Former Sri Lankan skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan was delighted with Islanders’ fascinating victory of 1-wicket in the first Test of the two-match series against South Africa in Durban last weekend.

Speaking at the IB Cricket Super Over League event, Tillakaratne said that Sri Lanka has gained the much-needed momentum with the Durban victory -which was their first win here in last 8 years -last came under him way back in 2011, and hoping that the side will carry the momentum to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup to be played in England from 30 May.

He was lavished praise on Kusal Perera for his unbeaten knock of 153 and the 78-run last wicket stand with Vishwa Fernando, which scripted a memorable victory for the islanders against the Proteas side.

Dilshan told media on Tuesday, “We won the last time under my captaincy in 2011, and now after (eight) years, we won another Test match. When you are winning, it is a good feeling for the team. If they can carry this belief, this positivity, and motivation for the next couple of months, then it will be good for us as the World Cup is just three months away.”

Former Lankan captain continued, “This is the momentum we want. If we can, it will be the right time. Hopefully, we can turn around and carry on (this form) for the next couple of months.”

Meanwhile, Dilshan, who featured in three World Cups for Sri Lanka - in 2007, 2011 and 2015, believes that Islanders has the ability to turn the tables in the ICC showpiece event in England and Wales.

He signed off by saying, “You never know (what Sri Lanka will do). In every World Cup, Sri Lanka team has been dangerous. We come as underdogs in every single World Cup but we finished well in the last four-five World Cups. We lost twice in the final (2007 and 2011). We won 1996 final. In the World Cup, our teams are entirely different. The young players are getting a chance to play and that’s a good sign.”

(With Sportstar Inputs)