Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva credited his team’s recent success to a combination of factors, including a bit of luck, solid strategy, and hard work, particularly in the fielding and bowling departments.
Following Sri Lanka’s massive victory over New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs in the second Test at Galle, de Silva reflected on the team’s performance during the post-match presentation.
“Maybe luck! And I called and tossed well,” de Silva humorously remarked.
He also praised his teammates, specifically Dinesh Chandimal, who contributed to the team’s balance, and Kamindu Mendis for his ability to play long innings. “It was brilliant,” de Silva said, acknowledging their significant roles in the win.
The Sri Lankan skipper was full of praise for his bowlers, Prabath Jayasuriya and debutant Nishan Peiris, for their exceptional long spells. “The way they bowled the long spells was brilliant to see,” de Silva commented, appreciating their stamina and skill.
De Silva also highlighted the team’s improved fielding efforts, attributing their success to the hours spent practicing. “We have been practising hard, and we have been catching a lot. It has paid off,” he said.
Sri Lanka dominated the match from the start after opting to bat first, posting a massive 602/5 declared, thanks to centuries from Chandimal (116), Kamindu Mendis (182), and Kusal Mendis (106). New Zealand, struggling against the spin-friendly Galle pitch, was bowled out for just 88 runs in their first innings, with Prabath Jayasuriya taking 6/42 and Peiris 3/33. Sri Lanka’s huge 514-run lead was the fifth-highest first-innings lead in Test cricket history.
New Zealand showed some fight in their second innings, with Devon Conway (61), Kane Williamson (46), and half-centuries from Glenn Phillips (78) and Mitchell Santner (67). However, the efforts were in vain as they were bundled out for 360, with Peiris claiming 6/170 in a brilliant debut performance. Jayasuriya added another three wickets to his tally.
Kamindu Mendis was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his superb 182-run innings, while Jayasuriya took home the ‘Player of the Series’ honor after taking 18 wickets across the two matches.
