Chandimal’s composure revives Sri Lanka after Select XI challenge
Key Points(5)
- Dinesh Chandimal provided the stability Sri Lanka needed on a disrupted second day of their four-day warm-up match against the West Indies Select XI, guiding the visitors to 173 for four by the close of play at Coolidge Cricket Ground.
- The experienced right-hander remained unbeaten on 54 as Sri Lanka trimmed the deficit to just 32 runs after the hosts posted 205 in their first innings.
- With weather stealing the entire morning session, play did not begin until 1:30 p.m., leaving both teams with a shortened day under overcast conditions.
- Sri Lanka resumed their innings on 38 for one, looking to build a strong response to the Select XI total.
- Instead, the hosts’ seamers continued to create pressure, keeping the contest finely balanced until Chandimal’s calm presence guided Sri Lanka through the difficult periods.
Dinesh Chandimal provided the stability Sri Lanka needed on a disrupted second day of their four-day warm-up match against the West Indies Select XI, guiding the visitors to 173 for four by the close of play at Coolidge Cricket Ground.
The experienced right-hander remained unbeaten on 54 as Sri Lanka trimmed the deficit to just 32 runs after the hosts posted 205 in their first innings.
With weather stealing the entire morning session, play did not begin until 1:30 p.m., leaving both teams with a shortened day under overcast conditions. Sri Lanka resumed their innings on 38 for one, looking to build a strong response to the Select XI total.
Instead, the hosts’ seamers continued to create pressure, keeping the contest finely balanced until Chandimal’s calm presence guided Sri Lanka through the difficult periods.
Select XI attack keeps Sri Lanka under pressure
The delayed start did little to slow the West Indies Select XI attack, which immediately tested Sri Lanka’s batters.
Overnight batsman Nishan Madushka resumed on 25 and appeared settled before adding another 21 runs to his score.
His resistance ended when Keemo Paul produced a probing delivery that angled into the middle and off stump. Madushka attempted to defend, but the ball struck his pad and the umpire ruled him out.
Madushka departed for a valuable 46 from 49 balls after sharing a 40-run partnership with Chandimal, helping Sri Lanka recover from the early dismissal of Lahiru Udara, who fell for seven.
Keemo Paul strikes again as hosts keep momentum
Paul continued to make life difficult for the Sri Lankan middle order.
In the 23rd over, the Guyanese fast bowler found the perfect length outside off stump and extracted enough movement to beat Pasindu Sooriyabandara’s defence.
The ball crashed into the stumps, sending Sooriyabandara back for 14 and leaving Sri Lanka in a precarious position at 96 for three.
With the visitors needing a partnership, Chandimal took responsibility and began rebuilding the innings.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva joined Chandimal and immediately injected energy into the recovery effort.
The pair combined for a crucial 59-run, fourth-wicket stand, shifting the pressure back onto the Select XI bowlers.
De Silva looked in excellent touch, producing a series of crisp drives through the off side during his 34 from 40 deliveries.
However, his attacking approach eventually brought his downfall.
Alzarri Joseph found the outside edge after tempting De Silva into a drive away from his body, with Jonathan Drakes completing the catch.
De Silva’s dismissal left Sri Lanka at 155 for four, but Chandimal remained composed at the crease.
Sri Lanka finish strong as Chandimal leads the charge
Sonal Dinusha joined Chandimal for the final overs and helped see the innings through safely.
Dinusha ended unbeaten on five, while Chandimal remained the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s response with his unbeaten half-century.
After a day affected by rain and interruptions, the match remains delicately poised, with the Select XI holding a narrow advantage but Sri Lanka firmly in contention heading into the next stage of the warm-up fixture.
