Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews has lauded his young off-spinner Akila Dananjaya for his terrific performance with the ball in Colombo after thrashing South Africa in the series decider of the five-match One Day International series on Sunday (12 August).

However, Sri Lanka lost the ODI series 2-3 to South Africa at home but Akila was the hero of the series decider in Colombo, where the 24-year-old finished with his career-best figures of 6/29. 

As per reports in Cricbuzz, Mathews told reporters at the post-match conference, “Akila's made of steel - going for runs in the last couple of games and coming back with a six-for in this game was fantastic. He has been bowling so well for us over the past year and a half.”

He further added, “You can have a couple of off days but he has been consistent with his performances over the past year-and-a-half. He showed once again what he's capable of.”

Dananjaya made his One Day debut against New Zealand in 2012 at 17 and has now 35 scalps in 17 ODIs. Although, the off-spinner was not much impressive earlier when he made his debut, but now he looks confident and dangerous with his improved skills and made an impressive comeback to the game.

Praising Akila, Mathews signed off by saying, “There is a big difference when you consider his debut, and you look at him now. He bowls with a lot of confidence. He's not afraid to bowl his variations. And those variations are now also bowled with a lot of control. So those add up to a big difference.”