Sri Lanka, on Monday (July 11) outclassed Australia in the second Test to level the two-match series 1-1 in Galle.
The Lankan Lions rode on the 12-wicket haul of debutant Prabath Jayasuriya and a record breaking double ton of Dinesh Chandimal to thrash the country from Down Under by an innings and 39 runs on Day 4 of the second Test.
Resuming from the overnight score of 431/6, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 554, taking a first-innings lead of 190 on day four of the game. Australia, in reply staged an embarrassing batting show as they were bowled out for mere 151 in their second innings and handed Sri Lanka an innings and 39-run win in Galle.
The first half of Day 4 belonged to former captain Chandimal, who took the Australian bowlers to the cleaners. He smashed left-arm quick Mitchell Starc for a four and two sixes on consecutive balls to go past 200.
Chandimal, who has also been adjudged the Player of the Series award, said, “Over the moon. If you’re performing it’s a great feeling. Didn’t have any plans at all. Just went there, and I wanted to be proactive, especially against spinners. Wanted to rotate strike. Was a tough wicket in the first game.”
“When I saw the wicket here, I thought that the pitch was going to be good in the first three days. Wanted to capitalise at that time. Thought that if we can get more than 100 leads, we could put them under pressure. Thanks to my family. There were a lot of ups and downs. Was on the side, not in the side. But your family and wife are there. Teammates always give their support, the support-staff and fans all of them,” he added.
The debutant Prabath Jayasuriya, who took 12 wickets – the best performance by a Sri Lankan on Test debut has been adjudged the player of the match as Karunaratne and Cummins share the trophy.
