Hambantota: After beating Canada in their opening World Cup match here on Sunday Sri Lanka’s Skipper Kumar Sangakkara has praised his team member.
"We were pretty clinical, the spinners and the fast bowlers did exactly what we wanted," Sangakkara said after his side crushed Canada by 210 runs.
He heaped praise on senior batsman Mahela Jayawardene for the win on Sunday.
"It was set up by the openers. The real star was Jayawardene, it is very easy to bat with him. On wickets like this, it is nice to get an idea of what's going on. That's why I took a bit of time, it was good that Mahela came back to bring the momentum our way," said Sangakkara who scored a 87-ball 92.
Jayawardene was happy that Sri Lanka began on a winning note in the tournament but said that he was a bit tired after the knock.
"Always the first game is a nerve-wracking feeling, guys gave a good start, and just needed a momentum shift in the middle. I was tired after the knock, luckily we have several days to recover. It was a good pitch, good outfield, great stadium and a great atmosphere," said Jayawardene who scored a 81-ball 100.
Jayawardene said he had no idea that he broke the record for fastest century by a Sri Lankan in the World Cup. Canada captain Ashish Bagai admitted his side were outplayed and said the Sangakkara-Jayawardene duo had taken the game away from them.
"Always going to be a tough task. We started pretty well, kept them under five for the first 25 overs. Two world-class players took it away from us," he said.
"A bit different weather here, so there was a bit of dehydration and cramps, we have seven days to recover from this. Great facility here and great crowd."
