Come on windies grow up

0 1

Kalana Sunday, 07 October 2012 09:12 AM

This is another new game, WI is not easy team for T20 format. we have to play as we played with Pakistan. Polard also now in form. He is very dangerous than Gayle.

1 1

S.Kajarajah Sunday, 07 October 2012 11:41 AM

Our Sri lanka cricket team is very very very best of the world..
The T20 world cup final match will win our nation..!
So, we don't worry about that.
Today may be the lucky day to all...!

4 2

Jamaal Sunday, 07 October 2012 12:00 AM

Waw... Nov Andris cn post... Suberb dudes via DM Android App

0 0

Shamali Sunday, 07 October 2012 04:15 PM

Mahela, luck is against you....HE is the reason for the downfall....HE shouldn't have been there today!

1 1

Vimal Sunday, 07 October 2012 04:43 PM

You are the absolute idiot I told you it will happen... Absolute curse!!

0 2

Vimal Sunday, 07 October 2012 04:44 PM

By the way its silly of you to say I am mixing politics with sport when a majority knows who is mixing what with what!! lol!! Look at the votes for my comments!

0 3

Jayasekara Sunday, 07 October 2012 04:48 PM

He came we lost
Until TV showed him we hand the upper hand from that moment it was down hill

1 2

Palitha Sunday, 07 October 2012 05:00 PM

Now our Capi will have to eat his own words for the very bad Batting perfomance !! We threw our Match !!!

0 1

vic Sunday, 07 October 2012 05:09 PM

He went, they lost!!!!

0 1

MARA Regime Sunday, 07 October 2012 05:52 PM

Unluckiest day of all....because I, HE the President is going to watch the match at Khettarama...

0 1

nadim Sunday, 07 October 2012 06:27 PM

Jayawardene that is your thought. you ll have no plans in bowling/batting. all your brains are just filled with $ s.
That will get you all, back to the blackhole you ll were in before you ll won your ONLY cup! Sad but true. Cricket is politisized like everything in that land.

1 0

anand Monday, 08 October 2012 06:45 AM

Jayawardene and boys did there best. No one will come with out a plan. some times plan never work. This not only in cricket in other matters too. I personally feel nothing much to talk about the lose. when they do well we praises ,when they loss entire country................................
well done boys to become second out of eight.

0 0

len Monday, 08 October 2012 10:23 AM

Brone got the upper hand over the brain?

0 0

acord Saturday, 06 October 2012 09:27 PM

U cant Judge t20 game.it can change in 1 over itself.who ever plays well get the title.lets hope the lions will play well n lets pray for lions to win the title

0 4

Vimal Saturday, 06 October 2012 05:20 PM

I don't think we need to be worried about Gayle or the team that much... lets just hope the person who ruined the last to chances for the world cup final by coming to the match doesnt show up.. PLEASE!! And if you come and we loose please dont say dumb things to the people of SL.

12 65

dev Saturday, 06 October 2012 05:26 PM

Super balance speech, Keep it up, Make Sri LAnka Proud..

1 37

dcold Saturday, 06 October 2012 06:16 PM

So it is not the players that lose the match but a spectator?

You are an ideal idiot mixing the sport (and everything) with the politics

19 9

DHA Saturday, 06 October 2012 06:19 PM

.....Our Strength is our fielding even against Paks' we were able to stop about 20-30 runs which put them in pressure.....which WI lack its not about waking sixes its about playing intelligently....this is the reason that always makes us go into finals when it comes to big games......Go Lions Go.....we know you'll can do it....All the Best....

1 5

lalith Saturday, 06 October 2012 06:36 PM

I totally agree with Mahela and I am sure he will lead SL team for Victory today!

1 6

AMG Saturday, 06 October 2012 06:58 PM

no matter what we love our stars !!!!!!!!!!!!!

0 5

rajiv Saturday, 06 October 2012 07:07 PM

Mahela Must have worked out a game plan, Hope this final will be a Final Win,

In any case we can watch a great match. Hope Malinga will not be like Mendis Sr in fielding.

0 4

jan Saturday, 06 October 2012 07:23 PM

Gilchrist destroyed us singlehanded( with golf ball) Gale on his day could be as devastating lets get him out early

0 4

Ranjan Saturday, 06 October 2012 07:55 PM

It's all about pressure and confusing the batsman with change in bowling style and setting fielders to keep the run rate low and taking wickets. Mahela and the team Sri Lanka knows the game plan and our defense and offence are at their best. Sure we can win the final with a big margin. Go lions go.

1 4

Pradeep Saturday, 06 October 2012 08:23 PM

Mahela and the team Sri Lanka have a good knowledge on Chris Gayle and WI team. Doesn't matter who bat first as long as taking wickets and keep WI run rate low. Our fielders, batsmen and bowlers are great and in their peak form.It is Sri Lanka party this time. Fans are celebrating.

0 2

mohammed Saturday, 06 October 2012 08:30 PM

Whatever mahela said is ok but whoever bat first they will win the final thatz it. stpid slow bowling wicket created by ICC for TW20 world cup is not acceptable. no one can hit the ball accept few of the batsman. if we are not batting first say goodbye to second time to cup.

