Sri Lanka have been unbeaten in their march to the final. They played like a highly cohesive unit, but Dilshan outshone everyone in the tournament with the bat and Murali and Mendis were often making the opponents look hopeless. Here's a look back at their journey to the final.
SRI LANKA BEAT AUSTRALIA BY 6 WICKETS:
Sri Lanka were drawn in the Group of Death with Australia and the West Indies. And against Australia, in their first game itself Sri Lanka bared their fangs. Chasing 160 for a win and the opportunity to knock the Aussies out of the tournament, Sri Lanka were sharp and serene at the same time. Dilshan provided the burst at the top with 53 and new captain Sangakkara the finish. His unbeaten 55 got the Lankans past with an over to spare.
SRI LANKA BEAT WEST INDIES BY 12 RUNS:
The West Indies were shell shocked in game two by a fierce opening assault by Dilshan and Jayasuriya. The openers added 124 in just over 12 overs and Sri Lanka made 192. Despite a brave attempt, West Indies fell 12 short.
SRI LANKA BEAT PAKISTAN BY 19 RUNS:
The Super Eights began with a comfortable 19 run win over sub-continental neighbours Pakistan. Yet again, Dilshan making runs and Malinga and Murali getting into the wickets.
SRI LANKA BEAT IRELAND BY 11 RUNS:
But just as Sri Lanka appeared to be hitting top form came a surprisng blip against minnows Ireland. A not so impressive 144 was scored batting first with Jayawardene making 78. The Irish nearly stunned the world with a spirited run-chase. However, that fell 11 short in the end.
LANKA WIN AGAINST KIWIS BY 48 RUNS:
Despite having won all their games, Sri Lanka came into their final game against New Zealand knowing that defeat would knock them out. Yet again Dilshan made runs at the top and the experienced Jayawardene and Sangakkara shored up the total. The spin of Mendis delivered the knockout punch as he claimed three and the Kiwis were brushed aside for a fifth straight win.
SRI LANKA WON BY 57 RUNS:
They had beaten the Windies once, and had the confidence to do it again in the semis. Dilshan has made this tournament his very own - and there he was again, just missing out on a century - unbeaten on 96, carrying the Lankan innings on his shoulders.
And then the three Ms - Murali, Mendis and Mathews - destroyed the West Indies batting line-up, Gayle played a lone hand, but not a single other batsman crossed single figures - mesmerised by the spin-magic. West Indies were humbled and humiliated as Lanka marched into an all-Asian final.
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