Angelo Mathews appreciates the attitude shown by Sri Lanka

After a humiliating defeat against Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the five-match series, team Sri Lanka bounced back in the second game at Galle. Skipper Angelo Mathews looked very pleased with the way his team showed great intensity in the game. They were expected to be down and out after being outplayed the so called minnow nation. However, they had done their homework right and eventually ended with a thumping 7 wicket win in the second ODI.

The series is set up beautifully now with 1-1 and 3 games to play. As per the quotes in Cricket365, Angelo Mathews reflected back at the game. He noted that the match was certainly not a clinical performance since there were fielding lapses. However, the attitude and intensity was right. He credited the way debutant Wanidu Hasaranga bagged a hat-trick and Lakshan Sandakan took a four wicket haul.

“I wouldn’t call it a clinical performance. We still dropped catches. The attitude and intensity was superb, though. We just need to regroup, and it was great effort from the boys. Sandakan was absolutely brilliant, so was Wanidu. Credit should go to the selectors to pick him. I, honestly, haven’t seem him much,” quoted Angelo Mathews.

On Upul Tharanga

He further had a special mention for veteran batsman Upul Tharanga. Tharanga has moved up and down the batting order in order to accommodate other players in the lineup. Mathews conceded that he has unlucky to have missed out on numerous opportunities because of the same but acknowledged his flexibility.

“Chasing a modest total, is not easy if you lose a couple of wickets early on. We can’t thank Upul Tharanga enough. He has moved up and down the order to accommodate others. He has been an unlucky player. Can’t thank him enough,” conceded Mathews.