Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal slams his 27th Test half-century: Stats
Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal made his presence felt in the first Test with a valiant 79-run knock in his side's second innings on Day 4 against England in Manchester. Chandimal, who returned to bat after having walked off with an injury, resumed Day 4 on a score of 20*. He supported Kamindu Mendis (113) as the two helped Sri Lanka manage 326. Here's more.
A knock of substance from Chandimal
Chandimal should be lauded for braving his injury and coming out to bat and then showing character. Those runs from Mendis and Chandimal helped Sri Lanka recover. Mendis' stylish ton was backed by Chandimal's grit. The two added a century-plus stand. Matthew Potts dismissed Chandimal. A good length ball just outside off saw Chandimal stay back for a lofted drive as he was caught.
Chandimal races to 5,575 runs in Tests
Chandimal's knock consisted of seven fours from a 119-ball effort. He has raced to 5,575 runs in Tests at 43.21. This was his 27th fifty. He also owns 15 tons. As per ESPNcricinfo, Chandimal completed 500 runs versus England (521 at 30.64). He hit his second fifty (100s: 1). Chandimal owns 2,649 runs in away Test matches (home of opposition). He averages 39.53.
Summary of the contest
Sri Lanka scored 236 in their first innings with England responding strongly (356). Jamie Smith's ton helped England big time. Thereafter, Angelo Mathews, Chandimal and Mendis helped SL fight from a position of bother. The Lankans set England a target of 205 runs.
