Mathews last played a T20 International in March 2021, and has been recalled to the squad as Sri Lanka looks to strengthen the squad with experienced players ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup.
But Mathews paid tribute to Chameera.
“The best innings was by Dushmantha Chameera who scored six runs in two balls,” Mathews said.
“If he had not been connected, all our hard work would have been in vain.”
When Mathews came out to bat, Sri Lanka’s score was 51 runs for four wickets and he along with Charith Asalanka added 32 runs in 39 balls for the fifth wicket.
It was a crucial rebuilding period for Sri Lanka, but when Sikandar Raza struck twice in his last over, Sri Lanka were reduced to 83 for six.
Mathews along with fellow all-rounder Dasun Shanaka made a 55-run partnership to take Sri Lanka closer to victory.
Shanaka, who was dropped from the captaincy after last year’s 50-over World Cup, remained unbeaten on 26.
Sri Lanka needed 14 runs in the last over.
