SA v SL 2019: Vishwa Fernando speaks on his epic last-wicket stand with Kusal Perera in Durban

The final Test will be played at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth from 21st February.

Vishwa Fernando celebrates Sri Lanka's win over South Africa with Kusal Perera in Durban | Getty Images

Vishwa Fernando, on Wednesday (20th February), revealed that he was 'pretty sad' before he came out to bat in the fourth innings of the first Test in Durban, where he stitched a record 78*-run last-wicket stand with Kusal Perera to script a miracle victory for Sri Lanka against South Africa.

Chasing 304 at Durban, Sri Lanka required 76 runs with just one wicket in hand, though, Perera was batting beautifully, but victory seemed doubtful, but Fernando was committed to not lose his wicket at any cost, facing 27 deliveries for 6 runs, as the duo decided to take it 10 runs at a time to cross the line by 1 wicket against the Proteas side despite being 9-226 here.

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Fernando said, “Suranga Lakmal went out and got out first ball, unfortunately, and I had to start putting my pads on. I was pretty sad, to be honest. I felt like we had too many runs to get and too few wickets. They had a 75-80% chance to win. But then I got to the middle, I felt differently. I told Kusal aiya straight away that I wasn't going to give away my wicket.”

The 27-year-old pacer continued, “Yes, I did (tell Perera that I would fend off balls with my body if needed). My job was to protect my wicket, not to score runs. So, I told Kusal aiya 'you score the runs. Let's get 10 runs closer, and another 10 runs closer, and take it from there'. I wasn't afraid. Well, I wasn't afraid that I would get hit, at least. I was afraid that I would lose my wicket. Kusal aiya can't play the whole over. I had to bat one or two balls at least. There was a lot of pressure. The fast bowlers were having a go at me, and the close fielders were having a go at me. I did say a few things back. If I'd played a dumb shot, or backed away from the wicket and got out, then that would have been wrong.”

Meanwhile, Fernando was not only contributed with the bat in Lanka’s memorable win in Durban but also, he finished with his career-best figures 8/133, though, he wasn't entirely pleased with the number of runs he conceded in his spell against South Africa.

Fernando signed off by saying, “I was pretty happy with my eight wickets, but there was also a feeling that I shouldn't have given away so many runs, and should have done a little bit more. But in the end, I'm happy with the performance because we did end up winning.”

(With Fernando Inputs)

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 20 Feb, 2019

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