An entire world that was on tenterhooks for almost two months finally breathed a sigh of relief and joy as the Cricket World Cup 2007 tournament reached its climax with the Aussies and the Sri Lankans playing the final match in Barbados on April 28.

The Aussies, fancied by most, emerged winners but the tables could have been turned if the weather gods did not interfere to reduce the match to 30 overs. match.

An event that marred the spirit of the game was the sudden, and untimely, death of coach Bob Woolmer. Many questions yet remain unanswered despite Scotland Yard taking a hand in the investigations into the circumstance which led to his demise.

All in all, our boys fared well although they ended up one step short of the target. Special mention has to be made of that ‘dazzling meteor’ Lasith Malinga, now rated or par with cricketing greats of yore like Dennis Lillie and Jeff Thompson. His 4 wickets in 4 consecutive balls finds his name written in gold in the Guinness Book of Records and now calls for the attention of linguists who need to coin a word to name such a four wicket haul.

Lasith Malinga's ever smiling face and his unique hair style endeared him to everyone who saw him.

Sri Lankans should be grateful to president Mahinda Rajapakse who in his vision and foresight recalled from retirement and possible oblivion the 'Master Blaster'. Sanath proved beyond doubt that he still has a lot of cricket left in him, exhibiting his prowess and excellence in every department of the game. An intensive and immediate search to discover new material of the likes of Lasith Malinga and Chamara Silva from the hinterland is a sine qua non.

In conclusion, let us take off our hats to our cricket contingent who not only displayed excellent sportsmanship, but acted as ambassadors of goodwill on behalf of Sri Lanka.

Well Done and Thank You Boys.