Chandimal (80) spearheads Lanka’s run spree

Opener Oshada Fernando (50) and in-form batter Dinesh Chandimal (80) hit half-centuries as Sri Lanka made a formidable total of 315/6 at stumps of the first day’s play of the second Test against Pakistan played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Angelo Mathews marked his 100th Test match as the home team got off to a good start with top-order batters dominating the game to pile up over 300 runs in 86 overs. Play was called off with four overs remaining due to bad light.

Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and decided to bat first. Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando put on a solid start adding 92 runs in 20.3 overs for the first wicket.

Oshada Fernando the right-hander completed his seventh half-century but soon after he was sent back to the pavilion by Mohammad Nawaz.

Captain Karunaratne was dismissed after lunch on 40 when he played a reverse sweep off Yasir Shah and was superbly caught by Naseem Shah.

Kusal Mendis gave his wicket away with an unnecessary run-out off a direct throw from Agha Salman. Mendis had only scored 3 runs in 10 balls. Veteran Angelo Mathews, missed a well-deserved half-century just by 8 runs while Chandimal scored 80 off 137 balls with the help of nine fours and two sixes, he added 63 for the fifth wicket with Dhananjaya de Silva.

The wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella who was not among the runs earlier made an unbeaten knock of 42 in 43 balls with 5 fours and a six while 19-year debutant Dunith Wellalage remained on 6 in 9 balls with a boundary at the wicket. Mohammad Nawaz was the only successful bowler finishing with 2 for 71.

Sri Lanka made two changes with Dunith Wellalage and paceman Asitha Fernando replacing Maheesh Theekshana and Kasun Rajitha.