Chasing 300-350 will be tough at Galle – Dimuth

Saturday, 21 September 2024 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former Captain Dimuth Karunaratne said that chasing a target of between 300 and 350 in the fourth innings at Galle will be tough after Sri Lanka had ended the third day of the first Test against New Zealand with an overall lead of 202 with six wickets in hand.

There are two days left in the Test after today’s rest day (due to the Presidential election) and Karunaratne said that if Sri Lanka can get a further 150 runs it would be great.

“Only Pakistan has done it in history. We are not playing tomorrow so the wicket might settle as well. This is the first time I am facing something like this,” said Karunaratne who went onto score a delightful 83 to place Sri Lanka in a good position.

With Dinesh Chandimal who scored 61, Karunaratne added 147 for the second wicket after Sri Lanka had lost Pathum Nissanka early for 2.

“Chandimal and I have good communication skills. We know when to attack and when to defend. If I struggle against some bowler, he will take the strike against him. If he is struggling against someone then I will take the strike,” said Karunaratne. “We took some calculated risks and when runs start flowing it gets easier to bat on. I guess that partnership was crucial for the team.”

“When you play in Galle there is a way I play and I back that style. There was a lot of sharp turn. Ajaz Patel was bowling well. There is a big rough created by the fast bowler. Rather than trying to defend, the best way forward is sweeps and reverse sweeps on that wicket. The coaches told me to back myself. Just wanted to keep the scoreboard ticking. Glad I did the job for the team, although I missed out on a big one.”

Glenn Phillips while praising the Galle pitch said, “It is a very good Test wicket. There is a lot of assistance for spinners and seamers can come into play as well. I think if you play good cricket, you get value for your shots. It is going to be two good final days.”

“There is a lot of spin out there. Bangladesh, when we went recently, was quite similar as well. I think there is plenty in it if you hit the foot marks. If you hit them then there is turn and bounce.”

Phillips blamed himself for running out Daryl Mitchell when he was well set and batting well.

“As with any game in the sub-continent things can change pretty quickly. Obviously, the run out wasn’t ideal for the situation. That gave Sri Lanka a chance to take three quick wickets. That’s how things go in the sub-continent. I thought there was a run. My partner trusted my call. Runout is tough in Test cricket. I take full responsibility and I will try to make different options next time.”

– (ST)