The Sri Lankan fans finally had something to celebrate last evening after the Lions won the second T20 international as a result of a heroic effort from skipper Angelo Mathews.
ThePapare’s very own Sameera Pieris was on hand to catch all the action in Johannesburg.
Here are a few of the top moments from yesterday’s game, straight from ThePapare lens.
1 Kulasekara started the bandwagon
The 34-year-old was back to his best as he took out opening batsman Trevor Smuts in the second over of the game with debutant Lakshan Sandaken taking a fine catch, diving forward at short fine leg.
2 Isuru Udana proved his worth on his return
The left armer, making his return to international cricket after a year, took maximum benefit of his opportunity on African soil. Theunis de Bruyn was Udana’s first victim as he finished with 3/13.
3 Dream debut for the Mystery Spinner
The 25-year-old chinaman, bamboozled the Proteas as he picked up Mangaliso Mosehle in the 6th over for his first T20 wicket with his 1st delivery and later completed a valuable spell of 4/23 for the island nation.
4 20 year old Lungi Ngidi destroys the Lankan top order
The Sri Lankan fans were brought back to earth as this right-arm pacey shook the top order with 4/19.
5 Captain fallen!
Lankan skipper Mathews took a nasty fall, trying to take a quick single. Needing 9 runs from 8 balls, and with no batsmen to come, Mathews waved off the pain and batted on.
6 Captain sailed the ship to safety!
Mathews took it upon himself to carry Sri Lanka to safety and his two back to back sixes saw Sri Lanka to a much needed first win in the rainbow nation.
7 All smiles
Mathews’ 50 ball 54 did the trick for the Sri Lankans as a long awaited victory came in the second t20 international.
See all the photos from the 2nd t20 >>