We still can improve a lot in all departments: Angelo Mathews

Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews feels that his side can still improve in all three departments of ahead of the One-Day International (ODI) series against England. Despite beating Ireland comfortably by 136 runs in the second ODI to win the series 2-0, Mathews on Saturday (June 18) that his side has to be at its best when they face the English side in the upcoming five-match series.

“We still can improve a lot in all departments. It was a pretty convincing victory today, but we need to be at our best to beat England,” Mathews said.

Sri Lanka overcame Ireland pretty easily riding on opener Kusal Perera’s third ODI ton and first since his comeback to international cricket after suspension. Perera made 135 off 128 deliveries and was involved in an explosive 161-run stand for the 2nd wicket with pinch-hitter Seekuge Prasanna, who made 95 off just 46 deliveries.

The partnership helped Sri Lanka post a mammoth 377 on the board for the loss of eight wickets. In reply, Ireland tried to put up a fight but could manage only 241 with Suranga Lakmal picking up four wickets.

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“Perera and Danuska Gunathilaka had a brilliant opening partnership (147) and after that solid foundation it was a tactical decision to bring in the pinch-hitter and take the game forward,” Mathews said.

“It was a very good wicket and a tough ask for the bowlers but we stuck to our task. They had to bowl good lines and lengths. Having said that, after scoring 377 it was a tough ask for the Irish because they had to go at it from ball one, so we had to bowl dot balls and create pressure.”

The Sri Lankan skipper also had a word of praise for young all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, who was named man of the series for scoring 43 runs and picking up six wickets.

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“Shanaka is becoming a very good all-rounder for us and hopefully he will continue in the England ODIs and for the next few years,” he said.

“We were short of seam-bowling all-rounders, but now with Farveez Maharoof, Shanaka and myself, we have plenty of options.”