New Delhi: Star Sri Lanka batter Dinesh Chandimal registered his maiden Test century against New Zealand which he hit on the opening day (Thursday) of the second Test at the Galle International Stadium. With this, he has continued his love affair with the venue as it was his sixth Test century at the place and his 16th overall in the red-ball format.
Chandimal achieved the milestone during the second session of the day which put the hosts in a commanding position. The day ended with Sri Lanka at 306/3 and Chandimal going back to the pavilion at a score of 116 which came off 208 deliveries, laced with 15 fours. The batter took command of the batting lineup soon when opener Pathum Nissanka had to walk back, in the first over itself after they opted to bat first.
Dinesh Chandimal departs after a brilliant 116. A true masterclass in batting. 🇱🇰 #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/nUEOWsF1Rp
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 26, 2024
The veteran wicketkeeper batter looked quite comfortable from the moment he took the crease as he got off the mark with a boundary off New Zealand skipper Tim Southee’s over. He went on to stitch a brilliant stand of 122 runs along with Dimuth Karunaratne (46 off 109) for the second wicket. The former Sri Lanka skipper didn’t let the visitors take control of the game and build any pressure on them as he continued his innings with a cautious approach.
As he ran a single to complete his hundred, it was indeed a major feat as he registered six tons in Galle in Test cricket, surely his favourite venue. He celebrated the century in style as he brought forth the baby cradle celebration. In the 22 games that Chandimal has played so far at the venue, he has scored 1726 runs at an average of 59.51 with six hundreds and seven half-centuries to his name.
Reaching 306…
It was Glenn Phillips who put an end to Chandimal’s brilliant knock, cleaning him bowled in the 73rd over and giving his side a major breakthrough. The wicket also put an end to the century-nearing partnership between Chandimal and Angelo Mathews. Both added 97 runs for the third wicket and with the day nearing to stumps, Mathews (78* off 166) and Kamindu Mendis (51* off 56) took control of the game, smashing respective half centuries and maintaining an unbeaten 85-run partnership.
At Stumps on Day 1, Sri Lanka on 306/3. Mathews 78*, Kamindu 51*. #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/d3RziSxxu6
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 26, 2024
Both will continue for Sri Lanka on Friday (Day 2) while New Zealand will be eyeing early wickets. It will be interesting to watch how the Kiwis will plan their revival, having already gone down 0-1 in the two-Test series.
 Dinesh Chandimal hit his maiden Test ton against New Zealand to give the hosts a strong start on the opening day of the second Test at the Galle International Stadium.  Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
