By IANS
Canberra : A relieved Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardane, after his team’s eight-wicket win over India here Tuesday, said that winning the toss played an important role in winning their first match of the Commonwealth Bank Triangular One-day Series.
“It was a crucial toss. But more than the toss, it was our guys who put the effort, so congratulations to them. It was a crucial game for us to win to be in the tournament,” Jayawardene said after the match at Manuka Oval.
“I would also like to thank the ground staff, it was raining but we managed to play. I am sure the crowd enjoyed the game,” he said, referring to the two rain interruptions. The early morning showers reduced the match to 29 overs, but after the Indian innings Sri Lanka’s target was readjusted according to Duckworth-Lewis method and they were given 21 overs.
“We knew that we have the talent. It was just a matter putting our heads together and working it out. It was important that we believe in ability and come back in the tournament,” he said.
Reflecting on the match, Jayawardane praised openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya for their knocks of 62 not out and 27.
He also acknowledged that Lankan bowling was poor during the slog overs.
“We gave 20 extra runs to India. Our bowling was not discipline during the last overs. We had our target 10-15overs, so there was no pressure on us. Sanath gave us a good start and Dilshan batted well to carry that forward. In the end, everything clicked for us,” he said.
The Sri Lanka captain also thanked his team’s supporters who turned out in large numbers at the ground.
“There have been lots of Indian and Sri Lankan supporters. That is what cricket is all about. We have had really loyal fans with us and they have been really good,” he said.
Jayawardane said that his team, after today’s win on India, was looking to take on world champions Australia Friday.
“We have a big one against Australia. We are back in tournament now and looking forward to the match. Our target is to reach to the finals,” he declared.