Mathews knows SL had a ‘lucky escape’

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said his team had a 'lucky escape' after they needed tailender Ajantha Mendis to score the winning runs in the first ODI against West Indies in Colombo.
Chasing 163 from 26 overs in the rain-affected game, Sri Lanka were cruising at 104 for two in the 13th over thanks to a rapid fifty from opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (59 off 32 balls).
The hosts however suffered a major collapse and found themselves still needing 11 runs to win with the final pair at the crease.
Earlier, seamer Suranga Lakmal put the home team in the ascendency when he took three quick wickets to record figures of three for 15 in five overs as the Windies managed 159 for eight in 26 overs.
Mathews said after the game: "It was a lucky escape. We made a real mess out of the game. We were cruising, and I started the collapse by playing that shot. But lesson learned.
"All the bowlers bowled their socks off. Suranga bowled magnificently. So did Mendo and Sachithra, but we were cruising. The bowlers have been batting a lot in the nets.
"In pressure situations, coming up against the best bowlers in the world, Mendo's innings was magnificent today. Danushka batted very well, unfortunately Shehan couldn't pull it through, but they are very talented players."
The second ODI of the three-match series takes place at the same ground on Wednesday.
Latest
-
News
England quick Saqib Mahmood to miss rest of season with stress fracture of back
The Lancashire fast bowler would have been a certain inclusion in the squad to face New Zealand at Lord’s on June 2.
-
News
England change to continue with new limited-overs coach and revamped Test squad
Things have been moving quickly at the England and Wales Cricket Board with Rob Key.
-
News
On this day in 2010: England beat Australia for Twenty20 World Cup final glory
The Australians had been restricted to just 147 for six from their 20 overs.
-
News
James Anderson removes Joe Root for just four but Yorkshire thwart Lancashire
Harry Brook came to Yorkshire’s rescue to secure a Roses draw.
-
News
Andrew Symonds – the Queensland larrikin known as Roy with explosive batting
The former Australia all-rounder was killed in a car crash at the age of 46.
-
News
Tributes to an ‘extraordinary player and even better human being’ Andrew Symonds
Symonds died aged 46
-
News
Former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds dies in Queensland car crash
The 46-year-old played over 200 times for Australia across all formats.
-
News
Cricket world reacts to tragic death of ex-Australia player Andrew Symonds
The ‘cult figure’ of the sport was killed in a car-crash on Saturday night.
-
News
Former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds dies in car crash aged 46
Symonds played 26 Tests and 212 limited-overs internationals for his country.
-
News
Joe Root century checks Lancashire’s victory bid in Roses clash
Jack Leach took an eight-wicket match haul as Somerset claimed victory over neighbours Gloucestershire.