Sri Lanka will chase any total in the second innings, says Mahela

Chris Dhambarage

Former captain Mahela Jayawardena said that Sri Lanka would chase any total in their second innings in an attempt to register a historic three-nil clean sweep after another absorbing second day’s play in the third and final Test match against Pakistan at the SSC ground in Maitland Place yesterday.

Jayawardena who hit a top score of 79 believed that there is little danger in the wicket although the bowlers had dominated the proceedings once again while capturing a total of fourteen wickets. The 32-year-old right hander stated that they have already gained a psychological advantage by capturing a vital wicket in the Pakistan second innings and is looking forward to adding the finishing touches when play resumes today.

Jayawardena said that Pakistan have not fared well in the second innings in any of the two previous Test matches of this series and believes the visitors could collapse once again under pressure. Jayawardena noted that with the presence of four fast bowlers in the side they will be looking to create more opportunities and add more pressure and will not mind even sending down a few overs as he did in the first innings.

Jayawardena was disappointed in the manner he got out and felt that lack of concentration was the main reason for his dismissal. He also commended the brave effort of Tillekeratne Dilshan who hit a valiant 44 before being last man out.