Tillakaratne Dilshan shunned the spotlight after his record-breaking innings against Bangladesh, instead choosing to heap praise on Sri Lanka's all-round performance.

The opener batted throughout his side's innings at the MCG on Thursday, posting a new national record of 161 not out in Cricket World Cup action as Sri Lanka won by 92 runs.

"I was not thinking of the record, I just tried to bat to the maximum for the country," Dilshan said. "This was a really important game for us. I think we didn't play our 100 per cent the last two games. 

"I think in every department we did really well today batting, bowling, and fielding. This confidence we can carry into the rest of the series."

After defeat to New Zealand in their tournament opener and a narrow win over Afghanistan, Sri Lanka's form was in question ahead of the meeting with Bangladesh.

They now prepare for a clash against England on Sunday, with Dilshan saying they must refocus quickly.

"We can't say this is a turning point for us," he added. "We have to come back very strongly next game. 

"We have to try and win every single game and try to come at least second or third in the group and going forward to quarter-finals."