Mathews lauds triumphs over cold conditions

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Batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan, spinner Sachithra Senanayake and seamer Nuwan Kulasekera were at the fore of captain Angelo Mathews' appreciation, as Sri Lanka trounced England by 157 runs.

Batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan, spinner Sachithra Senanayake and seamer Nuwan Kulasekera were at the fore of captain Angelo Mathews' appreciation, as Sri Lanka trounced England by 157 runs in Sunday's second ODI in Chester-le-Street, Durham.

Dilshan's cool, calm and collected 88, which included seven fours and spanned 101 deliveries, catapulted the tourists to a formidable total of 256 for eight at the Riverside Ground.

Kulasekara later delivered a superb six overs, conceding a mere strike-rate of 2.50 and snaring three key wickets. Senanayake, meanwhile, completed telling figures of four for 13 to reduce the hosts to a severely insufficient 99 all out in 26.1 overs.

"It was a pleasing performance on a sporty wicket. The batters had to work really hard, but Dilshan played outstandingly well. We were not really sure at half-time but the bowlers were great, very aggressive," said Mathews.

"The conditions were a challenge for our team, it was cold out there. Kulasekera is unplayable in these conditions and Senanayake has a lot of confidence and was outstanding once again."

The five-match series is currently locked after a win apiece. Old Trafford in Manchester, Lord's in London and Edgbaston in Birmingham will host fixtures three, four and five on 28 and 31 May – and 3 June – respectively. Two Tests will follow.

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