1st Test: Maiden tons give Sri Lanka big lead
Thirimanne, Chandimal score centuries to hurt Bangladesh.
Sri Lankan cricketers Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal. PHOTO: AFP
GALLE:
Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal cracked maiden Test centuries to put Sri Lanka in command on the second day of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Galle yesterday.
Left-handed Thirimanne hit a solid 155 not out and Chandimal an unbeaten 116 as the hosts declared their first innings at 570 for four after adding 209 to their overnight total of 361 for three for the loss of just one wicket.
Bangladesh were 135 for two in their first innings at stumps, with Mohammad Ashraful unbeaten on 65 and debutant Mominul Haque 35 not out.
“It was a great day for me. This is a dream start for a young cricketer like me,” said Thirimanne. “It was a great opportunity for me to bat with Chandimal. We have batted together at under-19 level also. He played his normal game and was a bit more aggressive.”
Bangladesh failed to make the most of the chances that came their way in the morning as they twice let off Chandimal early in his innings. The Sri Lankan went on to add 203 with Thirimanne.
“We have eight wickets in hand and I think if we can bat throughout the day tomorrow, the game will be in balance,” said Bangladesh’s Anamul Haque.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 10th, 2013.
Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal cracked maiden Test centuries to put Sri Lanka in command on the second day of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Galle yesterday.
Left-handed Thirimanne hit a solid 155 not out and Chandimal an unbeaten 116 as the hosts declared their first innings at 570 for four after adding 209 to their overnight total of 361 for three for the loss of just one wicket.
Bangladesh were 135 for two in their first innings at stumps, with Mohammad Ashraful unbeaten on 65 and debutant Mominul Haque 35 not out.
“It was a great day for me. This is a dream start for a young cricketer like me,” said Thirimanne. “It was a great opportunity for me to bat with Chandimal. We have batted together at under-19 level also. He played his normal game and was a bit more aggressive.”
Bangladesh failed to make the most of the chances that came their way in the morning as they twice let off Chandimal early in his innings. The Sri Lankan went on to add 203 with Thirimanne.
“We have eight wickets in hand and I think if we can bat throughout the day tomorrow, the game will be in balance,” said Bangladesh’s Anamul Haque.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 10th, 2013.