Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore praised Sri Lanka's players after their crushing victory against Pakistan, particularly man of the match Sanath Jayasuriya and veteran Aravinda Silva.

Sri Lanka won with 13.5 overs and eight wickets to spare after Pakistan were bowled out for 200. Jayasuriya (102*) and De Silva (66*) guided the hosts home with an unbroken 156 run stand.

"I just felt that the boys were really up for it," said Whatmore. "We had spoken the previous evening about the game and had vowed that it didn't matter whether we won the toss or not, we had to just get on with the job."

The players enjoyed the thrilling atmosphere created by 30,000 flag waving fans.

"I think it was a hellish advantage to be playing in front of a full home crowd – it was a nice atmosphere to be part of," he said.

"Pakistan are the kind of side that can beat you on any day, but they looked to be lacking confidence in the top order."

"But I also thought we bowled really well and the catching in the deep was very good. However, our ground fielding can be improved," he added.

"Sanath's performance was brilliant," he said. "When he makes a good contribution we usually win."

He admitted to a moments concern when Jayasuriya decided to bowl three overs despite having only bowled a couple of balls at practice since dislocating his shoulder during the Morocco Cup 2002.

"It was always part of the plan for him to bowl a couple of overs, but there was a risk considering that we were batting second," he revealed. "But it was ok, although I think he experienced some pain when playing certain shots."

Aravinda de Silva also impressed Whatmore: "He looked very focused and ready for the competition. He played very straight and looked in control – it was just what you require in this kind of tournament."

© CricInfo