Jayawardene plays down Mendis hype in Pakistan ser

[Sadaf Gondal]

KARACHI: Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene Sunday refused to single out spin sensation Ajantha Mendis as the major threat for Pakistan in the one-day series.

The 23-year-old Mendis and his more illustrious partner Muttiah Muralitharan are tipped to hold the aces against the home team in the three-match series which starts here from Tuesday.

But Jayawardene said Mendis doesn't carry extra burden of expectations.

Mendis, who made his debut in the West Indies in May last year, became the fastest bowler to get 50 wickets, achieving the total in 19 matches, breaking Indian Ajit Agarkar's record of 23 matches.

Jayawardene said he would not like to put extra pressure on the newcomer.

Jayawardene refused to agree Sri Lanka are struggling with their overall form after losing to Bangladesh in the last league match and scrapping to a narrow two-wicket win in the final of the tri-series in Dhaka last week.

Chasing a modest 153, Sri Lanka lost their first five wickets for a mere six runs -- the lowest total at the fall of five wickets in any one-day international -- before Muralitharan's 16-ball 33 saw them home.

Jayawardene admitted Pakistan are a dangerous team.

"Pakistan is always Pakistan for me. They are a very tough side whether they play regularly or not, so we will have to put up the best effort," said Jayawardene.

The second match is here on Wednesday, while the final match is in Lahore on Saturday.

[sheem]

hmmm sahi

thanks for sharing

[LoViNg IrFaN]

mendis ab itna b dangerous nhi hai

[Sadaf Gondal]

he is dangerous

[LoViNg IrFaN]

itna b nhi hai

[sheem]

hai beta

[LoViNg IrFaN]

aray itna b nhi hai jitni media main hype hai