Colombo, Nov.26 : Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews has admitted that his side will face their toughest opponent so far in New Zealand, describing them as very ‘competitive’ and ‘strong’ team.
“New Zealand is a very competitive and strong team, not only at home but away as well. In the last couple of years they have played their best cricket. They are a very competitive unit right now, with a very good, balanced team of youth and experience and it’s going to be a tough task for us to beat them. But I am pretty sure if we do our very best we can beat them,” the 28-year-old was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had claimed a clean sweep in ODI and Test series against West Indies and had drawn the subsequent T20 series.
The all-rounder added that although his side played extremely well against West Indies, it would be entirely different when they take on New Zealand.
“We played some really good cricket against the West Indies, we outplayed them in all three departments in all formats but it will be a completely different tour in New Zealand because conditions and the opposition are different,” Mathews said.
Mathews, however, said that his side can easily win the upcoming series if they play with a right mindset.
Sri Lanka will play two-match Test series and five-match ODIs against New Zealand , starting from December 10 at University Oval. (ANI)