Dav Whatmore looks back on Sri Lanka's Sharjah triumph

Whilst the lack of consistency was a disappointment, and would have cost us dear if it were the World Cup, Sri Lanka's performance in the final of the Sharjah ARY Gold Cup was very satisfying indeed and once again underlined the fact that when we play to our potential, Sri Lanka is a world class one-day side, which is very difficult to beat.

It is especially heartening that we are presently winning the big games in one-day cricket. There were a few nerves on the morning of the final. The stadium was packed full of supporters, most them cheering Pakistan with a passion, and we had lost three out of our first four games. It was a big match and we went into it in poor form.

Credit then to the players, who responded well to the pressure. It helped to win the toss of course. Chasing had proved difficult throughout the tournament and we had no hesitation batting first.

Evening dew was not the problem that it was last October and our spinners could operate effectively under the lights. Moreover, we felt the ball spun more during the evening and the fast bowlers enjoyed some extra nip in the first ten overs.

So, why did we opt to field first against New Zealand? We were criticised for that decision, but the rational was simple. We wanted extra practice at chasing, an aspect of the game that had let us down on two occasions against Pakistan.

Although we were glad to bat first in the final, the top order still had to contend with the impressive Waqar Younis and Abdul Razzaq, who bowled tightly in the opening overs, restricting us to 33 runs in the first ten overs.

Despite the early loss of Romesh Kaluwithrana and the relatively low scoring rate, however, Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu held their nerve, unlike Pakistan, who started to spill chances. We gradually raised the tempo, scoring 46 runs in the second ten overs, 53 in the third, 65 in the fourth, and 100 in the final ten. It was as good a batting performance as you are likely to witness.

Pakistan though were always in with a chance, even if they haven't traditionally enjoyed chasing. Ten overs of a rampaging Alfridi and it could be all over with the experienced Saeed Anwar and Inzaman ul-Haq waiting in the wings.

In the previous two Pakistan games we had failed to take wickets and they had scored freely throughout their innings. Somehow we had to reduce their scoring rate. Deep-set fields had failed to achieve this. The likes of Anwar and Inzaman were too adept at massaging the ball into the gaps, so we had to force them to play differently by bringing more fielders into the ring, requiring them to take more risks.

As it turned out they may have started quickly once again, but they lost priceless wickets, as Arnold, Muralitharan, and Fernando all took brilliant catches. Saeed Anwar, who had batted brilliantly throughout the tournament, was not given the support he needed. It was a composed, professional, all round performance.

This year we have won three out of the four international tournaments that we have participated, but we cannot rest on our laurels. There is still much work to be done if we are going to prosper in the next World Cup.

The greatest worry at the moment is that the performance of the middle order, which is not contributing with the necessary consistency. We have to address this. Personally I feel, as I have maintained throughout the past 18-months, that there is no shortage of skill. The problem is mental and we have to toughen up in this area. If we can cultivate the right frame of mind then the consistency will follow.

For the moment though it is time to rest and recuperate after five long months on the road. The players are tired and deserve a break. Not for too long mind. In two weeks time the players will be getting back together to begin preparations for the Indian tour.