Former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene has expressed delight following the Islanders incredible show came with a ball against ICC World Cup 2019 favourites England on Friday (June 21) night at Headingley in Leeds.
With many cricketing pundits calling Lankan victory as a major ‘upset’. The Islanders batting great Jayawardene believes the timely win will boost the morale of team following a mixed show at the ODI showpiece.
Sri Lanka delivers against England; Mahela Jayawardene is ecstatic:
Jayawardene reiterated the massive win would help the Lions to improve owing to a significant chunk. He statement came based on Lankans playing with some fear at the World Cup. However, a different ball game has somewhat added as a boost for Sri Lanka.
“At times it feels like they have played with a little bit of fear and have not been able to really express themselves. This win should change that,” Jayawardene wrote in his column for the ICC.
Following a timid show with the bat, Lankans had set a modest total of 233 for batting-heavy England. However, Sri Lankan bowlers rose to the occasion, especially Lasith Malinga, who bagged four wickets.
Thus England folded out for 212 in 47 overs when Nuwan Pradeep put the final nail in the coffin by
In his column for the ICC, Jayawardene remarked that his national team should believe in their ability.
“I hope this game will give Sri Lanka a lot of confidence in this ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. They have beaten one of the best teams in the world, and they need to believe in themselves,” Jayawardene added.
Also, Jayawardene has heaped praise on his former teammate Malinga, who has changed the course of a game with his match-winning bowling. Malinga, who bowled some searing yorkers, further stemmed the run follow which made things miserable for England.
“He was on a mission with the new ball, taking two crucial early wickets which Sri Lanka needed to defend a total like 232,” Jayawardene said on Malinga.
Malinga’s heroics won it for Sri Lanka against England:
Jayawardene has backed Malinga for his sheer set of skills. Of late, Malinga has been questioned for his fitness. Also, Jayawardene added Malinga had done his job judiciously by winning games for India in the recent past. He is happy to see Malinga being at his premium best with the ball.
“It’s not about the six pack, it’s about the skill and Lasith Malinga showed that in spades in Sri Lanka’s win over England. He has done it so many times for Sri Lanka over the years but it was great to see him at his best,” Jayawardene said.
Jayawardene has also lauded skipper Dimuth Karunaratne’s leadership by making good use of options available.
Following a shock win, Sri Lanka sits at fifth place on the World Cup points table. They’ve bagged six points in as many matches.