Sri Lanka has a great chance of pulling off a win, says Dilshan

Chris DHAMBARAGE

Middle order batsman Tillekeratne Dilshan believes that Sri Lanka are in with a great chance of pulling off the first test match against India after the home side dominated the third day at the SSC ground in Maitland Place yesterday.

Dilshan played a leading role in taking Sri Lanka into a commanding position by scoring his fifth test hundred in their massive first innings total of 600 for 6 declared. The Indians then collapsed to 159 for 6 and they are still trailing by 441 runs.

Dilshan said that batting will be quite difficult on the last two days of the match and already Muttiah Muralitharn and Ajantha Mendis has shown signs of running through the Indian tailenders.

Dilshan felt that Muttiah Muralitharn was picking up wickets from one end following the pressure created by Ajantha Mendis who was making his test debut after a successful start to his one day international career.

Commenting on his century Dilshan said that he had now changed his style of play and is concentrating on occupying the crease more with the intention of making a big score.

The dashing right hander said that he restricted some of his flashing shots and decided to play in a responsible manner that helped him to score his first hundred since 2005.

Dilshan said that he had got out on several occasions earlier when nearing the three figure mark but this time he made certain that he achieved his goal while following the foot steps of skipper Mahela Jayawardena, Thilan Samaraweera and Malinda Warnapura who also completed centuries.

Dilshan of course was surprised in the manner the Indian batsmen surrendered quite meekly especially wicket keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik who was dismissed during the latter stages of the game.

But he felt that it was some sheer brilliant bowling from Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis that have put them in a strong position after the third days play.

Dilshan feels that today›s first session of play will be crucial where Sri Lanka will be looking to wrap up the Indian innings and then to enforce the follow on.