fleming to stand down

Stephen Fleming announced he will stand down as New Zealand one-day captain following their heavy World Cup semi-final defeat to Sri Lanka.

Fleming managed a solitary run before being dismissed by Lasith Malinga as the Black Caps laboured towards an 81-run defeat chasing 290 to win.

"That's my last game as one-day captain, I want to carry on playing and will remain Test captain," Fleming said.

"But I'm standing down as captain of the one-day team."

Fleming was gracious in defeat, adding: "It's a disappointing day, but I think we were outclassed. It was probably a true reflection of where the sides are at.

"They have got a lot of artillery in the bowling attack and if you do make mistakes they can hurt you.

"Sri Lanka thoroughly deserved it on the day and the margin of victory was probably about right as well.

"Losing the toss might have been a little bit important; we would have liked to go on and get a score but I still don't think it would have changed the outcome."

Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan insisted his side would be ready for Australia or South Africa in the final.

Murali, who took four for 31, told Sky Sports: "Both of those sides are different sides and it's a different pitch.

"We'll need to do different things well. So we'll wait and see who is in the final and hopefully we'll be ready for them."

Waiting for the winner of the second semi-final will be a box of Murali's finest tricks after he admitted he has been tinkering with his bowling plans.

"I'm bowling really well around the wicket a lot at the moment and that's a new tactic that can help me," he added.

"It seems that when you can't see which way the ball is going it's harder. So hopefully that helps me in the future and I'll take more wickets.

"People are getting ready for the spin, so if I bowl the 'doosra' I might get a top edge."

Captain Mahela Jayawardene refused to take any individual plaudits after his masterful century helped Sri Lanka to their formidable total.

He told Sky Sports 1: "All the guys chipped in and everyone helped to get the job done.

"We've got a lot of belief in our batting partnerships, it's all about taking responsibility and getting the job done.

"We've been playing some really good cricket lately, we stuck to the basics regarding our bowling, batting and fielding.

"It was a big game but just another cricket match, all credit to the guys they played some really good cricket.

"I'm happy with my effort and I knew I had to stay in for long but the hundred wasn't in my mind."

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