2024-04-03 05:04:26
It would not be an exaggeration to call this success a pace revolution. They do not have such success in the recent past. Sri Lankan pacers Saminda Iranga, Nuwan Pradeep and Dhamika Prasad took 29 wickets in two matches in England tour in 2014. Ten years later, Singh’s team’s pacers broke the previous record of highest wickets. Biswa Fernando-Lahiru Kumara have taken 30 wickets so far against Bangladesh in the two-match Test series. The number could be higher. If the three pacers of the guests can take the remaining 3 wickets of Bangladesh on the fifth day in Chittagong.
In Sylhet three pacers Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Kashun Rajitha got 10 wickets together. They have continued the performance of Sylhet in Chittagong. Rajitha is unable to play due to injury. Asitha Fernando came in her place. Asitha also flew in this test with the other two. Sri Lanka head coach Silverwood is very happy with the success of the pacers of the team.
“We did a great job in this series,” Silverwood said after the fourth day’s play on Tuesday. The boys have shown their potential well. They played with heart. Showed their goals and capabilities. They have learned how to bowl in different conditions. The wicket was completely different in the last Test. So we had to do something different in this test. They have adapted quickly. They are still improving. There is more to learn. They are improving every series.’
Chasing a target of 511 runs, Bangladesh ended the day at 268 for 7. Silverweed thinks that the pacer changed the course of the match in this innings too, ‘I think Bangladesh played well today. They put the bowlers under pressure for some time. He was able to create pressure on us. We bowled very well on this wicket. There were better bowling opportunities at times. However, I think our performance was consistent in this innings as well as in the first innings. It feels good that our hard work has paid off. Looking forward to the same tomorrow.’
“We wanted to keep the run rate below three. This required patient and disciplined bowling. We were able to do that. Sometimes we make mistakes. Bangladesh went ahead. Yet we are back again. This is our teaching side.’ – He added.