Sri Lanka vs. India, 1st Test, Day 3: Chandimal Leaves Visitors Tough Target
After three days of the first Test between Sri Lanka and India in Galle, the visitors are left needing 153 to win having seen the hosts make something of a fightback.
That fightback was led by Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal, who hammered 162 not out from just 169 balls to guide the home side away from an embarrassing innings defeat.
It means India are required to chase down a target that is nearly double the highest successful run chase in Galle, which will be quite a task.
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However, before India can make progress toward their target from resuming on 23-1, let’s take a look back at the third day and examine some key talking points.
Dinesh Chandimal’s Counter-Attack Pays Off
When Chandimal came to the crease, Sri Lanka were 92-4 and in real danger of failing to make India bat again.
However, over the next 247 minutes, he played with an aggression that started as wild swinging and ended as a true example of a counter-punching innings.
Chandimal finished unbeaten on 162, having hit 19 fours and four sixes and dominated proceedings.
He was fortunate to survive some early appeals for his wicket, but he did an expert job in shielding the tailenders and taking responsibility for the run-scoring thereafter.
It was a vital contribution from Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper, and one that has given them a fighting chance in this game.
India’s Bowlers Have Problems Against Aggression
Against Chandimal’s onslaught, India’s bowlers looked clueless at times and unable to control what was happening to their bowling figures.
Only Amit Mishra managed to finish with an economy rate below four runs per over, and even he took some punishment, as he was hit for three sixes.
Ishant Sharma and Varun Aaron got little assistance for their seam bowling, and it showed, as they both went at over five an over, with Sharma going at almost six an over.
Ravichandran Ashwin managed to stem the flow a little with four wickets, but they came at a cost of 114 runs in 28.2 overs.
It was disappointing for India on a spin-friendly pitch and may well come back to haunt them if their batsmen cannot do the business on Day 4.
Visitors Left with Difficult Chase
Chandimal’s counter-attack means India require 153 to win, a very tricky target on a wearing wicket in Galle.
Things have started badly for the visitors, as opener Lokesh Rahul was trapped leg before wicket by Rangana Herath, with Sharma unbeaten overnight as nightwatchman.
Tomorrow, they will need their big players to step up, not only first-innings centurions Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli but also Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane.
Sri Lanka have given themselves a chance of the win on Saturday and will be determined to do so in what would be a stunning reversal of fortunes.
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