3 3

Naradha Saturday, 06 October 2012 08:38 PM

It is David and Goliath and we Sri Lanka David win in the world T20 tomorrow. Could do our own gangnam style this time.

0 0

Manik Saturday, 06 October 2012 09:14 PM

Gayle probably made his comments as a pre-match psychological strategy and experienced cricketers like Mahela and Sanga know this. It only deserves a chuckle

0 3

GhostLanka Saturday, 06 October 2012 09:14 PM

WOW Vimal its like we share a common brainwave frequency when I read this comment, good observation but also do remember That this EXECUTIVE PERSON suggested to West Indies WC Adminstration Chineese contractors to build one of their stadiums too in one of the islands, dont know if his son would be there too. I wish Akila would play too without Thirammane.

4 4

Chandler Saturday, 06 October 2012 09:24 PM

Boasting Gayle had a field night with Aussies and his fair share is used and over. It's going to be great Master Captain Mahela's field tonight.
Mahela would surely put his action plan in to top gear tonight. All the best Sri Lankans. You will win it!

0 3

RajasH Saturday, 06 October 2012 05:22 PM

in this format of the game it's any one's title on the day.
so congrats to WI and Sri Lanka to have come so far
If on the it is indeed WI who lift the cup we will be happier that it's not the Australians or the Indians who have both deprived us of the ODI world cup

20 17

Awshad Rahim Saturday, 06 October 2012 11:30 PM

Mahela since Dilshan is using up too far many dot balls put him down the order and give Tissara perera & Kulasekera a bang without dot balls in the 1st ten overs without hanging in to score the other 10.Accelerate the ist 10 as done by the World cup winning team in Pakistan.We must win this in home soil NO EXCUSES PLEASE.

1 3

Vik Saturday, 06 October 2012 11:40 PM

SL already passed their biggest hurdle - the semi final with Pakistan. The cup will be ours if we play to our strength & potential.

1 6

markus Sunday, 07 October 2012 12:06 AM

Gayle is another player who had got some momentum,but we have always far superior team.so i feel its anothing to worry at all as Gayle will bite the dust within first few overs.keep the flag flying mahela and the boys

0 4

Anver Sunday, 07 October 2012 12:09 AM

Some players pay exceptionally well at certain times.. Gayle has had his day already and it would be a Sri Lankan who is going to do it today.

0 5

ramesh Sunday, 07 October 2012 12:19 AM

no need to take this too as a chance to advertise `bankolot` political parties by bashing MR.Howevr Mahela is right..I dont mind even if we bat 2nd against WI as their batting is the stronger part

0 3

Jagath Leanage Sunday, 07 October 2012 12:44 AM

Well said Mahela. Gayle is just another player. Our bowling side is far more superior than Australia. That is why, they (WI) scored so much. If they are coming to play with the same attitude, will shot out for less than 100. Our batting lineup also goes down to no.7 after that allrounders are there.So ours is much much better than WI. We were expecting Ausies to come to see exciting final unfortunately not and it will be a one sided which I have lost the interest to see finals.
Sri-Lan-Ka, Sri-Lan-Ka,Sri-Lan-Ka, Sri-Lan-Ka...............

0 2

Kumari Sunday, 07 October 2012 12:48 AM

Looking forward to some great cricket.SL has done a
great job so far.I hope we win but if we don't they
have played some great cricket to get this far.Keep it up!

0 2

MagodisThuma! Sunday, 07 October 2012 01:11 AM

Only Sixes can win the match !

5 1

Calistus Jayatilleke Sunday, 07 October 2012 02:29 AM

Unlike the rush-of-bloood boasts of Gayle in the in the euphoria of the win against Australia, Mahela's point of view is more balanced and diplomatic. This is the way to go forward. All the best for winning the Cup today. As one reader has commented, "unwelcome" VVIPs, who bring bad luck, should somehow be barred from coming to watch the finals today.

2 2

mercy Sunday, 07 October 2012 02:54 AM

Very pragmatic and realistic GO ahead Mahela definitely tighten the rope across the whole west indians simply throw play your best and my best wishes for our team sri lanka namo namo matha .Thankness we are not meeting india in the finals other wise we would be unlucky not to win.

0 1

maithri Sunday, 07 October 2012 02:59 AM

Though muslims are not supported to yet we have the best two captains contemporarily .My best wishes for the whole team .Finals is about fighting till the last ball.

0 1

idroos Sunday, 07 October 2012 03:01 AM

My best wishes for the whole .I was expecting SL paks final so that i can show my countrymen though i am a staunch muslim i still love my country

0 4

idroos Sunday, 07 October 2012 03:04 AM

Well said Mahela just focus on the final and give the stirke to gayle as much as possible because he is comfotable watching at the non stirkers end to get an eye in .he would destroy later .Get gayle early the cup ia ours

0 2

Mohamed Firzan Sunday, 07 October 2012 03:45 AM

well done Mahela, you already won sociology game, you proud Sri lanka , It's not matter winning or losing the game how you pay the game . all the best

0 3

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