Sri Lanka continued to dominate in the First Test against Bangladesh at the SSC, Colombo yesterday.
First, Michael Vandort who was unbeaten at the end of day 1, walked past the 100 mark to record his third test century in only 7 matches, his second against Bangladesh. Captain Mahela Jayawardene who retired hurt on 93,
resumed his innings hitting his 17th test century. Tillekaratne Dilshan who added 117 for the fourth wicket with Vandort, had to depart in an unfortunate run-out on 79, after smashing a classy half century.
The Bangladeshis then picked up two quick wickets, removing Jayawardene as well.(353/6)
But, unbeaten maiden tons from wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene and opening bowler Chaminda Vaas in a 223-run partnership propelled the Sri Lankans to a massive total of 577. Incidentally this was also the highest partnership in the Sri Lankan innings. It also became Sri Lanka’s highest seventh wicket partnership in test cricket, surpassing 194 between Hashan Tillekaratne and Kumar Sangakkara against India in 2001. This was also Sri Lanka’s highest total against the Bangladesh team, going past 555/5-dec in 2001.
Prasanna achieved his first test century in his 10th test match whereas the other century-scorer Vaas, played in his 97th test match. For an all-rounder of his caliber, it was a long overdue one.
A happy Captain Jayawardene declared the innings on 577/6 as soon as Vaas scored his hundred. The Bangladeshis now trail behind the Sri Lankans by 485 having played 3/0 in the three overs bowled in the last session of day 2.
== Sri Lanka Cricket == 