Dilshan aims to finish how he's started

The ICC World Twenty20's leading runscorer is hoping he has one last innings in him before he signs off in the tournament.

Tillakaratne Dilshan enters Sunday's final against Pakistan with 317 runs at an average of 63.40 from six innings, helped by his matchwinning 96 not out in Friday's semi-final against West Indies.

The right-hander was one of only two batsmen to get to grips with the opposition bowlers at the Oval - West Indies captain Chris Gayle's 63 not out the one innings in double figures in the reply.

Despite his innings lasting only 57 balls, Dilshan explained his role in Sri Lanka's effort was to bat through after a mid-innings collapse.

"After three quick wickets I felt that 140 was a very good total to defend with our two champion spinners," said Dilshan. "Then I realised that I wanted to bat through - that's why I didn't take a chance in the middle, I just batted 20 overs."

The 32-year-old had signalled his intention to impress during this tournament when he contributed hugely towards the Delhi Daredevils' good showing in the recent Indian Premier League.

"IPL for me was a great help to keep carrying my form," said Dilshan. "I played very good cricket in South Africa over the last two months and I wanted to carry that form to the ICC World Twenty20. I got a good start in the first match [53 against Australia] and now just one match to go to finish strongly."

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara praised his team-mate's innings - one that amounted to just short of the whole West Indian team effort of 101 - but will be looking for more contributions in Sunday's Final.

"I think it was exceptional batting from Dilshan," said Sangakkara, "and I think we should have taken a leaf from Dilshan's book and really buckled down and got ourselves in a bit more. Everyone made that mistake - I made that mistake as well - so hopefully it's something we can learn from and get better on Sunday."