ABU DHABI: Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka lauded Maheesh Theekshana after his match-winning spell as the former champions defeated Namibia by seven wickets in their Group A match of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup here at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Monday.
After a minor hiccup in the beginning, Sri Lanka made light work of the 97-run target and chased it down with seven wickets and 39 balls to spare. The win takes Sri Lanka to the top of the Group A table with a net run-rate of +2.607.
The Sri Lankan bowlers had won half the battle for their team in the first innings as the Namibia batters looked uncomfortable against the spin as well as the genuine pace. Maheesh Theekshana took three wickets, while Lahiru Kumara and Wanindu Hasaranga each struck twice.
"We were planning quite a lot. Want to get through this qualifying stage. All went well for us. He (Theekshana) has been outstanding). Back home, he's been training with Ajantha Mendis. Has a lot more to offer."
"They (pacers) have been outstanding the last few months...Earlier they had pace but no execution. Going forward, you can see good things for them. Winning all three matches will give us a good state of mind because we (will) know the conditions and everything," he added.
Theekshana was adjudged the 'Player of the Match' after taking three wickets.
He said: "I am really happy to represent my country. It is a huge moment for me as I'm only 21 years old. Off-break (is my stock ball). The last game I played here I was 'Man of the Match'. It is a lucky ground for me. I would love to represent my country in more games. My plan is to take it game by game."
