Sri Lanka in command with 333-run lead
Sri Lanka scored 329 for 9 wickets at close to be in a commanding position after the third day’s play in the first Test against Pakistan played at Galle International cricket stadium yesterday.
Dinesh Chandimal the inform middle order batter once again among the runs scoring an unbeaten 86 in 121 balls with five fours and two sixes while opener Oshada Fernando scored 64 in 125 balls with six fours and a six. Kusal Mendis added fine knock of 76 in 129 balls with 9 fours build the Sri Lanka innings to pass the 300 mark and overall Sri Lanka had a 333 runs lead with one wicket in hand with two days to spare.
The overnight batter Oshada Fernando and nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha resumed their innings while Rajitha (7) was first to out LBW off the bowling of Mahammad Nawaz. Kusal Mendis joined with Oshada Fernando repaired the innings untill the lunch break and Sri Lanka were 132 for 2 wickets.
Oshada Fernando was out first over after lunch while skipper Babar Azam took a catch at slip off the bowling of leg spinner Yasir Shah to break the third wicket stand. Oshada and Kusal added 91 runs third wicket stand which was the most successful stand for Sri Lanka.
The most experienced batter Angelo Matthews playing his 99 Test match was unable to stay long time scoring 9 runs and leg spinner Mahammad Nawaz took a important breakthrough to dismiss Mathews.
Once again Dinesh Chandimal was the day’s hero scoring unbeaten 86 while leg spinner Mohammad Nawaz was the most successful bowler taking 5 for 88. Leg spinner Yasir Shah made a good supporting role to finish 3 for 122.
Kusal Mendis the right hand top order batter said he used to play little different style now and it is really work out to get success. “I was very busy at the practice. Actually my playing style gives me more confidence now. Today our three batters Oshada, Chandimal and my self played big innings to build up the total. It was nice to sees our team is on top with 333 runs lead and today we wanted to collect more runs and give big challenge to Pakistan. We already made good lead and it is not an easy to chase more than 300 run mark. Especially our bowlers Prabath Jayasuriya, Maheesh Theekshana and Ramesh Mendis are doing very well and they can put pressure on them”.
“Kusal Mendis further said he is very keen to play at number three. I used to play no 3-4 but more prefer at no three. playing against Yasir Shah is good experience while we are very satisfied about Chandimal the inform middle order batter. The way Chandi Aiya played this series is exceptional and his innings gave lot of confidence for other batters”, said Kusal Mendis.