Sri Lanka Aims for Imposing Lead as Mendis Predicts Spin to Dominate Later Test Days

Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter, expressed confidence that securing a lead of 150-200 runs would place his team in a dominant position in the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh. He anticipates spin will be a significant factor in the final two days of the match.

Mendis credited Nissanka for his brilliant batting display © AFP

Sri Lanka concluded Day 2 with a score of 290/2, establishing a 43-run lead in the first innings, fueled by Pathum Nissanka's impressive unbeaten 146 and Dinesh Chandimal's score of 93.

"We are in a very good position, and our goal is to bat throughout the entire day tomorrow. We aim to build a lead of 150 to 200 runs. We anticipate that the wicket will offer more spin on the last two days," Kusal Mendis stated following the second day's play.

He further added, "Our plan is to accumulate as many runs as possible – aiming for a total exceeding 400. We are hopeful of achieving this tomorrow."

"The grass has dried, and footmarks are becoming evident, suggesting increased turn. Our preference is to avoid batting in the fourth innings. We are focused on batting deep now to exert pressure on the opposition," he explained.

Mendis commended Nissanka for his exceptional batting performance. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing the efforts of their pace bowlers, who played a crucial role in dismissing Bangladesh for under 250 runs.

"He (Pathum) has been a treat to watch with his impressive batting. He has been consistently scoring runs, even in the previous series. It was unfortunate that he missed achieving a double century in Galle. I hope he accomplishes it here. He has been our most consistent batter across all three formats. His dedication to improving his game is evident."

"Our fast bowlers executed the plan effectively. They maintained discipline with their lengths and lines. On a pitch with limited pace, this approach is essential, not only with the new ball but also with the old ball. This is the best I have seen our fast bowlers perform in Sri Lanka."

"We anticipated that the wicket would slow down and offer more turn. Our fast bowlers were exceptional and deserve significant credit. I believe that as we progress into Day Four, the conditions will be considerably different from what we have observed so far," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons attributed their struggles to the batting unit's failure to establish substantial partnerships. He also noted that the wicket's characteristics changed significantly during the second innings.

"Our missed opportunity was not constructing significant partnerships yesterday, resulting in us entering today with only two or three wickets remaining."

"It comes down to our batting performance and the partnerships that we were unable to build. At least two or three players should have capitalized on their starts yesterday and achieved big scores. I hope we have taken note of Nissanka's excellent batting and will strive to score big runs in the second innings."

"The wicket definitely improved compared to the first day, when it was somewhat sticky and two-paced. Today, it became much better, and we witnessed how easy it was for the batters. There wasn't as much turn as yesterday, and the batters batted well. That's what Test cricket is about sometimes," he concluded.