New Delhi: Despite losing the three-match Test series by 0-1 against India, Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal has expressed satisfaction over his side’s performance on the final day of the third and the final Test, which ended in a dramatic draw at the Feroz Shah Kotla Ground.
India were favourites to whitewash Sri Lanka in the three-match series, but they were put on the backfoot by Suranga Lakmal in the drawn opening match in Kolkata and by Dhananjaya de Silva in the final match in Delhi.
De Silva smashed a heroic 119-run knock while Roshen Silva posted an unbeaten 74 as India failed to break Lanka’s middle-order and were forced to settle with a draw in Delhi.
Resuming the day at 31-3, Sri Lanka needed to bat out the last three sessions in order to secure a draw. India had earlier set a target of 410 for the Lankans to win, after declaring their second-innings at 246-5. The Chandimal-led side eventually finished on 299-5.
Reflecting on the series, Chandimal emphasised that apart from the second Test, it was a really good series, while also crediting the players and management for working really hard.
“It was a really good series, apart from the second one (Test). We learnt a lot. Credit to the players and management for working hard. The guys executed their plans in the middle. Once Rangana was injured, everyone looked up to Angelo. Dhananjaya and Roshen batted really well in tough conditions against some great bowlers India have got. Dickwella played a totally different brand of cricket. Happy with the way we played today,” Chandimal told after the match.
The Sri Lankan skipper also talked about making some changes to his technique ahead of this series which has eventually paid off with plenty of runs.
“Before I got here, I changed my technique. I’d worked hard at the nets with the batting coach. It’s paid off for me,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chandimal also spoke about the worsened air quality of the national capital which halted the second day’s play of the third Test.
The poor air quality of Delhi disrupted the game briefly for multiple times.
Sri Lanka’s fielders came out wearing face masks post the lunch session and conveyed to the umpires about the difficulty they were having in smoggy conditions.
Also, fast bowlers Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Gamage were seen walking off the field, with one ball still left after they allegedly expressed displeasure in bowling in such conditions.
And Chandimal insisted that it was a tough time for his side as they were not used to the pollution.
“It was a tough time, the thing is, we aren’t used to the pollution. That’s why we struggled in the first two days. We told the boys, we need to forget about it and play the game. Today was a fantastic day, felt like Sri Lanka,” he said.
He further wished the Virat Kohli-led side good luck for the upcoming tour to South Africa, comprising of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is.
“Thanks to the Indians fans too, thanks to Virat and team, wish them well for the tour of South Africa,” Chandimal said.
Lanka and India will now head into three-match ODI series from December 10 in Dharamsala which will be followed by three T20Is. (ANI)