Mathews elated with Shanaka's 'dream debut' against Ireland

Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews has lavished praise on ODI debutant Dasun Shanaka for his match-winning performance during the side's opening match of the two-game series against Ireland at Malahide Cricket Club Ground in Dublin.

Shanaka smashed a quick-fire 42 before bagging a four-wicket haul to hand his side with a convincing 76-run win by Duckworth-Lewis method against Ireland on Thursday.

Jubilant with his performance, Mathews said that it was a 'dream debut' for Shanaka, adding that he hopes to see a similar kind of performance from him in the coming matches.

Shanaka's medium-pace bowling also saw him scalp an encouraging three for 46 on his Test debut against England at Headingley last month.

Mathews, himself a seam-bowling all-rounder, said that he felt glad to get the momentum in his side, Sport24 reported.

The skipper recalled that his side failed to perform well against England, but believes the victory again Ireland will serve as learning curve for his men to comeback stronger in the English conditions.

Lanka have taken an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series against Ireland and will play their second and final match at the same venue on Saturday.