Lankan PM tells team to be wary of De Villiers in quarters

Wishing the Sri Lankan team ahead of their quarter-final clash against South Africa, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe warned the Angelo Mathews-led side to "keep an eye on Proteas skipper AB de Villiers" who has been in rampaging form in the tournament.

"You have become the pride of our nation, we in turn request you to become victorious", Wickremesinghe told the players on Sunday, ahead of their knockout match in Sydney.

Sri Lanka will not have it easy against South Africa at the SCG on Wednesday.

"You can do it, keep an eye on De Villiers".

Wickremesinghe said the Islanders could beat South Africa if weaknesses are studied and strategies planned accordingly.

President Maithripala Sirisena also wished the team and said in his message that he was extremely thankful to Kumar Sangakkara for his excellent feats that have helped push Sri Lanka to international heights.

Both leaders wished Lanka the ability to return to the country victorious.

Image: Suranga Lakmal of Sri Lanka is congratulated by teammates

Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images