Sri Lankan all-rounder - Sanath Jayasuriya was awarded 'Player of the Tournament' award for his brilliant allround display with the bat and ball. He scored 221 runs at an astounding strike-rate of 132 and picked 7 wickets.
Going by statistics, Jayasuirya's numbers were not at all impressive. He was neither in the list of leading run-getters nor in wicket takers in the tournament but it was his aggressive and exciting strokeplay that won him the award. He had delivered at the crucial level when his team needed.
His opening pair with Romesh Kaluwitharana was the highlight of the world-cup where they created fear in the bowlers mind by going after them. They demoralized the opposition with over-the-top hitting and made the most of the 15 overs fielding restrictions.
He played a pivotal role in teams victory against Kenya (44 runs of 27 balls), India (79 runs of 76 balls), England (82 from 44 balls & 2/36) in Quarter Final and in the semi-final against India, he picked up three vital wickets inclu of dangerous Sachin Tendulkar and Sanjay Manjrekar to triggered the collapse of Indian batting line-up.
"He has batted well, fielded brilliantly, and when given the ball, has come up with crucial wickets. What else can I ask of a player?" quipped Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga when Jayasuriya won the award.
Sahir