Dinesh Chandimal and Prabath Jayasuriya win it for SL. Yes, Australia vs Sri Lanka second Test that looked like at best a lame batting draw ended on the fourth day with AUS batsmen collapsing to a turning ball on fourth day.
Dinesh Chandimal continued batting on the fourth day after completing a brilliant hundred on Day 3. He looked highly focused and determined to score huge. He achieved his first Double century while Kamindu Mendis assisted him with 61. Ramesh Mendis also played well with 29. Chandimal remained not out with 206 runs. Sri Lanka scored 554 runs in their first innings in reply to Australia’s 364.
Australian batsmen started their innings to first overcome the 190 deficit. Like the expression of Steve Smith’s face here after being given LBW for the four ball duck against Prabath Jayasuriya ball, they had no clue how to overcome the spinning ball. Jayasuriya again did well by taking 6 wickets. This time pitch assisted him and he extracted maximum out of it, with his discipline.
He took 6/59 in the second innings dismissing both the first innings centurions – Smith and Labuschagne. Giving no chance at building a partnership. Ramesh Mendis bowled well with him and both of them did not let the pressure ease out on Aus batsmen. Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Pat Cummins, when the captain decided to smash himself and team out of trouble. Jasyasuriya rounded it up by getting his 12th wicket of the match.
Jayasuriya picked up 12/177 in the match and they are the fourth best ever for a debut bowler. AUS never lost by an innings after scoring 350 and against Sri Lanka. First time SL achieved both. Dinesh Chandimal got Man of the Series award and Prabath Jayasuriya got Man of the Match. The Test series ended as a draw with 1-1 scoreline. AUS won the first Test.
