Dilshan showed a lot of maturity: Jayawardene

Sri Lanka captain praises batsman after win over NZ

PALLEKELE: Captain Mahela Jayawardene praised Tillakaratne Dilshan after the right hander smashed an unbeaten 102 to power Sri Lanka to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the third One-Day International (ODI) in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka achieved a rain-revised target of 197 with 11 balls to spare, gaining a 2-0 lead in the five-match series with Dilshan and Angelo Mathews standing out for the hosts.

“Dilshan showed a lot of maturity,” said Jayawardene. “We needed a good partnership. We are trying to give Mathews more opportunities to bat. He’s taken more responsibility now at number five.”

Man-of-the-match Dilshan also upstaged New Zealand opener Bradley-John Watling, who cracked a career-best 96 not out to take the tourists to 188 for six in 33 overs.

Dilshan, who recorded his 14th ODI century, was pleased with his performance.  “The first few overs were a bit difficult,” said Dilshan. “After that the ball got wet and we capitalised on that.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2012.