ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Angelo Mathews implores Sri Lanka to raise standard after narrow win over Afghanistan

Mathews implores Sri Lanka to raise standard after narrow win over Afghanistan

Dunedin: Having survived a scare before a four-wicket win over Afghanistan in Pool A encounter , a relieved Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews admitted the team needs to raise its standards to take on top teams in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

Chasing a target of 233 runs, Afghanistan bowled well in the first few overs to reduce Sri Lanka to 51 for four. It was then a partnership between Mathews (44) and Mahela Jayawardene (100) of 126 runs which helped the 1996 edition champions achieve the victory with 10 balls to spare. Full Scorecard

“Feeling a bit of relief. Though we came back well after going down with a lot of pressure. We really need to raise our standards to compete against the top teams. It was a see-saw kind of game,” Mathews said at the post-match presentation ceremony. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS

The 27-year-old also praised the cameo from all-rounder Thisara Perera (47) which eventually won them the game. “They started off beautifully and then we pulled back in the end. I was actually struggling to time the ball but I knew I had to stay out there with Mahela to get some kind of stand going. Those runs from Perera at the end were unbelievable,” he said. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE

Browse through picture gallery of the match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan here