The Mathews-Chandimal double-century stand led Sri Lanka to dominate the second day in the solitary Test match against Afghanistan, which was played today (3rd February) at Singhalese Sports Club Grounds in Colombo.
Karunaratne, who batted aggressively yesterday evening, reached his 35th Test fifty within only 44 balls this morning. However, the opening stand of 93 between Karunaratne and Madushka was broken by Naveed Zadran in the third over of the day, as the latter was caught at leg slip for 37.
Nijat Masood’s short ball ploy brought the end for Kusal Mendis, who faced only 22 deliveries while scoring 10 runs. There was another soft dismissal which saw Karunaratne giving a straightforward catch to the fielder at mid-wicket off a Qais Ahmed’s juicy full-toss. The former Skipper batted well for his 72-ball 77, compiling 12 fours.
After falling three quick wickets, two veterans – Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal – joined forces, and both looked uncomfortable against short balls early in their innings. However, once they settled, they pounced on anything loose and made Afghan bowlers toiled hard.
After just 23 overs bowled in the first session, the Afghan bowlers were able to deliver 32 overs in the afternoon session, while the Lankan duo batted patiently and accumulated 110 runs during this period.
The two seniors showed their maturity and notched up their respective Test hundreds. Mathews was the first to reach the landmark, which became his 16th in the red-ball format, while Chandimal brought up his 15th in Test Cricket.
After a record-breaking 232-run partnership, Naveed Zadran provided the breakthrough for the visitors by finding the outside edge of Chandimal. He fell for a 107-run knock in 181 balls, consisting of 10 fours & a six. Dhananjaya De Silva, though, tried to get back to crease after a miscommunication with Mathews and ended up with a first-ball runout, courtesy a direct hit by Skipper Shahidi.
Mathews’ magnificent hundred also came to an unfortunate end when he was out hit-wicket in the final over of the second day. It has been a top knock from the veteran as he amassed 141 off 259 balls including 14 fours & 2 sixes.
At the end of Day 2, Sri Lanka posted a massive 410/6 with Sadeera Samarawickrama remaining unbeaten on 21 and ahead of Afghanistan in the first innings by 212 runs. For the visitors, Naveed Zadran and Qais Ahmed who tried hard for their rewards, scalped two apiece in the bowling front.
Stay in touch with Sri Lanka’s No. 1 Sports Channel – ThePapare, for all the latest updates about Afghanistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2024.
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