Mathews' injury 'looks pretty bad'

Angelo Mathews suggested he may be ruled out of Sri Lanka's remaining matches in South Africa, after he was injured during a match-winning innings of 54 not out in the second Twenty20 international.

Published : Jan 23, 2017 00:30 IST , Johannesburg

Mathews twisted an ankle in the penultimate over on Sunday, but overcame clear discomfort to thump two sixes off Jon-Jon Smuts and secure a three-wicket victory for Sri Lanka.
Mathews twisted an ankle in the penultimate over on Sunday, but overcame clear discomfort to thump two sixes off Jon-Jon Smuts and secure a three-wicket victory for Sri Lanka.
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Mathews twisted an ankle in the penultimate over on Sunday, but overcame clear discomfort to thump two sixes off Jon-Jon Smuts and secure a three-wicket victory for Sri Lanka.

Angelo Mathews suggested he may be ruled out of Sri Lanka's remaining matches in South Africa, after he was injured during a match-winning innings of 54 not out in > the second Twenty20 international .

Mathews twisted an ankle in the penultimate over on Sunday, but overcame clear discomfort and a lack of mobility to thump two sixes off Jon-Jon Smuts and secure a three-wicket victory for Sri Lanka.

Although the touring captain was delighted to get his team over the line - following defeats in each of its previous four internationals in South Africa - he acknowledged his participation in the T20 series-decider and the subsequent ODI rubber was now in serious doubt.

"It looks pretty bad - it looks like I'll be out for a couple of weeks maybe. I twisted my ankle," said Mathews at the post-match presentation.

Discussing his final-over heroics, Mathews added: "I had to go [big] because I couldn't run. Fortunately, I was able to do it.

"I thought I had to bat to the end because we kept losing wickets.

"It was a much-needed win for us - it will boost the morale of the camp."

Mathews also felt he was not a worthy winner of the man-of-the-match award - insisting the honour should have gone to T20 debutant Lakshan Sandakan, who took 4-23 to help limit South Africa to 113 all out.

"Sandakan deserves this more than me," insisted the all-rounder.

Losing skipper Farhaan Behardien acknowledged South Africa had paid the price for a poor batting display, but hailed the fighting spirit of his team.

Behardien also heaped praise on Lungi Ngidi after the rookie fast bowler followed up an impressive debut two days earlier by taking 4-19 in a losing cause.

"He bowled out of his skin - he kept us in the game," said Behardien of Ngidi.

The T20 series will now be decided in Cape Town on Wednesday.

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