Bangladesh stumped as Vaas topples top order

Sri Lankan bowler Chaminda Vaas produced a world record display in the 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh but revealed he had …

Sri Lankan bowler Chaminda Vaas produced a world record display in the 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh but revealed he had woken up with a bad back this morning.

Vaas, who set a new world record by becoming the first man to claim a hat-trick with the first three balls of the game, ended up taking six for 25 as Bangladesh were skittled for 124 in their disappointing innings.

"I woke up this morning and my back was very sore," the soft-spoken Vaas said after his feat.

"I came in and saw the physiotherapist Alex (Kontouri) for treatment and it was still sore. But when I came in to bowl it started feeling better."

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Vaas tore into the top order and, in one of the most amazing overs ever bowled at international level, had Bangladesh five for four after his first six balls.

"I have been bowling very well in the last few months but today was good but I don't think I could have topped my eight wickets," Vaas added.

He was, of course, referring to his eight for 19, which is a world one-day record, set against Zimbabwe in 2001.

Captain Sanath Jayasuriya praised his bowler's effort, especially after the Sri Lankans lost Pulasthi Gunaratne before the game with a broken finger.

Gunaratne is likely to be out for close to two weeks, making his status for the rest of the tournament remain questionable.

Jayasuriya added that he would have sent Bangladesh into bat, no matter what the toss decided.

"There was a lot of moisture out there and we knew the ball would do something," Jayasuriya said.

"Vaasie did very well in his bowling spell, and all credit must go to him."

Vaas was honoured by the Pietermaritzburg Cricket Club by being asked to plant a tree on the right hand side of the media centre on the Duzi end of the ground - the same end as five of his six wickets were taken.

The honour is reserved for players who have scored a ton or taken five wickets in a first class match on the ground.