Colombo: Kusal Perera became a national hero in Sri Lanka Sunday after scoring an unbeaten 153 to guide his country to a sensational first Test victory in South Africa.
The country’s cricket legends and politicians lauded Perera, who has become a linchpin for the ailing national side since fighting off doping charges in 2016.
Former skipper Kumar Sangakkara, who had staunchly defended Perera when he was suspended in December 2015, called the performance at Kingsmead in Durban Saturday ‘unreal’.
“What an amazing win,” Sangakkara said on Twitter. “One of the best if not THE best overseas win by (Sri Lanka). Kusal Janith Perera was unreal.”
Sangakkara stood by Perera when he was wrongfully accused of doping in 2015. The International Cricket Council lifted the suspension in 2016 and apologised for the botched testing.
Another former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena said on Twitter: “What a beauty! One of the best innings under pressure.” Jayawardena said Perera, who put on a last wicket partnership of 78 had shown ‘intelligence and mental strength’.
Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also took to Twitter to hail the win. “Congratulations to our cricket team on snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat,” Sirisena said.
“Kusal Janith Perera makes mother Sri Lanka very proud today! Keep fighting! Great spirit by @kusaljperera and all the youngsters,” said Wickremesinghe.