“Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal’s centuries propel Sri Lanka to dominance, flattening Afghanistan as they finish the day at 287 for 3, securing an 89-run lead with seven wickets in hand.”
“Centuries by Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal set the stage for Sri Lanka’s dominant performance on the second day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan at the SSC in Colombo on Saturday.
The hosts concluded the day at 410 for 6, propelled by the impressive 232-run partnership between the veteran duo.
Starting the day at 80 for no loss after already dismissing Afghanistan for 198 on the opening day, Sri Lanka faced early setbacks on Saturday, losing two wickets.
Nishan Madushka, the overnight batter, fell for 37, handing Naveen Zadran his first Test wicket. Kusal Mendis followed suit, top-edging a pull off Nijat Masood to fine leg.
In the morning session, captain Dimuth Karunaratne also departed after contributing 77 runs.
He attempted to hit a full toss from Qais Ahmad straight to the fielder at mid-wicket, leaving the hosts at 148 for 3.
Despite these early losses, Chandimal and Mathews formed a resilient partnership that denied Afghanistan a chance to regain control.
Initially cautious, they gradually accelerated the scoring with a mix of boundary shots and clever ball placement.
Chandimal’s innings included 10 boundaries and a six, while Mathews hit three sixes and 14 fours on his way to 141.
Afghanistan managed to break through late in the day, with Chandimal nicking a delivery to the wicketkeeper off Naveen Zadran, and Dhananjaya de Silva being run out in the same over.
Towards the end, Mathews was dismissed by hitting the stumps with his bat while attempting to handle a short delivery from Qais, ending a promising 30-run partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama.
The latter finished the day unbeaten on a quick 22-ball 21.”
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