Published: Jun 19, 2015, 07:34 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 19, 2015, 07:34 PM (IST)
Sri Lanka were in danger of handing the initiative back to Pakistan after losing 7 for 122 on Day Three, but Dhammika Prasad got his revenge and ensured the hosts stay on top feels Nikhil Popat.
Sri Lanka were struggling to cope with Pakistan’s intensity on third day of the first Test at Galle. They were 178 for 3 overnight but lost wickets at regular intervals as Kaushal Silva brought up his second Test ton early on Day Three. He needed support when Dilruwan Perera got out; in came Dhammika Prasad to give his team-mate and centurion opener some support. REPORT: Sri Lanka finish on top with Pakistan 118 for 5 at stumps on Day 3 of 1st Test at Galle
Prasad can hit the long ball but for some reason he curbed his natural instincts. He played and missed, but that infectious smile remained on his face. Silva was starting to feel the pressure at the other end. Pakistan sensed it and starting banging the ball halfway down the track against Prasad.
He could not get bat to ball numerous times as the ball kept spinning past him. He had an appeal against him: he did not spot a googly from Yasir Shah, and was beaten but was battling it out. He got short balls from Wahab Riaz; he ducked under them and got out of the way. It is not his style, but he tried to adapt. He rarely speaks. His eyes speak for him, wide open and staring right into you. READ: Saeed Ajmal ignored: Is this the beginning of the end for Pakistan’s ace spinner?
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 300. Prasad got the new ball in his hands. The first ball was not on: he bowled it fuller on the pads. Mohammad Hafeez was off the mark with a clip to fine-leg for a couple. Prasad was reminded of his struggles and bowled it on the spot for the rest of the over, beating Hafeez with one that held its line outside off. He kept coming hard at Hafeez and rapped him on the pads. Hafeez looked to clip one but missed. There was an appeal, it looked close but it was not out due to height. Prasad lured Hafeez into a drive next ball; the batsman slashed, and was caught at second slip by Dimuth Karunaratne. Prasad smiled and knew he had the rhythm. READ: Pakistan hope Zulfiqar Babar, Yasir Shah combine to ‘Rangana Herath’ Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka got their early wickets. Prasad was bowling well. Ahmed Shehzad, being a natural stroke-maker, had hit a couple of lovely drives in the previous over. Prasad wanted to strike. One could sense that in the way he kept running in. Shehzad often shuffles to the off side and defends. Prasad caught him napping: he bowled one quick on the stumps, caught Shehzad on the move and Pakistan were 11 for 2 in no time. He was still not done. He welcomed Younis Khan to the crease with a magnificent yorker that the champion Khan just about kept out.
That set the tone for Sri Lanka to continue to dominate the proceedings. Prasad came back for a late spell, troubled both Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq with a short burst to unsettle them. Sri Lanka finished Day Three with Pakistan five down for 118 and they may force a result. But for the day, Prasad showed enough intent and put Sri Lanka on top with his twin strikes.
(Nikhil Popat is a diehard cricket enthusiast and a PotterHead till the end of time. He can be followed on Twitter @CricCrazyNIKS)
