Chandimal’s undefeated 155 underlines radiating brilliance in back to the wall acts in Test cric...
Star studded brilliance is a radiation not only for the super stars. That Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal proved that brilliance also radiates in the value input of the stonewalling that seemingly to the eye borders on the boredom, but like a diamond gem to the team cause. Indeed, this is stuff that sets apart Test cricket as the thing for all the sport’s modern transformations’ as Chandimal battled his way to carry his bat to a captain courageous 155 in a Sri Lankan total of 419 on the second day of the first of two tests against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.
At the close Pakistan were on 64 for no loss on a day Chandimal’s 372 minute great effort that commenced not long after the opening day’s play when Sri Lanka was tottering on 61 for 3 wickets. One is reminded of the glory days of Australia’s Allan Border in terms of classic rescue acts from the doom, and Dinesh Chandimal certainly evoked such memories of resolute batting in his knock that spanned 14 boundaries timed off the opposition in a progressive sparring with the willow with a threatening Pakistan bowling attack that had looked threatening at one stage.
In this cause the 117-ball 83 by Niroshan Dickwella in the 134-run fifth wicket alliance effort was priceless stuff by which time he headed back to the pavilion, the fire he fanned by 9 boundaries and a six in igniting Sri Lanka’s batting from the obdurate, his team had waded to the safe waters of 295 for 5 wickets.
Chandimal continued the fight with consummate confidence that by then was oozing as he took on the Pakistan attack with superb support from No. 6 batsman Dilruwan Perera who made 33 in 117 balls containing two boundaries and a six. When he departed Sri Lanka had coasted to 387 in an alliance of 92 runs. Chandimal continued to use the tail to take Sri Lanka past a tall 400 total. Chandimal’s ninth Test century set him apart as his country’s centerpiece century making rescuer from the doldrums having raised his tally to six at that level surpassing compatriot Roy Dias.Yasir Shah was Pakistan’s most successful bowler claiming 3 wickets for 120.
By Srian Obeyesekere
-The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Sri Lanka Cricket-
