Dinesh Chandimal Shines: Sri Lanka’s wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Chandimal has again become a hindrance in Pakistan’s path. His brilliant innings also ruined the killer bowling of Pakistani spinner Mohammad Nawaz. Dinesh Chandimal (86 not out) along with half-centuries from Oshada Fernando (64) and Kusal Mendis (76) made Sri Lanka 329 for 9 in the second innings on Monday 18 July 2022 on the third day of the first Test against Pakistan. strengthened his position.
Sri Lanka’s total lead against Pakistan is now 333 runs. Pakistan will have to chase a record target to win this match. In the fourth innings at this ground, Sri Lanka won the highest against New Zealand by scoring 268 for 4 wickets. Chandimal scored 76 runs in the first innings. He was the team’s top scorer in the first innings.
Dinesh Chandimal troubled the Pakistan bowlers in the second innings as well. He completed his 23rd half-century by taking a run on Naseem Shah. By the end of the third day’s play, he had hit 5 fours and 2 sixes in an unbeaten innings of 121 balls. Prabhat Jayasuriya is unbeaten on 4 runs with him at the crease.
The 32-year-old former captain had earlier played an important role in helping the team to a memorable victory by scoring a double century against Australia. Pakistan had a chance to dismiss Chandimal. When he was batting on 68, Hasan Ali dropped his catch on his ball.
Sri Lanka started the day with 36 runs for one wicket. Kusal Mendis and Oshada Fernando put on a 91-run partnership for the third wicket after the early dismissal of night watchman Kasun Rajit. However, after lunch, the second session of the day went to Pakistan. Yasir Shah bowled Mendis. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz took 5 wickets for the first time in his international career.
Brilliant bowling from Mohammad Nawaz put Sri Lanka in trouble. He lost 7 wickets for 235 runs. However, Chandimal added 96 runs with tail batsmen Ramesh Mendis (22), Mahish Thekshana (11) and Prabhat Jayasuriya to take the team to a score of 329. The day’s play had to be stopped 6 overs ago due to bad light.