In the last eight years, Sri Lanka became the first team to defeat Pakistan in UAE, their designed home, after 2009 terror attack in their country.
Dinesh Chandimal bounced back from a dreadful first series as test captain, against India, and marshalled his team with conviction. He was aggressive, thoughtful, moreover lead from the front, as his scintillating hundred in first test turned the momentum towards Sri Lanka. More importantly, the series win came on the back collective efforts. Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne scored match winning hundreds, Rangana Herath turned the first test in Sri Lanka’s favour, Niroshan Dickwella provided much needed stability at the lower order and Dilruwan Perera rose to the occasion in the last innings of the series, when Pakistan focus was on Herath.
“We are over the moon. This is a team performance. They put their heart and soul in the practice session” told an elated Dinesh Chandimal after thumping series win.
“Thanks to the selectors again for giving us confidence. The boys executed the game plan really well in this series. If you look at the guys, they are really committed” he added further.
