SL vs Pak, 1st Test: Chandimal helps Sri Lanka take command against Pakistan

Dinesh Chandimal brought out all his experience and continued his rich vein of form as he hit an unbeaten 86 on Day 3 of the ongoing 1st Test against Pakistan in Galle. Chandimal's solid effort with the bat gave Sri Lanka control of the 1st Test as the hosts stretched their 2nd innings lead to 333.

Dinesh Chandimal remained unbeaten on 86 and Prabath Jayasuriya on 4 as Sri Lanka were 329 for 9 at Stumps on Monday.

Chandimal's glorious run of form continued as the senior batter followed up his first innings 76 to hit 86 not out in the 2nd innings. The 32-year-old also shone in Sri Lanka's win



over Australia as he had hit a double hundred in the 2nd Test which the hosts won against Pat Cummins's men.

Pakistan had an opportunity to dismiss Chandimal when he was on 68 but Hasan Ali put down a return catch. Pakistan also unsuccessfully reviewed a leg-before shout against him.

The game was evenly poised when the day began with Sri Lanka having a lead of 40 runs with nine wickets in hand. Pakistan knocked off night-watchman Kasun Rajitha early in the second over of the morning but a 91-run stand for the third wicket between Kusal Mendis (76) and Oshada Fernando (64) steadied the innings.