Mathews: No one really expected us to win

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews hailed is team’s stunning victory over India at the Champions Trophy on Thursday, dedicating the win to his country’s supporters.
Coming into the match as heavy underdogs, Sri Lanka chased down a a daunting target of 322 to win by seven wickets with more than an over to spare.
REPORT: Stunning Sri Lanka shock India
The win means Sri Lanka now face a virtual quarter-final against Pakistan in Cardiff on Monday.
Mathews said after the game: “It was a very important game for us. You know, no one really expected us to win.
“That took a lot of pressure off ourselves, and we just went out there, expressed ourselves and you can see what we can do when we play with a lot of freedom.”
India’s supporters outnumbered the Sri Lankans in the stands but it was the winning team’s fans that made the most noise at the end of the game.
The Sri Lanka skipper was happy they could bring some joy to their nation after lives were lost in a devastating flood last week.
Speaking about the Sri Lanka band that played in the stands, Mathews said: “That’s our trademark, papare. They come wherever we play. The Sri Lankan people like to have fun.
“It was very pleasing for us to give them a win because we had some terrible times in the recent past, especially with losing a lot of lives for floods, and we are very grateful that we could give them a smile.
“It was like playing a World Cup Final. It was so noisy and a great atmosphere. We all know that all the Indians travel, and they’re right behind their team.
“I must thank all the Sri Lankan supporters that came out here. Even though it was little numbers, it was fantastic support for us. We really thank all of them.”
Latest
-
News
Earning his keep – a closer look at Ben Foakes’ impressive England return
The Surrey player is considered one of the best pure glovemen in the world.
-
News
India v England, Day 3: Ashwin for the win – ton-up Ravichandran takes over
The tourists are on the edge in Chennai.
-
News
England batsmen urged to stay positive as India close in on second Test win
Spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel says England should ‘express themselves’ when they resume on 53 for three.
-
News
England facing heavy defeat as late wickets follow Ravichandran Ashwin century
Joe Root’s men ended day three on 53 for three after India set them a daunting target of 482.
-
News
Heavy defeat on the cards for England after Ravichandran Ashwin ton
The tourists require a world record 482.
-
News
India increase lead over England to more than 400 runs on day three in Chennai
The tourists face an uphill battle to preserve their lead in the series.
-
News
India lead grows but Ben Foakes helps England spinners hit back
The hosts were 351 ahead at lunch on day three in Chennai.
-
News
Graham Thorpe admits England need something special to avoid second Test defeat
Joe Root’s tourists are on the back foot in Chennai.
-
News
England facing second Test defeat as India dominate in Chennai
After dismissing the hosts for 329 in the first hour Joe Root’s side were taken down for just 134.