Sydney, March 18 (IANS): Describing their loss to South Africa in the quarter-final as their worst performance in the World Cup, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews on Wednesday thanked old war horses Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara for their contribution to cricket.

The islanders were bowled out for a paltry total of 133, which South Africa chased down in just 18 overs with nine wickets to spare to enter the semi-finals.

“This is easily the worst performance that we've done in the World Cup and it happened to be in the quarter-finals. It's disappointing not to make it a memorable one for Mahela and Sanga. But let me take this opportunity on behalf of the country and the team to thank them for their services," Mathews said at the post-match presentation ceremony at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here.

"They have rendered their services for more than 16-17 years and it's invaluable service. So, we really salute them and thank them. The best thing would have been to go to the final and win it for them, but unfortunately we couldn't do it and we'll find a way to try and make them smile.”

The 27-year-old blamed nerves for such a dismal performance in the business-end of the tournament.

“There were no demons on the track, we could have batted well. We could have at least got to 250 and given our bowlers a chance, but unfortunately we didn't bat well. Maybe the nerves, we just didn't go for the shots,” he added.