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Our next target is 2011 World Cup: Dilshan

June 09, 2010 21:06 IST

After guiding his team to a thumping victory in the tri-nation cricket seriesĀ at Harare on Wednesday, Sri Lanka skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan said the next target for the islanders would be the 2011 World Cup in the sub-continent.

"We brought lots of youngsters here and they have got opportunities and done well. We are looking at World Cup. I got my form back as well. I want to carry it to the World Cup," said Dilshan, who made an unbeaten 108 in the final and helped Sri Lanka overhaul the 200-run target set by Zimbabwe with 15.2 overs to spare.

Dilshan also heaped praise on the youngsters for their series winning show in Zimbabwe.

"I am very happy. The boys have performed well. The two fast bowlers set the tone for us by bowling really well. (Dinesh) Chandimal got a hundred and Jeevan Mendis is a good all-rounder," he said.

The 33-year-old right-hander also thanked his teammates for supporting him in his first stint as captain of the Sri Lankan team.

"I would like to thank my team-mates for supporting me as a captain. It wasn't easy to captain and I have enjoyed it. I liked the challenge," Dilshan said.

Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura, meanwhile, admitted that they were completely outplayed by the Sri Lankans today but said there were lots of positives to take from this series.

"Sri Lanka bowled well and put us under pressure from ball one," he said.

"There are lots of positives to get out of this tournament, especially our batsmen. Unfortunately, we are having a break after this but it's good for the next season.

"Hopefully we are going in the right way and we will keep winning more matches. Keep watching us and keep supporting us," Chigumbura said.

His teammate Brendan Taylor, who was adjudged the man-of-the-series, said he was happy to have contributed for his side as an opener.

"It's very satisfying to get where we are. Unfortunately, we didn't back it up in the final but we are pleased with how we have gone. Not just my self, others have done well, including (Tatenda) Taibu, (Hamilton) Masakadza and the spinners. I was probably more relaxed in this series. Opening is new to me and I haven't done it for a while. It's nice to play with a good bunch of people," he said.

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