Galle: India were set a tricky target of 176 runs to win the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka after Dinesh Chandimal produced a counter-attacking unbeaten 162 to lead a spirited fightback for the hosts, here today.
Tottering at a precarious 95 for five at one stage after conceding a 192-run first innings lead, Chandimal staged a remarkable recovery as he notched up a career-best knock to help Sri Lanka score 367 in the second innings.
Chandimal's effort not only helped the Lankans avoid an innings defeat but gave them enough lead to throw open the match on a track, providing some turn for the slow bowlers.
India were 23 for one at stumps on third day, requiring another 153 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The visitors lost opener Lokesh Rahul (5), who was trapped LBW by Rangana Herath. Shikhar Dhawan (13) and Ishant Sharma (5) were at the crease at the end of day's play.
The 25-year-old wicket-keeper batsman found able allies in Lahiru Thirimanne (44) and Jehan Mubarak (49) as they put on valuable partnerships to frustrate the Indians.
The Indians had themselves to blame to allow the hosts wriggle out of a tight position while some dubious umpiring decisions also went against them today. It was a commendable fightback from the Sri Lankans, who counter-attacked the Indian spinners and completely destroyed their rhythm.
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At lunch time, it looked that India will run away with an easy victory with Sri Lanka reeling at 108 for five but Chandimal changed the complexion of the game as he clobbered the bowlers to record his fourth Test century.
Chandimal hit 23 boundaries, including four sixes, in his fighting knock and raised a 125-run stand for the Thirimanne for the sixth wicket. With Mubarak he was involved in a 82-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Off-spinner R Ashwin, who took 6/46 in the first innings, was the pick of the Indian bowlers with 4/114, completing his third 10-wicket haul in a Test. Leg-spinner Amit Mishra took 3/61 while Ishant Sharma, Varun Aaron and Harbhajan Singh accounted for one batsman each.
The day began well for the Indians as they managed to get rid of the overnight batsman, Dhammika Prasad (3) in the very first ball off paceman Varun Aaron.
Retiring great Kumar Sangakkara (40) and captain Angelo Matthews (39) briefly provided some resistance before they were dismissed at the stroke of lunch. The script took a completely different turn after lunch as Chandimal led a spirited Lankan recovery with some audacious stroke-play.
The day also saw Ajinkya Rahane set a new fielding worldrecord by taking eight catches in a Test match, eclipsing the
record of five others.
