My goal was to bat positively, says centurion Dinesh Chandimal
Sri Lankan cricketer Dinesh Chandimal has emerged as the star of the second Test match against New Zealand, held in Galle. He scored a commendable 116 runs off 208 balls on Day 1, despite the challenging weather conditions. His performance was particularly noteworthy as he had to step up to bat early in the second over following Pathum Nissanka's dismissal. Here are more details.
Chandimal's aggressive approach boosts Sri Lanka's run rate
Chandimal adopted an aggressive approach from the onset, maintaining a strike rate just below one run per ball. This strategy significantly boosted Sri Lanka's run rate to four an over for the initial 15 overs. "I had to go in the third [second] over itself after Pathum got out, but even then my goal was to bat positively," Chandimal stated after Day 1's play.
Chandimal adapts to changing game pace
As New Zealand's spinners gained control, the run flow slowed down. However, Chandimal quickly adapted to this change in the game's pace. After scoring 41 runs off just 42 deliveries, he took an additional 37 balls to reach his half-century. He acknowledged the shift in strategy saying, "But once the spinners came on, they made sure that they kept bowling good lines and lengths."
Chandimal's mental resilience shines through in innings
Chandimal's innings was marked by several half-chances, including instances where his edges narrowly missed the slip cordon. Despite these close calls, he remained mentally resilient and viewed them as integral parts of Test batting. "Things like that need to be there for you to score a hundred," he said, highlighting the importance of luck in cricket.
Chandimal embraces new role for team's benefit
Chandimal's century was his 16th in Test cricket and his first while batting at No. 3, a position he had previously been reluctant to take on. He has now embraced this role for the team's benefit and in line with his senior status. "I have been batting at number five for most of my career, but I was asked to think about the team," he said.
14 of Chandimal's 16 centuries, have come in Asia
Playing his 84th match (150 innings), Chandimal has raced to 5,863 runs at an average of 43.42. In addition to 16 tons, he also owns 29 fifties. As per ESPNcricinfo, Chandimal has raced past 600 fours (613). In nine matches versus NZ (16 innings), he has 727 runs at 45.23 (100s: 1, 50s: 6). Notably, 14 of Chandimal's 16 centuries, have come in Asia. He averages 49.02 in Asia with 4,167 runs under his belt (100s: 14, 50s: 18).
