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Rising Sri Lankan batting star, Mahela Jayawardena who is probably watching the Super Six matches from the comfort of his armchair in Colombo will be pleased to hear that he is the only Sri Lankan batsman to make it to the top ten fastest scorers of the 1999 World Cup, according to the 'Thunderer' the London Times. (Subject to change).

Jayawardena who celebrated his 22nd birthday on the 27th of May is tipped to take over the mantle- one day - of the world's number one batsman, Aravinda de Silva. Jayawardena is a wonderful right-hand bat and a right arm medium pace bowler. The 'Asian Heroes' official Asian magazine of the cricket World Cup (edited by Adam Licudi and published by EMG in London) singled Mahela as Sri Lanka's 'Danger Man'.

Mahela hit a delightful 120 against England in Adelaide. On his test debut against India in 1997, Jayawardena smashed 66 in Colombo. Sanath Jayasuriya scored his magnificent 340 runs in that record-breaking innings against India. Jayawardena made his one-day debut against Zimbabwe in the 1997-1998 series in Colombo.

In 1998 he hit 157 against New Zealand and a classy 242 against India in February 99. His highest score in the World Cup was a marvellous 45 against Kenya. The London Times placed Mahela Jayawardena seventh in the top ten Fastest Scorers of this year's World Cup with 102 runs and a strike rate of 96.23. He was placed ahead of Brian Lara, Rahul Dravid and Saurav Ganguly. Many are impressed with Jayawardena's temperament, his wristy style, and his modesty - on and off the field - he is no prima donna. Jayawardena has tremendous potential and he may well end up as captain of Sri Lanka. One hopes that his unspoilt nature will remain even though he is sure to benefit from huge sponsorship in the future. The UK Observer newspaper said he was 'one to watch' in the 1999 World Cup so said the Guardian newspaper. Jayawardena is a shrewd young cricketer, a polished diplomat of the field who is destined to do well in the future.