Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka's captain for the day as regular incumbent Mahela Jayawardene had a warning hanging over him due to slow over rates, paid tribute to man-of-the-match-Malinga.
"He's a fantastic bowler, he relishes the pressure - both in the Super Over against New Zealand and then here with five wickets," he said.
Sri Lanka had earlier piled up 169-6 in their 20 overs, thanks in the main to Jayawardene (42), Angelo Mathews (28) and Thisara Perera (26).
Sangakkara said: "The guys played really well, we played six batsmen with a couple of all-rounders and backed our bowlers to restrict them and get us wickets.
"It was a great start by the openers and Angelo Mathews, Jeevan Mendis and Thisara Perera finished it off."
Asked about the prospect of lifting the trophy on home soil, he added: "It would be fantastic if we can, but the focus is to keep our feet on the ground and prepare well for our next game."
