ITEM in The Island Newspaper, 27 September 2024
A trademark and enterprising century from Dinesh Chandimal led Sri Lanka’s charge towards a big score after winning the toss, making New Zealand rue multiple lapses in the field on the opening day in Galle.
Chandimal’s 16th Test century saw him switch gears across the first two sessions to help the hosts finish on a commanding 306 for 3, helped by unbeaten half-centuries from Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis.
New Zealand could have picked more than three wickets in the day had Daryl Mitchell not put down two catches at first slip, Tom Blundell not missed Dimuth Karunartne’s stumping, and William O’Rourke not overstepped when he had Mathews caught behind. It was Chandimal’s chanceless innings, however, that hurt the visitors the most. He continued his fine form by raising his his sixth hundred in Galle and his fourth 50-plus score in eight Test innings while been batting at No. 3, out of his usual position in the middle order, to accommodate the younger batters Kamindu at No. 5 and Kusal Mendis at No. 7.
The only thing that went New Zealand’s way was the early wicket of Pathum Nissanka who edged an outswinger from Tim Southee behind at the end of the first over. Chandimal took on the fast bowlers when the new ball was still swinging around to set a base for his team quickly, and once the ball got older and conditions eased out for batting with the sun beating down nicely, the hosts piled on the runs.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 306 for 3 in 90 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 116, Angelo Mathews 78*, Kamindu Mendis 51*, Dimuth Karunaratne 46; Tim Southee 1-54, Glenn Phillips 1-33) vs New Zealand
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