Chandika Hathurusingha believes Suranga Lakmal has led Sri Lankan team from the front to win the third Test match against Windies by 4 wickets in a 3-match Test series. With this win against Windies in the third match, Sri Lanka has managed to draw the Test series 1-1.
The visitors had to score 63 runs on Day 4 with five wickets in hand to which they held their nerves winning off the game by 4 wickets to level the 3-match series against Windies in Barbados. Hathurusingha suggested "that a young Sri Lankan team pulled off the win with several of their senior players missing and captain Dinesh Chandimal serving a suspension would give them confidence."
“We have had a lot of ups and downs. To come back and level the series is a great effort,” he said. “We always had hope but the way the game progressed we were under pressure.
“Tactically, Jason was on the mark but our bowlers responded in the second innings. Our second-innings bowling won us the game. Suranga had a chat and they rallied around. All credit to all four bowlers. Suranga led from the front. That particular 10-over spell put the Windies under pressure.”
Suranga Lakmal who had picked 5 wickets in the match also had a few thoughts on his performance and leading his national squad. He said “I feel so happy,” “I didn't expect it. I thought it was a good opportunity to lead and I took it.” Sri Lanka became the first Asian side to win a Test in Barbados as they sealed a four-wicket win to level the three-match series 1-1.
Dilruwan Perera who was there till the end with Kusal Perera said “We thought if we bat longer we can get the runs … We both play for the same club and we know each other.
“This is the first time I've batted this way, so it was pretty hard for us, and I'm happy we managed to achieve it.”
Meanwhile, the losing captain Jason Holder who took a five-wicket haul in the 4th innings said, “We just did not have enough runs in the second innings,” he said. “It put our bowlers under pressure to come and do something special. Even though we gave them 140 to win, we knew could do it. But we missed some chances in the field.”
With Windies hosting Bangladesh next, Holder was keen to look at the positives. “(Shannon) Gabriel was outstanding. I must commend him. (Shane) Dowrich was outstanding as well. (Kemar) Roach needs to be mentioned too.”
Windies will now play Bangladesh for two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is, beginning July 4.
(Inputs from ICC)
