Sri Lanka on the cusp of Test series victory thanks to a master-class Pathum Nissanka. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor).
Sri Lanka batted themselves into the cusp of a series win over Bangladesh and the architect of this important Test success lies squarely on fantastic opening batter Pathum Nissanka.
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The explosive and diminutive opening batting sensation produced two defining centuries to put the home team in control and well on course of winning the deciding Test and another promising start to Sri Lanka’s quest to win the new format that is in South Africa’s trophy cabinet.
Not since the last tournament when Dimuth Karunaratne’s men looked like they were destined to make the final, then fell away dramatically did Sri Lanka look like a serious contender.
Under Dhananjaya de Silva, the air of expectation has got renewed expectation.
Many would argue that it’s a big call beating a team not rated highly, and at home. But, an endearing saying, ‘from little things, big things grow’, is the popular belief. And Sri Lanka are set to make an early statement in this regard.
Sri Lanka took a telling 204 run lead after Nissanka smashed a second century in consecutive Tests, and with Dinesh
Candimal 84 and Kamindu Mendis 85 set the stage for a home team victory on a wicket a far cry from Galle.
Pace and swing at the SSC ground in Colombo has been a perplexing proposition to the Bangladeshis who may have been caught out on a crafty and decisive home team strategy.
What has been heartening is Sri Lanka’s positive mindset that an assertive outlook. But it’s validity will be revealed against the elite such as South Africa, Australia, India and England.
The remaining series will reveal their true potential.
A one-day day and T20 series will Test Sri Lanka’s revival in all formats.
