Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews says he hasn’t thought about relinquishing the captaincy after his side lost the final ODI and series to Zimbabwe on Monday in what he describes as one of the lowest points in his career.
Sri Lanka lost the fifth one-day international to a spirited Zimbabwe in Hambantota by three wickets to surrender the series 3-2 and hand the tourists their first bilateral ODI series win over a Full Member nation away from home in 16 years.
Batting first, Sri Lanka scraped together 8-203 before Zimbabwe, led by Hamilton Masakadza’s 73, reached the victory target seven down with 71 balls to spare.
In the lead up to the series decider, Mathews admitted he didn’t know if he would be in charge come the 2019 World Cup in England, but after Monday’s loss, the future of his leadership tenure was once again raised.
“Still haven’t thought about stepping down,” Matthews said.
“There’s time. I’ll give it a bit more thought and talk to the selectors. I haven’t decided anything yet.”
The loss to Zimbabwe is a massive blow to the island nation.
Mathews’ men were perhaps just one catch away from beating Pakistan in the final match of the Champions Trophy group stage. Instead, chances were spilled at crucial times, Pakistan advanced and ultimately won the tournament.
In the wake of the dramatic exit, the fielding and fitness of the Sri Lankan team were criticised by members of the national government, while star bowler and former captain Lasith Malinga was handed a suspended ban for an unsanctioned media engagement.
Couple that with blowing a 2-1 series lead on home turf and it’s easy to understand why Mathews says he’s close to rock bottom.
“It’s one of the lowest points in my career, and a hard one to swallow,” Mathews said.
“Everything went against us, from the toss to misreading the wicket.
“But there are no excuses. At the end of the day we were not good enough to beat them.
“They played better cricket.”
It doesn’t get any easier for Mathews and his troops.
Later this month, neighbouring rivals and world No.1 Test side India arrive for a three-format tour that stretches into September.
Sri Lanka won the first Test against India in 2015 but lost the next two in what was legend Kumar Sangakkara’s international swansong.
Mathews says his charges must eliminate the unforced errors in their game otherwise the pressure and scrutiny will only continue to mount.
“We have not been consistent,” he said.
“The pressure is on all of us. The more we lose, the more pressure we are under.
“There is no solution for that and the only solution is winning.
“We try to win games, but we commit too many mistakes.”
