Display against S Africa was much more greater

Man of the Match Lasith Malinga believes that his performance against South Africa was much more greater than the effort which he produced in the match against Kenya at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

Malinga returned career best figures of six wickets for 38 from 7.4 overs including a hat-trick which was also his second in a World Cup tournament fixture.

Malinga stated that in 2007 he was able to claim four wickets in four deliveries when his team was heading towards a heavy defeat before bringing them closer towards a sensational victory.

Even then Malinga was happy to produce a similar effort in front of his home crowd while playing in his first World Cup tournament match in the 2011 edition.

The 27 year old fast bowler also stated that the last few days have been really frustrating to be spending time in the dressing room while recovering from a back injury. He commended the efforts of the Sri Lankan team physio and coaches and thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa for introducing him to Dr. Eliantha White who has been able to bring him back to the playing field.

Malinga noted that a back injury would usually put him out of the game for at least two to three week’s but due to the efforts of Dr. White he has been able to recover much earlier and perform to his true potential.

CD