Former Sri Lanka cricketer Angelo Mathews said the team’s dominant victory over Oman has given players a much-needed confidence boost ahead of crucial World Cup matches against Australia and Zimbabwe.
Speaking after the match in Pallekele, Mathews described the performance as “very special,” noting that it came at the right time following a slightly unsettled display in the previous game. He said the comprehensive win would be vital for building momentum heading into the tougher fixtures and the second round of the tournament.
Mathews praised the batting unit for its maturity and adaptability, highlighting the strong partnership between Kusal Mendis and Player of the Match Pavan Ratnayake. He noted that Mendis played a composed anchoring role by rotating the strike and focusing on building partnerships rather than chasing early aggression.
He also commended Ratnayake for answering criticism about his strike rate with a positive and confident innings, adding that the batter showed smart intent by capitalising on loose deliveries and running hard between the wickets.
Mathews further praised Dasun Shanaka’s aggressive late knock, saying his rapid half-century would help rebuild confidence after a quiet run in recent matches and could prove crucial in upcoming high-pressure games.
Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s 2014 T20 World Cup success, Mathews stressed that smart cricket — including strike rotation, exploiting gaps, and minimising unnecessary risks — remains essential during the middle overs.
On the bowling front, he acknowledged that Dushan Hemantha cannot be directly compared to injured leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga but expressed confidence in his ability to develop through experience and hard work.
Looking ahead to the clash against Australia, Mathews urged the team to maintain a positive mindset and fearless approach, saying Sri Lanka has the potential to secure victory if they continue playing with confidence. Sri Lanka’s upcoming group-stage match against Australia is expected to play a decisive role in shaping their qualification prospects.
