Captain lauds talent of Sri Lanka's century makers Dilshan and Sangakkara
Batsmen are brilliant, says skipper Angelo Mathews as three-time World Cup finalists are back in contention
Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews hailed century makers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara as "brilliant" after they lifted the 1996 World Cup champions to a 92-run win over Bangladesh on Thursday.
The Lankans finally looked like contenders in the current tournament as Dilshan smashed an unbeaten 161 off 146 balls - the ninth highest score in World Cup history - while Sangakkara marked his 400th one-dayer with 105 not out as Sri Lanka whipped butter-fingered Bangladesh at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Sri Lanka piled up 332 for one and that proved too much for Bangladesh, who folded for 240 with three overs to spare.
They [Dilshan and Sangakkara] batted us through, took calculated risks and it was a great effort
"Dilshan and Sangakkara were brilliant. They batted us through, took calculated risks and it was a great effort by the three batters," said Mathews, also reserving praise for opener Lahiru Thirimanne for his 52.
Thirimanne was the lone Sri Lankan wicket to fall, but not before raising an attractive half century in a 122-run opening partnership with Dilshan.
"We were slightly sloppy in the field and could have done better, but once you've got 300 on the board your bowlers can take chances. We're all ready for the England game," added Mathews in reference to their next pool A match in Wellington on Sunday.
Sri Lanka have four points from three games while Bangladesh have three. Both are well-placed for a quarter-final slot.
