Lasith Malinga masterclass, Kusal Perera ton seal Sri Lanka win
The fast bowler picked up 3 for 38 in final ODI after Kusal Perera's 111 off 99 balls took them to a strong total
The fast bowler picked up 3 for 38 in final ODI after Kusal Perera's 111 off 99 balls took them to a strong total
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: Varun Shetty (@varunshetty)
11:10pm Lasith Malinga is back for an encore. Yanks the mic from Roshan Abeysinghe's hand, takes the spotlight and addresses the home crowd in the local language. They're listening. they're clapping. They're celebrating. A true rockstar. Thanks for joining us tonight. We hope you enjoyed it.
Dimuth Karunaratne: All the boys are supporting me in the last few months. World Cup and upto here, they've given me their 100%. We're in the right path. We need to improve a few things. I think the World Cup we were quite behind batting-wise, but after the first few games we put our hands up and batted really well. Even today we batted really well. This is the best thing we can give him [Malinga]. Told the boys to give 200% for Mali and they did a great job. Every time we needed Mali, he would take wickets. We need to find the bowler to replace him. I think they will put their hands up and do their job. He's a legend. He's done really well for Sri Lanka. The World Cup, even today, he did a great job. If I gave him the ball, he did the job for me. We'll miss Mali. He's still playing T20s and I think he will lift the World Cup for Sri Lanka.
Tamim Iqbal: I've been struggling a bit. When I'm the captain, I need to start performing well, lead from the front. Today the boys showed character. At one point it looked like 350-360 would be the target. We need to regroup ourselves. Two games to go. Hopefully we can do better. The 15 I have, I'm very happy with them. We just have to keep on trusting them. They have the ability, just have to take responsibility. The good thing is we're still in the competition.
Kusal Perera, Man of the Match:
Feeling much better now. My back was a little stiff. Worked with the pysio. It's getting better now. In the World Cup I played as an opening batsman, but here I played no. 3. Different situations. I always back myself. Sometimes I took calculated risks. Sometimes we have to take some risks. [Malinga] is a legend. He taught us good lessons and is always telling us what we have to do.
Lasith Malinga: I think it's the correct time to retire. I've played last 15 years for Sri Lanka. Really honoured and happy to play with the crowd belong. I feel it's the right time to move [on] because we have to look forward to 2023. That's when I knew my time is over. Winning is very important because we're a young team and we're looking to win. The captain expected me to take a wicket throughout my career [...] I tried my best that's why I succeeded. You have to be yourself. These young bowlers have to now get match-winning performances. People should say, "he is a match winner".
Chamila: "He's a true LEGEND... Thank You Mali...<3"
Aman: "Wicket on last ball of his ODI career. WHAT A LEGEND."
NavrajUpadhyaya: "Mallinga finishing in style. What a way to say goodbye"
Aayush Pathak: "The crowd loud is high but deep inside they are emotional. Love you maali!"
Niraj: "Salute to Malinga, I remember him forever due to his unique bowling action and cute smile..Love from Nepal"
RiwajAdhikari: "A big man with golden curly hair comes hustling around with number 99 and MALINGA written on his back, The toe crushing yorker. Goes underneath the bat. Leg stump goes for the toss. An absolute sight to watch. You will be missed legend. #ThankYouMalinga"
Mustafizur Rahman c NLTC Perera b Malinga 18 (14b 3x4 0x6) SR: 128.57
Goes around the wicket
Back over the wicket now
Malinga's last over in ODI cricket coming up. "Mali! Mali! Mali!" It just doesn't stop. He's around the wicket. Leg gully and slip in place.
Tributes poured in from around the cricketing world as Lasith Malinga signed off from ODIs with a classic performance
As he steamed in, locks flowing and the crowd a sea of flashing camera lights, the floodlit Khettarama pulsed like it had many times before
"My captains expect me to take wickets. I tried my best all through my career. I hope all the young bowlers do this as well."
Lasith Malinga was as good as he ever was playing the final ODI of a 15-year career
The fast bowler picked up 3 for 38 in final ODI after Kusal Perera's 111 off 99 balls took them to a strong total