Sri Lanka’s senior batsmen, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, and Angelo Mathews, responded to their batting coach’s call for responsibility with a collective 306 runs on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand in Galle.
Chandimal, batting at No. 3 for the first time in his Test career, led the way with a composed 116 off 208 deliveries. He came to the crease early in the innings and played aggressively, striking at a run-a-ball pace.
As the spinners took control, Chandimal adjusted his approach, slowing down his scoring rate but maintaining his positive intent. He survived several close calls, including edges that fell short of the slips and a leading edge that narrowly missed short cover.
“Things like that need to be there for you to score a hundred,” Chandimal said. “You need to have a bit of luck go your way.”
Karunaratne contributed 83 runs, while Mathews scored 64. The trio’s efforts helped Sri Lanka post a strong total of 364 for 3 at the end of the day.
Chandimal acknowledged that he had accepted full responsibility for a run-out that involved Karunaratne before tea. “I apologized to Dimuth as soon as I came off for tea,” he said. “It was my fault and I accept it.”
Despite the run-out, Chandimal’s innings was a testament to his experience and adaptability. He has now scored five Test centuries since 2022, including two this year.
