Veteran spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was deemed 'a legend' for his four-wickets in yesterday's World Cup win over New Zealand.

Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara said Muralitharan had managed to bowl practically on one leg and get wickets despite pulling a hamstring during the match.

Muralitharan took 4-25 as the Black Caps were dismissed for 153 to lose by 112 runs.

It is hoped he will be fit to play in their quarter-final on March 26.