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NORTHAMPTON, Thursday - Apart from the dismal batting display a selection folly contributed towards Sri Lanka's 89-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in their Group 'A' World Cup match played here yesterday.

Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga admitted that his side lacked a fast bowler and regretted the decision to play leg-spinner Upul Chandana ahead of Erik Upashantha.

``We gave about 40 to 50 runs extra because we lacked another fast bowler. We played the leg-spinner and when the ball started moving around I thought the fast bowlers would have had a better chance of getting wickets on this strip,'' said Ranatunga at a press conference held at the end of the game.

``When we won the toss and bowled in the best conditions we thought it was a 160-170 wicket. But we gave those extra runs in the last few overs especially with the spinners going,'' admitted Ranatunga.

``I think the credit should go to South Africa for the way they bowled and for the way they fielded,'' he said.

Sri Lanka had South Africa down on their knees at 122 for 8, but allowed them to recover to 199 for 9 with 'Man of the Match' Lance Klusener playing a cameo knock of 52 off 44 balls to shift the balance South Africa's way.

When questioned why Sri Lanka decided to open the batting with Romesh Kaluwitharana instead of Roshan Mahanama, Ranatunga said: ``We thought the best way to get the 200 runs was to attack and that is why we opened with Kaluwitharana. But he didn't bat well''.

Ranatunga admitted that batting was their biggest problem.

``The bowling is coming along fairly okay, but it is the batting that is not coming really well. We have been struggling a little bit. None of the top order batsmen are getting runs, that's the main reason we have been struggling. If you analyse the other sides one of the top order batsmen get runs and they put up a good total on the board,'' said Ranatunga.

``The experienced batsmen have enough experience to sort out their mistakes before the next game. I don't think we can change our style of play, but we need to be a bit disciplined. If we try to change our style of batting we will become very ordinary. We played the same way here in August last year and we were successful. But the conditions now are totally different and we must adjust to it as soon as possible,'' he said.

With no points from two games and only three more to play, the Sri Lankan captain was optimistic about his team's chances of qualifying for the Super Six.

``We didn't bat as world champions in the two games. We have to get everything right and come back for the next game. The important thing is to come back, something which we are really good at. We have three more games and we have to work really hard to get back to the winning streak,'' said Ranatunga.

Sri Lanka's next match in the World Cup is against Zimbabwe at Worcester on Saturday. It is a must-win game for the champions. A loss here will eliminate them from the competition and allow Zimbabwe who have beaten Kenya and India through to the Super Six.

Victorious South African captain Hansie Cronje said: ``When I saw their bowling I thought all we had to do was to get through the first couple of seamers and then cash in against the spinners. That sort of wicket wasn't really going to turn that much. But they came back and bowled particularly well and got us four down very quickly. We were soon 69 for 5 and it was a big blow for us because it was totally against our game plan. It took a good knock first from Darryl Cullinan and then from Lance Klusener to give us something to bowl at. Lance really kept his cool and played really well to get us there''.

``It's always nice when you are 122 for 8 and they don't finish you off. Then you come into the lunch break after an over like that Klusener hitting Vaas for 22 off the last over - there are two moods in the camps distinctly different. Ours is very positive and upbeat and theirs is one of making it letting it slip.

Cronje said Jacques Kallis' three wickets in the first spell was crucial to his team's victory.

``Those two players (Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharna) are extremely dangerous. If they had got off to a start at five or six an over the match could slip away. That was an important first spell and he bowled them very quickly too. There was moisture all the way throughout and I was particularly glad to see the heavy roller go on and a little bit of sunshine made it even quicker this afternoon. Maybe it didn't seam as much this afternoon but it certainly was quick enough,'' said Cronje.

When questioned about the third umpires decisions which went against South Africa, especially Shaun Pollock's dismissal - caught by bowler Muralitharan via Ranatunga's boot, Cronje said: ``The evidence is there on television and I leave it to you gentlemen to make your own conclusions''.

It was the second time in successive matches that South Africa had fought back from a precarious position and turn the match in their favour. The first was against India 68 for 3.

``As far as I can remember it is the 'never say die' attitude in the South African camp. It is not only in cricket but it goes to all walks of life in South Africa. I don't know whether that is something born into us or whether we are proud every time we put on the green and gold,'' said Cronje.