The much talked about Sri Lankan batting held firm scoring 328 for 6 in the tour opener against the South African Invitation XI at Potchefstroom in South Africa.
The Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews returned to competitive cricket, elected to bat first following a toss win with hope on acclimatizing to the quick tracks in South Africa.
The struggling opening combination of Dimuth Karunarathne and Kaushal Silva defied odds putting up 157 for the opening partnership. The openers were not dismissed as both Karunarathene and Silva retired out. Karunarathene made 71 off 127 balls which included 10 fours while Silva managed a solid 80 with 11 fours.
Dilruwan Perera the surprising number three man was the first to be dismissed caught, off the bowling of George Linde for 25.
Angelo Mathews returned to the crease after a long injury lay off but had a short stay at the crease as his innings lasted just 5 balls for no runs.
Youngster Kusal Mendis soon followed suit as he was dismissed for 51 off the bowling of Jason Smith. Vice captain Dinesh Chandimal returned to action and stroked 23 off 56 balls before he was the last batsman to fall to the bowling of Duanne Olivier.
Dhananjaya De Silva and Upul Tharanga carried the visitors towards the end of a rather successful day one with the bat with the score on 32 for 6. De Silva ended unbeaten with 57 while Tharanga made 8* off 11 balls.
The game will continue for day two tomorrow beginning at 1.30 pm local time.
Brief Scores
Sri Lankans: 328-6 in 87 overs. (Silva 80, Karunarathne 71, De Silva 57, K. Mendis 51, George Linde 2/72)
