PAK vs SL | Dhananjaya de Silva 'proud' after a tough century in tricky conditions
Sri Lankan all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva was extremely pleased with his century under tough conditions on the fifth day of the Test match versus Pakistan. He claimed this as his second best century after his maiden Test century against Australia when Sri Lanka were 26 for 5 when he arrived.
Although the game between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in a draw thanks to rain playing spoilsport for three days, Dhananjaya de Silva is extremely proud of himself for his second consecutive Test century that he achieved on day five of the first Test. de Silva hails this as his second-best hundred and claims his maiden ton against Australia to be his best hundred as Sri Lanka were in big trouble at 26 for 5 in Colombo when he came at the crease.
"I think this is my second-best hundred after my first one, definitely," de Silva told Cricbuzz.
"It was very tricky in the first few days. All four Pakistan bowlers were brilliant in those conditions. It was very dark and seaming and gloomy. Everything was happening for the bowlers. Playing here and getting a hundred with my name on the honours board - I'm feeling proud about that," de Silva stated.
Rain breaks and tough conditions did not seem to bother de Silva as he believes that he was seeing the ball well enough to not get into any traps planned by the Pakistan bowlers. Further, the conditions were in favour of Pakistan's seam bowlers on the first day of the Test before it became easier for the batters to play, on a flat Day 5 wicket.
"As the match went on it was very easy for me - I saw the ball very well. I don't know why - I got a century back in Sri Lanka too. I think I saw the ball well because I'm in form. On day five it was the best wicket we saw across the five days. It was seaming in the first few days, but there was nothing on the fifth day," de Silva asserted.
On being asked about his favourite batting position, de Silva believes that it is the number six slot that suits him the best because of the experience he has playing at that position.
"I've now got three centuries at No. 6, so I think it's a very suitable position for me," he pointed out. "I've batted in the lower order for a little while now, and because my position is settled it becomes easier," revealed de Silva.
"I have to bowl 10 or 15 overs in a Test innings as well, and it's tough to do that and also open the innings, or bat at No. 3. No. 6 is generally a spot occupied by someone who bowls as well, and the team can use me as a bowler when I'm down there," he concluded.