Men of Steel

MAHELA JAYAWARDENE

When in doubt Sri Lanka have frequently turned to one of the two pillars in their side and yesterday was Mahela Jayawardene's opportunity. Crumbling at 51 for 4, many reckoned that the Afghans would be able to achieve their first ever World Cup win at Dunedin yesterday. Unfortunately for the newbies, they were denied by a brilliant century under pressure from the maestro. His 100 may have came at a slow pace when compared to the other centuries in the tournament, but it was a much-needed calculated knock that saved Sri Lanka's blushes.

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SHIKHAR DHAWAN

The Indian opener has so far represented that much-hated student, who frequently talks about skipping chapters before every exam but ends up acing the finals. Dhawan's change in form, from the pre-World Cup series' has given India a much required boost at the top. They no longer have to depend solely on Virat Kohli. His emphatic 137 off 146 balls put pressure on the South Africans early. While he held up one end, Ajinkya Rahane smashed the Proteas out of the park from the other. It may still be early days in the World Cup, but Dhawan seems to have peaked at the right time.