Aravinda de Silva, who has been Sri Lanka's most impressive batsman during this World Cup, was forced to take a back seat at East London. But the veteran bat still made a vital contribution, increasing the tempo of the innings after his arrival to the crease by nudging, nurdling and deflecting his way to 25 from 31 balls before he edged a catch behind off medium pacer Sean Ervine. Zimbabwean wicket-keeper Tatenda Taibu did well to hold onto a big deflection.