Aiming for 450-500 runs against Bangladesh can exert pressure - Dimuth Karunaratne
Danushka Aravinda reporting from Chittagong, Bangladesh:
Aiming for a score of 450-500 against Bangladesh can create significant pressure, according to batsman Dimuth Karunaratne.
Result possible
“It was a bit flat in the previous year. But this one there’s turn and seam movement with the new ball. There are some advantages for the bowlers as well. There might be turn from day three onwards. There’s a result on this wicket.
Happy with score
“Of course we are happy. 300-plus for four on day one is a good score. If we can put a good total on the next day, we will be in the commanding position.
Good record v BD
“We play together for a long time so we know about each other’s bowler. I have been prepared for that, so that’s why I get success against Bangladesh.
How easy to bat here
“It is not easy to bat here. When you see the last few years, it was flat from the first over. Here, there’s movement for the fast bowlers; it is tough in the first few overs. Then we have to go out there and play more defensive. Once ball gets softer, we can get some runs. Spinners bowled really well, but there wasn’t much on offer for them because it’s the first day. Maybe later it will be a good wicket for the bowlers as well.
BD fast bowlers
“I have played against Hasan in the Asia Cup. There are some good fast bowlers coming up, which is a good sign for BCB. I think Hasan bowled really well. Good areas with new ball. He gave some trouble for openers. We knew once the ball gets softer, it is easy to bat. That’s our plan. We are trying to drag deep. It was easier to bat in the third session.
Getting out
“Once you get 80 or 90, it is very disappointing not to get a hundred. I always go for big hundreds. But that’s how cricket goes; you can’t get a hundred every time. I made a small mistake. It is a learning for me. Next time I will not do that mistake, and score big hundreds against Bangladesh.
One spinner
“If you take the past records, we got more wickets by using fast bowlers. We have the confidence. The wicket is flat but there are some movements. There are some cracks open. We have some good fast bowlers who can bowl 140kph, and bowl accurate bouncers as well. That’s why we are playing three seamers, so that they can come back fresh every time and be huge problem for Bangladesh. We have Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva, who can bowl spin. We know that we can get 20 wickets.
This strategy was revealed by Karunaratne at the press conference at the conclusion of the first day's play, indicating the team's approach to leverage a substantial total as a strategic advantage.Karunaratne also discussed his reflections on missing a century, providing insights into his performance and future aspirations.For more details and to view all of Karunaratne's remarks, watch the full press conference below.
