IND vs SL 2017, 1st Test: We Will Try to Make a Match of It – Shikhar Dhawan

Nov 19, 2017 at 8:56 PM

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IND vs SL 2017, 1st Test: We Will Try to Make a Match of It – Shikhar Dhawan

With the team firmly on the back foot after Sri Lanka took a commanding 122-run lead on a tough Eden Gardens track, the way the Indian openers- Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul fired on all cylinders right from the start, it was very much clear the hosts are eyeing an improbable win from the game and Dhawan has confirmed it.

The southpaw who missed his third century in four Tests against the Islanders insisted the team will be trying its best to make a match on the final day of the game. By the time the day came to an early end once again due to poor light, India was well-placed at 171 for one in just 39.3 overs, with the overall lead extended to 49.

Rahul is unbeaten on 73 (Credits: BCCI)

Speaking after the day, Dhawan admitted he was disappointed for missing out on a well-deserved century but also expressed his delight over setting up the platform for the team from where it can take a shot at an unlikely win.

“Feeling good and bad both. Of course, it’s disappointing when you’re so close to the century and miss out. But we’ve made a game of this, so I’m happy,” said Dhawan.

Dhawan missed his century by just six runs (Credits: BCCI)

“We’re going to be positive tomorrow and try to make a match of it. We’re going to go for it,” the left-hander added.

That the pitch was ideal for batting was very much evident when Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath slammed 67 and the Indian openers fully capitalised on it. The duo added 166 runs for the first wicket before Dhawan dismissed on 94 by Dasun Shanaka.

Meanwhile, Herath credited his mindset of playing the shots behind his crucial fifty in the first innings. He also praised the pacers of both the teams for making life tough for the batsmen.

“I wanted to play the shots and stay positive. The credit should go to fast bowlers of both teams. Compared to the first two days, today was much better to bat on, and that’s why we were able to go on and take the lead,” Herath told reporters.

Herath scored 67 in the first innings (Credits: BCCI)

“Compared to the first two days of the match, this is a much better wicket to bat on. We have got one more day to go and will see what happens,” the 39-year-old added.

Also Read: (IND vs SL 2017, 1st Test: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Blames Over-Excitement for Leaking Runs)

(IND vs SL 2017: VVS Laxman Picks His Modern Dream Test XI)

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