Dinesh Chandimal Etches Name in History with Elite Sri Lankan Test Legends
Dinesh Chandimal becomes 11th Lankan player to score 5,000 Test runs (Twitter)
Former Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal has etched his name in the annals of Sri Lankan cricketing history by joining an elite group of cricketers who have amassed 5,000 Test runs, thus becoming the 11th player from the island nation to achieve the feat.
The elegant right-hander reached this momentous milestone on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch. Chandimal accomplished this feat when he elegantly flicked Michael Bracewell's delivery towards the midwicket region for a boundary to bring up his 25th run in Sri Lanka's second innings.
Playing in his 71st Test match, the wicketkeeper-batsman showcased his batting prowess as he, along with seasoned campaigner Angelo Mathews, salvaged Sri Lanka's precarious situation with a crucial partnership of 105 runs. The partnership was eventually broken when Chandimal got dismissed for 42 off 107 balls, courtesy of a splendid delivery from Tim Southee.
Since his debut in the purest format of the game in 2011, Chandimal has amassed 13 centuries and 24 fifties, exhibiting his impeccable batting skills. His runs have also come at an impressive average of 43.25, highlighting his consistency in the format.
Meanwhile, riding on the back of Matthews' gritty century of 115 runs off 235 balls and useful contributions from Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva (47*), Sri Lanka posted a target of 285 runs for the Kiwis after getting bowled out for 302. Blair Tickner was the standout performer with the ball for the hosts, ending with impressive figures of 4/100 from 100 overs.
The hosts now face a daunting task of chasing the target in the final four sessions of the game, considering the challenging conditions that are conducive to seam bowling. On the other hand, the tourists would look to take early wickets and set the tone for Day 5. The outcome of the game holds great significance for Sri Lanka, as a loss or draw would eliminate them from contention for the World Test Championship Final.
 "Jatin")
