No one expected us to win: Mathews

9 June 2017 12:04 pm - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said that no one really expected Sri Lanka to win by beating India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Group B encounter, Indian Media reported today.

Addressing the post- match conference held in London last night, Mathews has said he hoped that the victory may just bring back smiles in the faces of the countrymen after the tragic times in recent past where hundreds of people lost their lives due to a devastating flood.

"It was very pleasing for us to give them a win because we had some terrible times in the recent past, especially with losing a lot of lives due to floods and we are very grateful that we could give them a reason to smile," he said.

Mathews said he was happy that Sri Lanka's traditional Papare band was present in full force at the Oval yesterday.

"That's our trademark, Papare. They come all over wherever we play. The Sri Lankan people like to have fun," he said.

According to the Economic Times, Mathews has termed the ambience as if they were playing a World Cup final.

Sri Lanka staged a brilliant run chase to stun the defending champions by 7 wickets on Thursday.

Mathews’ side was written off by experts in the build-up to the crucial clash at the Oval, but they ignored the doubters to keep alive their bid to qualify for the semi-finals, the Hindustan Times said.

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Comments - 6

Ronnie Bugger Friday, 09 June 2017 12:19 PM

We should not wallow in glory simply because we beat a strong and powerful foe on the field but instead take inspiration from this victory and improve our strategies and tactics for the remaining. Let's hope and pray our team re-live 1996.

ANTON Friday, 09 June 2017 12:21 PM

YOU CAME BACK AND THE BOYS TOO HAVE COME BACK TO THE GAME.

Mason Friday, 09 June 2017 12:42 PM

Congratulations ! You played well as a team. Keep it up !

SL Friday, 09 June 2017 12:51 PM

Players needs only a moral boost and removal of under performing middle order batsmen who drag the innings back when they come in to bat.

Roman Friday, 09 June 2017 01:48 PM

Hit that Papare!!

MM Saturday, 10 June 2017 10:02 PM

SL can beat any team if they play a positive and intelligent cricket proper stroke players should negotiate up front ratherthan maintaining high run rate within first ten with lose of 2 or 3 wickets via DM Android App

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No one expected us to win: Mathews

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