Sri Lanka's first Word Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga has lauded the team's World T20 win as a "special team effort", which bodes well for the future of the team. Sri Lanka's most successful batsman, Mahela Jayawardene, was not among the top-ten tournament run-scorers, while their most penetrative bowler, Nuwan Kulasekara, finished ninth on the wicket-takers' list.

Ranatunga told Inside Sports that the individuals' form through the Asia Cup, and Sri Lanka's experience in Bangladesh conditions had also been significant. "If you look at the tournament, a lot of contributions were made by new players - young players. We should talk about Mahela, and Kumar Sangakkara, as well as Lasith Malinga, who bowled very well, but I feel that every player made a special contribution - not just a minor one.

"Normally there are heroes in these tournaments, but what I saw was that young players and seniors were all contributing together. That's a great sign for the future of Sri Lanka cricket, when these young players are performing at that level."

(ESPN)