SL vs AUS: Dimuth Karunaratne praises Dinesh Chandimal as Sri Lanka turn to Pakistan
SL vs AUS: Dinesh Chandimal‘s double century in Sri Lanka’s series-tying Test victory over Australia was seen positively by captain Dimuth Karunaratne on Monday ahead of a more difficult test against Pakistan.
In the second Test, which Sri Lanka dominated by an innings and 39 runs in Galle to tie the series at one apiece, Chandimal hit an unbeaten 206.
In the fourth session of day four, debutant spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claimed a match-high 12 wickets to dismiss Australia for 151.
But Chandimal, who scored his first double century by batting aggressively and hitting a four and two sixes off Mitchell Starc as Sri Lanka totaled 554 all out, set up the victory.
“I told Chandi to come up with a big knock. Last few years he was not very successful,” Karunaratne said of his senior batsman, who has been in and out of the national side.
“When your senior player gives a knock like that, as captain it makes things easy for me. Angelo (Mathews) can fail, I can fail but I know that someone will fire for us. That’s a good sign for series that’s ahead.”
Pakistan, who currently on the island nation playing a practice match. They will next hosted by Sri Lanka for two Test matches beginning on Saturday in Galle.
Sri Lanka’s impressive victory provides them confidence going into the first game. But Chandimal predicted Pakistan would be a greater force than Australia. Because to their superior spin-handling skills.
“Pakistan is a strong side, a brilliant team,” said Karunaratne. “I think it will be more challenging than Australia. They play spin well.”
Babar Azam, the captain, has been in excellent form, routinely scoring runs. Notably a 196 against Australia at home in March.
Imam-ul-Haq, the opener, has also contributed runs, and Pakistan has improved their bowling assault by re-instating seasoned spinner Yasir Shah.
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