On an otherwise perfect couple of days for Sri Lanka, Dimuth Karunaratne’s untimely dismissal on 196 somewhat soured yet another good batting performance from the Islanders in the first innings of ongoing second Test against Pakistan. After winning the first Test in Abu Dhabi, Dinesh Chandimal & Co. did not let down their guards down as they made their intentions clear of winning the ongoing match too by scoring a daunting 482.
This is not the first time; the opening batsman has become a victim of the nervous 90s in recent times. During the Galle Test against India in July, the left-handed batsman was dismissed on 97, and the latest dismissal has shown that he does not remain comfortable while approaching the century mark. Speaking after the game, former captain and current batting coach Hashan Tillakaratne, who himself was out in the 90s on five occasions, praised Karunaratne and said that the team management is working on what the opener should be doing when he gets into the 90s.
“It is very pleasing to see Dimuth getting a big hundred today. The way he batted was really good to see. He has been very consistent for us and today’s was a brilliant knock. Don’t worry, we are working on what he should be doing when he is in the 90s,” Tillakaratne said on Saturday (October 7).
The 196-run knock, meanwhile, is Karunaratne’s first century in the first innings after 21 Tests. Speaking about that, the batting coach said:
“We had a chat before this series about his first innings batting and we wanted him to play positive. He has stuck to it and it’s very pleasing to see his performance.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan have replied vigorously to Sri Lanka’s big total, finishing day two on 51 for no loss. However, Tillakaratne is hopeful the pitch will provide more spin from the third day onwards.
“It has been turning from the day one and I am sure it will offer more turn from tomorrow onwards and we are looking forward to a good day’s contest. Pakistan have a very good batting unit and we need to stick to our game plan and get some wickets in the first session,” he said.