1st Test: Sangakkara feasts on Bangladesh attack

Sri Lanka batsman hits 31st Test century as hosts finish day one at 361 for three.

GALLE: Kumar Sangakkara struck his 31st Test century to equal the Sri Lanka record held by Mahela Jayawardene as the hosts reached 361 for three on the first day of the first Test against Bangladesh yesterday.

Sangakkara smashed the hapless Bangladesh attack to all parts before he departed for 142 after he was caught by Jahurul Islam in the covers off Sohag Gazi.

On a flat track, Bangladesh took the second new ball in the 81st over but bowled only four more before rain brought an early end to the day.

With Lahiru Thirimanne, who scored his third test half-century, Sangakkara put on 124 for the third wicket.

Bangladesh’s only success in the afternoon session was the wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne (41).

Karunaratne had earlier left the field when on 15 after he tried to pull a delivery from Shahadat Hossain and took a blow on his left elbow.

“Dimuth suffered from dizziness and double vision and was forced to retire,” Sri Lanka manager Michael de Zoysa told reporters.

Karunaratne’s opening partner Tillakaratne Dilshan had Sri Lanka off to a fast start after Angelo Mathews had won the toss for the home side on his test debut as captain.

Sri Lanka will go into the second day hoping to extend their advanage in the match.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9^th, 2013.