Galle (Sri Lanka) (AFP) – Sri Lanka’s president and former cricket legends Saturday hailed the country’s series win over Australia as historic after they comprehensively beat the top-ranked visitors in the second Test in Galle.
Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera bagged six wickets to bundle out Australia for 183 and register a 229-run triumph after lunch on the third day to help Sri Lanka take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Perera’s efforts came after veteran spinner Rangana Herath bagged his maiden Test hat-trick in the first innings to dismiss Australia for a record low of 106.
“Congratulations to Sri Lanka team as it makes history with this win. A moment of pride in Sri Lanka cricket,” President Maithripala Sirisena said on Twitter.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief Thilanga Sumathipala described the victory as a “huge boost” for the entire cricket-crazy nation of 21 million people.
“This is a huge boost for Sri Lanka as a country and for everyone who follows the game of cricket in Sri Lanka,” Sumathipala said.
The triumph comes as a welcome relief to a side which had returned from a disastrous tour of England where they failed to win any of their nine matches — three Tests, five ODIs and one T20.
“A series win to be proud of. Beating the #1 side in the world with ease. Enjoy the well earned win boys and make it 3 wins for @officialSLC,” former skipper Kumar Sangakkara tweeted.
“A lot of credit to Gford & @Angelo69Mathews to come thru a tough series in england and to keep the side focused @KusalMendis1, @HerathRSL -,” Sangakkara wrote in another tweet referring to Sri Lanka’s new head coach, South African Graham Ford.
Sri Lanka defied the odds after being seen as weaker opponents at the start of the series, with the retirements of some former greats — Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena — adding to their underdog status.
“Great win by the SL team. Good come back after England tour. Beating no 1 team in the world and showed character. Well done Dilruwan,” Jayawardena wrote on Twitter.
“Credit to team management and back room staff. Selectors who kept faith in the youngsters. @Angelo69Mathews who led the team well,” he added.
Sri Lankan chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya was at hand to celebrate the victory and used twitter to congratulated the team.
“Welldone @officialSLC. What a moment. Good cricket and Proud of u boys,” he said.
“I just want to thank for this amazing crowd through out this 3 days. As Sri Lankan fans u all deserved this victory!”
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