Senior Players Step Up for Sri Lanka

Before the second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, Sri Lanka’s batting coach, Thilina Kandamby, emphasised the importance of senior players stepping up, particularly given their experience playing in Galle. His message seemed to resonate, as Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, and Angelo Mathews together put up 240 runs—just 22 shy of their combined total in the first Test.

Chandimal, in particular, was the standout performer with a well-constructed 116 off 208 balls. Batting on a hot and humid day in Galle, despite a brief rain delay, Chandimal came in early, replacing Pathum Nissanka in just the second over. From the start, he batted aggressively, maintaining a near run-a-ball strike rate, helping Sri Lanka achieve a run rate of four an over during the first 15 overs.

Reflecting on his approach, Chandimal explained that his intent was to bat positively even after coming in so early. He noted that the pitch for this Test was better than the one in the first, which had been slower and more difficult to bat on.

As New Zealand’s spinners found their rhythm, the game’s tempo slowed, and Chandimal adjusted accordingly. After reaching 41 off 42 balls, he took 37 more deliveries to complete his half-century, showcasing his adaptability.

He pointed out that it’s easier to score when the seamers are bowling and the field is less spread out, which was the strategy he and his teammates followed early on. However, once the spinners tightened their lines and lengths, they had to shift gears and play more conservatively.

Throughout his innings, Chandimal survived several close calls. Edges evaded slips on three occasions, and a leading edge fell just short of short cover. He brushed these moments off, recognising them as part of the game, stating that luck plays a role in reaching milestones like a century.

"This is my 16th Test hundred," Chandimal shared, noting it was his first while batting at No. 3. Though he had spent most of his career at No. 5, he accepted the move up the order for the benefit of the team, allowing young talent Kamindu Mendis to bat at No. 5. Chandimal also acknowledged that at 34, keeping wickets had become more challenging, so he gladly took on the new batting position to help groom younger players for Sri Lanka's future.

However, the day wasn't without a setback, as Chandimal was involved in Karunaratne’s run-out just before tea. Although the call was Karunaratne’s for a quick single, Chandimal admitted that he hesitated and was caught flat-footed, leading to Karunaratne being run out. Chandimal took full responsibility, explaining that Karunaratne had been dealing with cramps and had advised him to avoid risky runs. After the run-out, Chandimal apologised to Karunaratne, accepting the blame for the mishap.

This century marked Chandimal’s second of the year and his fifth since 2022, solidifying his importance as a senior figure in the team. Despite the unfortunate run-out, his contribution at No. 3 has been vital in helping Sri Lanka maintain their grip in the Test series.