Dilshan and Sangakkara flattened Bangladesh
© AFP
Melbourne: Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews hailed century makers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara as "brilliant" after they lifted the 1996 champions to a 92-run win over Bangladesh on Thursday.
Dilshan smashed an unbeaten 161 off 146 balls -- the ninth highest score in World Cup history -- while Sangakkara marked his 400th one-dayer with 105 not out as Sri Lanka whipped butter-fingered Bangladesh at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (Match Report )
Sri Lanka piled up 332 for one that proved too much for Bangladesh, who folded up for 240 with three overs to spare. (Sangakkara Marks 400th ODI With Ton )
"Dilshan and Sangakkara were brilliant, they batted us through, took calculated risks and it was a great effort by the three batters," said Mathews, also reserving praise for opener Lahiru Thirimanne for his 52.
"We were slightly sloppy in the field and could have done better, but once you've got 300 on the board your bowlers can take chances. We're all ready for the England game," added Mathews in reference to their next Pool A game in Wellington on Sunday.
Sri Lanka have four points from three games while Bangladesh have three with both sides in the top four in the group and well-placed for a quarter-final slot.
"Our bowlers weren't up to the mark and hopefully in the next match we will improve," said Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza.
"Dilshan and Sangakkara played well and showed their character today. I hope our next game will be our best in the tournament."
Bangladesh next face Scotland in Nelson next Thursday.
Dilshan said he was relieved to be back in the runs after being dismissed off the first ball against Afghanistan last time out.
"I am really happy with today's innings after getting out first ball in the last game," said Dilshan, named man of the match.
The 38-year-old, who made his ODI debut back in 1999, added: "I am enjoying my cricket and when I cross the line I don't think about my age.
"I dropped a catch and it is all a part of the game.
"But I am happy with our performance and we are getting back to a rhythm. This was a good game for us before we move on to the bigger games."
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