Chandimal builds up innings with good teamwork, says Dimuth

Dinesh Chandimal the number three batter who scored 61 and opener Dimuth Karunaratne who added 147 for the second wicket after Sri Lanka had lost Pathum Nissanka early for 2 at the second innings against New Zealand on the third day and this partnership is very vital for Sri Lanka to put pressure on opponents.

Dimuth Karunaratne the most experienced opener was not among the runs at previous England test series and even this New Zealand test first innings he couldn’t stay long and his defensive innings brought more trouble for him. However he played more attacking innings making more sweep and reverse sweep shots to get runs in the second innings.

“Chandimal and I have good communication skills and that was the success of our partnership said Karunaratne. 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,” added Karunaratne.

“Karunaratne the left hander further said When you play in Galle there is a way I play. 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 play my usual game. Just wanted to keep the scoreboard ticking. Glad I did the job for the team, although I missed out on a big one,” he said.

The 36-year-old former skipper Karunaratne playing his 95th test completed his 39th half century but unfortunately he was not able to reach century and Ajaz Patel took his wicket in the second innings.

He already scored 7090 runs having 16 centuries to his credit. His consistency in batting as an opener more important for Sri Lanka. He always said he wanted to make targets to get success in his career. Getting more test matches to play and make more runs as an opener always give great satisfaction.

He always said dedication and commitment to the game is more important. When he got out early in first innings he used to get more net practice under the guidance of batting specialist coach Thilina Kandamby.