Sri Lanka need to raise their standards, says Mathews

Skipper wary of side’s fate in future matches after Afghanistan scare.

DUNEDIN: Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews admitted his side must raise their game if they are to win a second World Cup after surviving a scare against Afghanistan at University Oval in Dunedin on Sunday.

Mahela Jayawardene’s 19th one-day century rescued the 1996 champions from a perilous 51-4 in pursuit of a 233-run target after openers Lahiru Thirimanne and Tillakaratne Dilshan both fell for golden ducks.

It was Sri Lanka’s first win of this tournament after an opening loss to New Zealand, while Afghanistan have now been defeated twice following a 105-run drubbing by Bangladesh.

“We really need to raise our standards to compete against the top teams,” said Mathews, whose side next faces Bangladesh on Thursday. “I am feeling relieved at the moment but I thought we came back well. I knew I had to stay out there with Mahela to get some kind of stand going.”



Meanwhile Jayawardene, who was named man of the match, praised Afghanistan and said the gap between Test nations and the second-tier Associate sides was narrowing as time passed by. “All credit to Afghanistan. They batted really well in tough conditions, then followed it up beautifully with the ball,” he said. “There is not a big gap between the top countries and these guys.”

Lack of experience cost us: Shenwari

Afghanistan batsman Samiullah Shenwarbelieve a lack of experience cost them the chance of a major World Cup upset on Sunday against Sri Lanka. “It was very disappointing because we took four early wickets and Jayawardene, a very experienced player, and Mathews, also very experienced, took the match from us,” he said. “We need more matches against Test-playing nations to get further exposure.”

The batsman added that his bowlers had done well, taking four wickets for just 50 runs in the start. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd,  2015.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.