The victorious Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews heaved a sigh of relief that his team finally broke the jinx to regain the Asia Cup after six years. Sri Lanka last won the cup in 2008. But they added the chokers tag after losing the 2010 Asia Cup final and the 2007 and 2011 World Cup finals.
"We're glad to break the barrier between Sri Lanka and the finals. I'm really happy. The credit should go to the whole team, the support staff and also the selectors for having faith in us. They were superb. We still remain unbeaten after six weeks in Bangladesh,’’ he said.
Admitting they were in a spot of bother after the dismissals of Kusal Perera and Kumar Sangakkara, Mathews said Mahela Jayawardene and Lahiru Thirimanne got them through.
Mathews said they saved the man of the match Lasith Malinga for the final. ``I was very pleased the way he bowled today. We saved him for the final... He was rested for the game against Bangladesh. It's not easy to play consistently. The fast bowlers especially tire out so much and we don't have enough rest days in between. You have to manage their workloads. He got a five-for in the first match and also today. He's performing for us and has been our premier for so many years’’
The skipper pointed out that they had always been a team who never give up. ``We keep fighting till the last ball. We have showed that a few times. I'm glad the fighting spirit was there. It was a big game our boys really wanted to win. We have not won a major trophy in quite a while. So the boys were eager to go out there and perform.’’
Mathews do not think they are favourites for the upcoming T20 World Cup. `` We can’t say that because T20 is a funny game. It's totally a different format. It's a fresh tournament. It's a World Cup, all teams will be quite eager. We have one week to turn up and play fresh cricket. We will enjoy the win today and will be back in a week's time.’’
According to Mathews, after Sangakkara and Mahela retire, Thirimanne and Chandimal are the ones who are going to take up their roles. ``It's not easy to fill their shoes. But the way they are performing right now, I'm pretty sure that they will take the responsibilities. Thirimanne has been amazing for us. ‘’