At the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on February 19, in the second Twenty20 International between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, star all-rounder Angelo Mathews put on a remarkable display. The hosts triumphed by a score of 72 runs. Since returning to the T20I team a few weeks ago, it was his best knock.
Even though he had a rough start, he quickly turned things around when he came to bat at No. 7 in the fifteenth over. He struck four sixes and two fours in total, including three consecutive sixes off Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai in the 19th over of the opening innings. He finished with an undefeated 42 out of 22 deliveries.
Additionally, Angelo Mathews and Sadeera Samarawickrama had tied the knot for the fifth wicket, sharing a vital 66-run partnership. Matthews revealed their plan to calm their innings as he thought back on his collaboration with the wicketkeeper-batter.
Sadeera Samarawickrama was supposed to bat deep so that I could bat freely. For the first 10 to fifteen balls, I had trouble. When I struck the ball first, it always got to the fielder. But I was certain I could get over the line. I knew I could play my shots the way Sadeera was playing.
Angelo Mathews stated, “If I can get singles and twos in the first couple of deliveries, I can improve further.”
After Sri Lanka’s series against Zimbabwe, the 36-year-old said he had been told to bowl in order to keep the squad balanced. He continued by saying he was ready to bowl at any time. In addition, he talked candidly about his discussion with the selectors. He also did a fantastic job with the ball, dismissing Hazratullah Zazai and Ibrahim Zadran, the opening batsmen from Afghanistan, to end with remarkable numbers of 2/9.
“I’ve been told to bowl since the Zimbabwe series to help the side balance.” I’m ready to bowl right now. I had a nice conversation with the selectors as well. I’m ready to put everything into it. I’m having fun playing cricket, and I want to give the team my all,” he continued.
Home