BAN vs SL 2018: Negative Approach from Batsmen Recoiled for Bangladesh - Niroshan Dickwella
Published - 03 Feb 2018, 08:42 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:48 PM
Hosts Bangladesh, after piling up a mammoth 513 in the first innings, looked in a comfortable position to win the 1st Test in Chittagong.
However, after the end of the fourth day of the Test match, possibilities of a Sri Lankan win seems inevitable, as the Tigers still trail by 119 runs with seven wickets in hand in the second innings.
Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batsman, Niroshan Dickwella, stated Bangladesh cut off their nose to spite the face by adopting a negative approach while batting on a wicket which is assisting spinners bowling from the rough.
Chasing a mammoth target, some dogged efforts from the visitors helped them take a whopping lead of 200 runs, thanks to daddy centuries from Kusal Mendis (196) and Dhananjaya de Silva (173).
Even Roshen Silva, who made his debut against India last December, notched up his maiden century (109). The Lions were able to extend their lead with the help of handy contributions from Chandimal (87) and Dickwella (62) down the order.
“We have a pretty good chance to win the Test. It is a pretty good wicket but it is all turning from the rough, and outside the stumps. We are hoping to start the day well. We are bowling in good areas, line and length,” claimed Niroshan Dickwella according to Cricbuzz.
Bangladesh was able to reduce the deficit partially before losing three huge wickets during the final hour of the day which included their captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who went to his shell to save his wicket. Dickwella, who himself struck at a rate greater than run-a-ball, prefers positive cricket on this wicket over defensive cricket.
“They went into a negative position to save their wickets and defend the balls. I don’t think it is the way to bat on this wicket. The ball is turning from the rough. I think a positive approach is the best way to play on this wicket,” suggested Dickwella.
The hearty wicket-keeper batsman also had a word or two about the latest talent unearthed by the Lankan management, Roshan Silva.
“He [Roshen] is an experienced player. He has plenty of runs back in Sri Lanka. He has played for the A team, and some county cricket as well,” added the 24-year-old.
Dickwella concluded by praising the approach displayed by Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis and hoped he would be able to convert his starts into something substantial.
“I missed out on a century again. I have been getting these starts for the past few innings, but I couldn’t convert them into centuries.I have been playing to my strength which was sweeps and reverse sweeps. They were bowling in the rough as well. I think I did a pretty good job. We enjoyed watching our friends batting. I am glad to have made some runs in the end of the innings, especially, Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva had an amazing approach.” Dickwella said.
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