Sri Lanka find their superman in Perera
Perera remains humble after guiding Sri Lanka to a sensational win over Proteas
Durban, Feb. 16: Matchwinner Kusal Perera insisted “all I did was my role” after his epic 153 not out took Sri Lanka to a dramatic one-wicket victory over South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead on Saturday.
Perera scored 67 of his runs in an unbeaten 78run last-wicket stand with Vishwa Fernando which gave his underdog team a sensational victory. “When I was batting with the tail, I knew we couldn’t win this match by just scoring singles,” said Perera after his career-best knock which was already being hailed as one of Test cricket’s greatest innings.
“I was the last proper batsman left. When the time felt right for me, I took my chances.”
The left-hander managed to keep most of the strike and played some audacious strokes, including two sixes off fast bowler Dale Steyn.
“I tried to hit to the closest boundary,” said Perera, who was described as “superman” by opposition skipper Faf du Plessis. “It was a superman effort. He deserves all the accolades,” said du Plessis.
Perera added: “I had really wanted to hit two or three sixes off Steyn as we were getting close. Thankfully I was able to do that. I think my decision-making was really good.”