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SRI Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne promised that his team would come up with various tactics to counter Zimbabwe’s spinners as the hosts look to chase down an improbable target of 388 to win the one-off Test at R. Premadasa Stadium.

Sri Lanka ended the fourth day’s play at 170 for 3, still needing 218 runs for a face-saving victory.

Karunaratne, who was dismissed for 49, expects a good contest on the final day, but remains hopeful that the hosts will be able to get to the target.

“I believe we can chase down this target. We have already scored 170 for 3 and we need only 218 more. We batted when the ball was hard, but now that hardness is gone. All what they have now is the support from that rough,” he said.

“Angelo [Mathews] and Kusal [Mendis] are set now. If those two guys keep on batting for an hour or so tomorrow, then it will be interesting. It’s not easy to get the batsmen out unless we do something silly. They’re bowling on the leg side with more fielders on. So we need to have a plan to change that field. May be playing the reverse sweep is an option. If we do that, we will be able to put some runs on the board quickly,” noted Karunaratne.

Karunaratne advocated the need for Sri Lanka to remain positive in their approach, citing the obvious threat of going into a shell. The first session, according to Karunaratne, will be particularly crucial in dictating how the remainder of the game pans out.

“If we go to survive, we’re losing the opportunity to win the match,” he said.

“We need to go on a positive mind to score 218 runs and win the game. When another 60-70 runs are added to the board, I think they will spread out the field. Then we can get the single and we will have our chances.

“Once we get closer, then we can take a call on it, whether to go for the target or go for a draw. But the most important thing is to have wickets in hand. So tomorrow’s first session is very crucial for us,” Karunaratne explained.

Sri Lanka’s batsmen faced 48 overs on day four and the bowling was shared between Zimbabwe’s four-prong spin attack comprising Graeme Cremer, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza. Cremer came for special praise from the Sri Lankan opener for his ability to force batsmen into mistakes.

“Their spinners will get the odd ball to jump up, but we are fairly okay. The problem is Graeme Cremer. He is bowling on good areas and turning as well. Other than that, I don’t think there will be much of a threat from the other bowlers,” Karunaratne further said.

“What Sean is doing is that he pegs the batsmen down and forcing them to commit a mistake against Creamer. Other than those two, I don’t think there will be a big threat. But the reality is that those two cannot keep bowling right throughout the day. So we’ll see how the wicket behaves and set a plan.” — Cricbuzz.