Dinesh Chandimal, a cricketer who prefers to stay under the radar, suddenly appears bloody loud when he is on song. Nowhere was that more apparent than with Chandimal himself in Galle where he played a sublime innings of 116 to push his team into the driver’s seat in their Test match against New Zealand. But the score was just one part of it, his ability to adapt, to wait, and scrap through on going days that might not be your evening made the difference.
Sri Lanka’s batting coach, Thilina Kandamby, had set the tone prior to the match by emphasizing that senior players needed to step up, especially on home turf. With 240 runs between Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, and Chandimal, it’s safe to say the veterans took those words to heart.
But it was Chandimal who truly stole the show, carving out his 16th Test century in a gritty display that showcased not just technical skill but a heavy dose of resilience.
Quick Start, Quick Adjustment
Chandimal, who walked in as soon as Nissanka was dismissed in the second over of the innings, did not take long to counter the New Zealand bowlers. Early on he was pugnacious, hitting almost a run-a-ball but keeping the scoring rate at four an over in the first 15. As a ploy, it was to prey on the faster bowling before New Zealand’s spin could get into synthesised mood.
“I had to go in the third [second] over itself after Pathum got out, but even then my goal was to bat positively,” Chandimal explained. “It helped that the pitch was better than the one in the first Test. That one was a bit sluggish, but this one was better in that sense.”
Once the spinners started to get into the game, Chandimal wisely shifted gears. From 41 off 42 balls, it took him 37 more deliveries to get to his fifty. This was a display of textbook Test cricket—adapt and survive.
Lady Luck Plays Her Part
As with any long innings in Test cricket, luck also played its part and Chandimal had a few close shave. He has played the edge to third man numerous times and had a fortunate escape when an outside edge landed short of cover. Chandimal, however, instead of being shaken by it accepted that good luck is often part and parcel of Test centuries.
“You need to have a bit of luck go your way,” Chandimal said with a grin. “We try our best to play our shots, but sometimes the ball doesn’t go where we intend. At the same time, we have to give credit to the bowlers too.”
His understanding of the unpredictability of cricket reflects the maturity gained through years of playing on the international stage. The 34-year-old was humble yet philosophical about these fortunate breaks, recognizing them as part of the ebb and flow of the game.
A Shift to No. 3
This century was particularly special for Chandimal, as it came in a new role. Historically a No. 5 batter, Chandimal had been asked to move up the order to No. 3, a role he hadn’t embraced in the past. Yet, for the good of the team and with Kamindu Mendis being groomed for the middle-order, Chandimal took on the challenge.
“I’ve been batting at number five for most of my career, but I was asked to think about the team and move up to number three,” Chandimal said. “With my age, it’s difficult for me to keep wickets as well, so I said yes. I took that opportunity with both hands.”
This shift reflects not only his versatility but also his leadership. Chandimal, now a senior statesman in the Sri Lankan team, understands the importance of adapting for the team’s future and nurturing younger talent.
A Slight Blip: The Run-out Incident
Yet, for Chandimal, who batted pretty comfortably through the day, had a moment of blunder in the last delivery he faced. First thing you know, he got involved in a Dimuth Karunaratne run-out just prior to tea. But when Karunaratne called for a quick single, Chandimal was unsighted and that led to an angry screamed of Karunaratne being run out by miles. Chandimal accepted sole blame for the blunder.
“I apologised to Dimuth as soon as I came off for tea,” he admitted. “He was down with cramps, so he told me to take only the possible singles and avoid the risky ones. But it was my fault, and I accept it.”
It’s a testament to Chandimal’s character that he owns up to his mistakes, even after a day filled with personal accolades.
FAQs
As of this match, Dinesh Chandimal has scored 16 Test centuries in his career.
Chandimal moved up the order to No. 3 to allow Kamindu Mendis, an up-and-coming player, to take over the No. 5 spot. It was a strategic move to benefit the team’s future.
No, Chandimal did not keep wickets in this match, as the gloves were handed to Kusal Mendis.
Dinesh Chandimal scored 116 off 208 deliveries.
Conclusion
Dinesh Chandimal’s century, scored in the second test match against New Zealand, was just such a Test cricket exhibition– a blend of the bold and attacking with mental effort or restraint. There might have been some fortune that came his way but Chandimal played in the situation and never allowed it to slip away. Besides putting the Lankans in command of a game that had been nip and tuck, this is where Chandimal made his bones as a mature senior figure in the side.
Despite a minor hiccup with Karunaratne’s run-out, Chandimal’s 16th century will be remembered for his grace under pressure, his willingness to embrace a new role, and his commitment to Sri Lankan cricket’s future.
