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'We Have The Lowest Average...' Dhananjaya De Silva Identifies Batting Woes Despite Galle Win

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in the first by 63 runs (ICC)Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in the first by 63 runs (ICC)

After clinching a hard-fought 63-run victory against New Zealand in the first Test at Galle, Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva believes his team has room for improvement despite the win. The captain, brimming with pride, acknowledged his team's efforts but highlighted that both the batting and bowling departments can reach greater heights.

Dhananjaya de Silva Targets More Improvements After Galle Win

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Dhananjaya de Silva expressed satisfaction with the way Sri Lanka handled the pressure, especially crediting Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal for their crucial partnership in the second innings.

"Big partnerships always help win Tests in Galle," he said, reflecting on the crcuial stand that swung the game in Sri Lanka's favor. However, the skipper was quick to add that the team cannot afford to rest on their laurels. "We’ve the ability to win Tests, and the boys are delivering now, but we can improve in both our batting and bowling."

The Sri Lankan captain’s candid assessment showed his hunger for perfection as he acknowledged the challenge of keeping the momentum going in what is expected to be a tough series.

"We were talking about our lower-order batting; stats tell us we’ve the lowest average, and that's something we can work on," he pointed out, pulling no punches about the team's deficiencies.

In a match where fortunes swung like a pendulum, Dhananjaya's bowling cameo was another talking point. Taking on the ball himself when frontline spinner Ramesh Mendis wasn't at his best, the skipper's unexpected contribution showed his ability to lead from the front.

"I wasn’t expecting to bowl, but Ramesh wasn’t at his best, and I think I have the ability to take wickets—something I can use for the sake of the team," he explained, showing his leadership instincts in stepping up when it mattered most.

Jayasuriya's Five-Wicket Haul Seals the Deal for Sri Lanka

It wasn’t just Dhananjaya who rose to the occasion. Prabath Jayasuriya’s match-winning performance with the ball was the clincher for Sri Lanka. His five-wicket haul in the second innings, including the crucial dismissal of Rachin Ravindra, broke New Zealand’s spine.

Jayasuriya’s 9/204 figures across both innings earned him the Player of the Match honours. His final blow sent William O'Rourke back to the pavillion, sealing a memorable win for the hosts.

As Sri Lanka look ahead to the next Test, Dhananjaya de Silva’s words mean that despite the taste of victory, there’s still room for growth. The skipper has set his sights on sharpening their tools as Sri Lanka prepares to clean sweep the Kiwis in the second and final Test, starting on Thursday, September 26.