Relieved, but need to raise our standards: Mathews

Dunedin (New Zealand), Feb 22 (IANS) Having survived a scare before a four-wicket win over Afghanistan in a Pool A encounter here Sunday, a relieved Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews admitted the team needs to raise its standards to take on top teams in the World Cup.

Chasing a target of 233 runs, Afghanistan bowled well in the first few overs to reduce Sri Lanka to 51/4. It was then a partnership between Mathews (44) and Mahela Jayawardene (100) of 126 runs which helped the 1996 edition champions achieve the victory with 10 balls to spare.

"Feeling a bit of relief. Though we came back well after going down with a lot of pressure. We really need to raise our standards to compete against the top teams. It was a see-saw kind of game," Mathews said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The 27-year-old also praised the cameo from all-rounder Thisara Perera (47) which eventually won them the game.

"They started off beautifully and then we pulled back in the end. I was actually struggling to time the ball but I knew I had to stay out there with Mahela to get some kind of stand going. Those runs from Perera at the end were unbelievable," he said.