Sri Lanka top order fires to reach 306/3

Sri Lanka dominated the first day of the second Test, posting 306 for 3 against New Zealand at the Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss and opted to bat. Dinesh Chandimal led with a brilliant 16th Test century. Angelo Mathews (78*) and Kamindu Mendis (51*) also contributed heavily. Kamindu set a world record for 8 consecutive half-centuries in Test matches since his debut, surpassing Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel (7).

New Zealand got an early breakthrough when Tim Southee dismissed Pathum Nissanka for 1 in the first over. But Dimuth Karunaratne (46) and Chandimal steadied the innings, guiding Sri Lanka to 102 for 1 by lunch. Chandimal played aggressively, hitting 9 fours to reach his half-century. Karunaratne was run out after a mix-up, ending a 122-run stand with Chandimal.

Chandimal and Mathews rebuilt the innings, with Chandimal completing his 16th century, his first against New Zealand and sixth at Galle. He hit 13 fours to bring up his century in 171 balls, taking Sri Lanka to 194 for 2 by tea. Chandimal added another 97 runs with Mathews before being bowled by Glenn Phillips for 116 off 208 balls (15 fours).

Mathews and Kamindu Mendis continued to strengthen Sri Lanka’s position. Mathews hit his 44th Test half-century (111 balls, 4 fours), while Kamindu played aggressively to reach his record-breaking half-century in just 53 balls, hitting 8 fours and a six. The pair added 85 runs for the unbroken fourth-wicket stand, with Mathews on 78* (166 balls, 6 fours) and Kamindu on 51* (56 balls) as Sri Lanka finished the day at 306 for 3.

Tim Southee and Glenn Phillips took a wicket each, while spinners Ajaz Patel (27 overs) and Mitchell Santner (20 overs) ended wicketless.