Cannot let the momentum slip

The team management had to take some tough calls as we needed to have at least four specialist bowlers. That decision paid off with Chanaka Welegedera, Lakmal, Randiv and Ajantha Mendis doing a great job, writes Mahela Jayawardene.

Two tight finishes and it's a good feeling to be the happier side. After the first game, we spoke about some of the things that we need to do in close games. When you're chasing 300-plus, you want your top five to finish the game, but that doesn't always happen and it becomes critical how the lower order responds. In a pressure game, in front of a big crowd, the guys held their nerves superbly.

HT Image

A lot of credit must go to Angelo Mathews, who is that rare species even among the minority of all-rounders – the batsman who can bowl seam up. Back home, he has a reputation for what he can do with the bat, especially the intelligent manner in which he tackles a situation. In world cricket, though, he's showing his value with the ball as well.

Angelo has a long way to go, but he's becoming a vital part of this team. It's unfortunate that he's the latest in our unbelievable line-up of injuries on this tour.

The other heartening aspect of our win was the way Suraj Randiv and Suranga Lakmal played on debut. Suraj extracts a lot of bounce and has variations. Lakmal came in at the last moment when Lasith Malinga was ruled out and his extra pace certainly helped.

The team management had to take some tough calls as we needed to have at least four specialist bowlers. That decision paid off with Chanaka Welegedera, Lakmal, Randiv and Ajantha Mendis doing a great job. Had we taken all our chances, we could have restricted India to around 270. At this point in the series, we have the momentum.

Hawkeye Communications