Maharoof pledges 200 per cent against New Zealand

CRICKET: Sri Lanka seamer Farveez Maharoof pledged to give 200 percent if that's what it takes to defeat New Zealand in the World Cup semi-finals here on Tuesday.

Maharoof made a compelling case for a starting place in the team with a man-of-the-match performance against Ireland last week where he took four wickets, including three in an over, as well as pulling off a stunning run-out.

"I will give 200 percent in the match and I would back myself to perform," said the 22-year-old from Colombo.

"We have played really well so far. It will be a case of continuing to give it our best." Maharoof, a former captain of his country's Under-19 side, seized his chance against Ireland in Grenada to make a case for semi-final inclusion with Dilhara Fernando ruled out through injury.

"I got injured earlier in the tournament against Bangladesh but I just kept working hard in the nets. This is my first World Cup and it is something I have been looking forward to ever since I became professional three years ago."

Sri Lanka's bowlers have been mightily impressive in the World Cup. Maharoof has nine wickets but he is behind teammates Muttiah Muralitharan (19), Lasith Malinga (15) and Chaminda Vaas (12).

"All the bowlers have proved their class at the World Cup," added Maharoof who has shown himself to be a man for the big occasion in the past - at the 2006 Champions Trophy in India he took 6-14 to help bowl out the West Indies for 80.

"We have been talking about getting the basics right and putting the ball in the right areas. We are very happy with the way things are going and we are looking forward to the semi-finals."

Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jawaywardene said he is unconcerned about having to choose between who to include and who to omit from his team for the match at Sabina Park where the pitch should have plenty of bounce.

"It's a good headache to have," said Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene when quizzed if Maharoof would start the semi-final.

"Everyone in this squad has put their hands up when it comes to performing. It would be a worse headache if we were not performing."

However, the decision on selection might be made easier if Fernando fails a fitness test.

"Dilhara played against Australia with an ankle problem. He had two injections in it and he needs to prove his fitness before the semi-finals," said the skipper after the win over Ireland.

Sri Lanka have a psychological edge over the Black Caps going into Tuesday's match having won their Super Eights match in Grenada on April 12 by six wickets.

Vaas and Muralitharan took three wickets each as the Black Caps were restricted to 219-7 off 50 overs.

Sri Lanka comfortably reached their target with almost five overs to spare with Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara hitting half-centuries.

The winner of Tuesday's semi-final will face either defending champions Australia or South Africa, who meet in St Lucia on Wednesday, in Saturday's World Cup final in Barbados.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Monday, AFP