More than 545,000 and 140,000 families were affected and more than 200 people lost their lives when Sri Lanka was hit by landslides and floods in recent weeks. Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews was happy to put a ‘smile’ on the fans’ faces and dedicated the team’s historic 7-wicket win over India to all those affected.
“It was very pleasing for us to give them a win because we had some terrible times in the recent past, especially with losing a lot of lives to floods, and we are very grateful that we could give them a smile.” Mathews said at the post-match press conference.
He tweeted a similar sentiment as well, “We dedicate this to everyone affected by floods. love u all. Thanks for the love and blessings. big one coming up #greatful.”
#CT17 – Angelo Mathews’ amazing, unbeaten knock of 52
Skipper Angelo Mathews struck a match-winning 52 off 45 balls to guide Sri Lanka to a win over India.
With over 18,000 people in attendance, 95% of the fans were supporting the defending champions, India. One small ‘Papare’ band to the left of the media box in the Vauxhall End kept Sri Lankan spirits up and it got louder and louder as the game progressed despite the early noise created by the Indian ’Dhols’ in the other corner of the ground.
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Read: ‘Stunning’ Sri Lanka pull off a miraculous chase to shock India
“It was like playing a World Cup Final. It was so noisy and a great atmosphere. We all know that all the Indians travel, and they’re right behind their team. I must thank all the Sri Lankan supporters that came out here. Even though it was little numbers, it was fantastic support for us. We really thank all of them. Papare, that’s our trademark, they come all over wherever we play. The Sri Lankan people like to have fun.” Skipper Mathews said.
With this win, the next two games in group B, India vs South Africa at The Oval (Sunday) and Sri Lanka vs Pakistan at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (Monday) are virtual quarter-finals with all four teams having won one game apiece thus far.
