Sri Lanka’s cricketer Niroshan Dickwella has stated that his team’s Test series win in Bangladesh provided some respite amid their country’s economic crisis. The left-hander also welcomed the talented duo of Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews for their significant contributions to the series’ victory.
Sri Lanka wrapped up a commanding 10-wicket win over Bangladesh in the 2nd and final Test in Mirpur. The visitor had already left a massive hill to climb their competition after reducing them to 34-4 at the end of the 4th day. Although their best efforts, Bangladesh could not stave off a beat on the final day, closely avoiding an innings loss.
What a commanding performance by the visitors!
Sri Lanka win the second Test by 10 wickets and take the two-match series 1-0 🎉#WTC23 | #BANvSL | https://t.co/7KXvVIQzdy pic.twitter.com/DoVym41loT
— ICC (@ICC) May 27, 2022
Dickwella added that the Sri Lankans have been going through difficult times back home. So they watched to bring their A-game and do being positive for their country. He said:
“It’s hard time for us as Sri Lankans, so actually we kept it behind us as we came here to play good cricket and win the series. We want to bring home whatever we could do for them, and I think we did it, and it’s a good positive thing for us,” the 28-year old said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Dickwella admitted that Liton Das’ wicket in the 2nd innings was key, with speedster Asitha Fernando taking a brilliant return catch. Das and Shakib al Hasan supported the hosts add 103 runs for the sixth wicket. Dickwella added:
“We had a calm dressing room. We knew we were just one wicket away from the tail-enders. We kept our nerves. I think Asitha came up with a brilliant catch. It was the turning point. We had our plans cut out in the second innings.”
He continued:
“We knew the top order was struggling in the first innings. We wanted to bowl line and length first. With Asitha’s pace and tactics with the short ball, we knew it would be hard for them. We wanted to spread the field, not to give easy runs and then attack when possible.”
Sri Lanka is in the middle of its worst economic recession since 1948, with the country enduring inflation, which has prompted widespread unrest and casualties. A member of their parliament died, and public resistance led to Mahinda Rajapaksa’s resignation as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
“With their knowledge, Angelo and Chandimal are greedy for their runs” – Niroshan Dickwella.
Dickwella also added that the wickets they performed on hardly had anything in them, lauding Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal for stepping up. He stated:
“These are not the wickets we played on last time. The ball was spinning and turning. This time it was dead and flat tracks. With their experience, Angelo and Chandimal are greedy for their runs. They knew this is the best opportunity to go for big scores. They did a great job. They are taking the pressure off the youngsters. They are doing their job properly.”
'Guardian Angel'o Mathews – Player of the series for his 199 in the first Test and 145 not out in second Test. 👏👏👏#BANvSL pic.twitter.com/o3ZgOtmWrP
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) May 27, 2022
Bangladesh’s top-order failure was a common part of their innings, putting their middle order under pressure. Mushfiqur Rahim also Liton Das put on 274 runs in the Initial innings from a precarious 24-5, but that was ultimately in vain. Mathews properly won the ‘Man of the Series award for his 344 runs in 2-Tests at an average of 172.