Sri Lanka skipper Lasith Malinga paid tribute to spin duo Rangana Herath and Sachithra Senanayake after the 59-run victory over New Zealand in the ICC World Twenty20.
Left-arm spinner Herath was the star of show in Chittagong with figures of 5-3 from 3.3 overs as New Zealand were skittled for 60 – their lowest total in 20-over cricket – in reply to Sri Lanka’s modest 119.
Senanayake also helped himself to a couple of wickets as the duo returned combined figures of 6.3-2-6-7 to set up a semi-final showdown against either Pakistan or West Indies.
“I trusted my spinners. Herath bowled really well, he was unbelievable,” said Malinga.
“We were ready for this (effectively) quarter-final match. I’m really lucky to be captain of this side. They have good experience and that’s why were successful today.”
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said: “All credit to Sri Lanka. Herath and Sachi, the way they bowled was outstanding. They blew us away.
“We just didn’t adapt quick enough and played some mindless cricket. Once you let them get on top, it’s very hard to stop them.
“We took some poor options today and hence we’re on the plane home.”
