Colombo, Aug 28:
Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten heaped praise on young batter Sonal Dinusha after his twin centuries helped the hosts secure a draw against India in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
Dinusha produced an outstanding display of temperament and technique, scoring centuries in both innings to frustrate the Indian bowling attack and lead Sri Lanka’s resistance.
Kirsten said he was particularly impressed by the youngster’s ability to perform in difficult situations, describing his temperament as one of the most encouraging aspects of the performance.
The young batter’s second-innings century proved crucial as Sri Lanka batted through the final day to deny India victory. His resilience, coupled with support from the lower order, enabled the hosts to save the match.
Dinusha’s twin hundreds have announced him as a promising prospect in Sri Lankan Test cricket. The performance came under considerable pressure and against a strong Indian attack, adding further significance to his achievement.
While India won the series 1-0, the drawn second Test belonged to Dinusha, whose determined batting gave Sri Lanka a fighting finish to the contest.
Kirsten said the youngster had shown the qualities required to succeed in the longer format and backed him to continue developing as a Test cricketer.