Sangakkara supreme in Chittagong

Cricket365
February 4, 2014

A commanding century from batsman Kumar Sangakkara was at the fore of Sri Lanka's dominance on day one of the second and final Test against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Tuesday.

A commanding century from batsman Kumar Sangakkara was at the fore of Sri Lanka's dominance on day one of the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Tuesday.

A bowling attack depleted by the absence of the injured Rangana Herath and Shaminda Eranga was spared early damage on a pitch considerably flatter than the one experienced in Dhaka during the series opener.

Instead, replacements Ajantha Mendis and Nuwan Pradeep watched from the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium as Sangakkara carried the visitors to a formidable total of 314 for five. Captain Angelo Mathews' choice to bat first – in the hope of doing so just once – indeed, has enjoyed 92 fruitful overs so far.

Early concerns, though, prevented complete ascendancy. Openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Kaushal Silva's departures inside the opening 21 overs required Sangakkara and fellow former captain Mahela Jayawardene to rectify proceedings.

The duo obliged to the tune of two deliveries more than 50 overs, amassing a fruitful 178-run alliance. The left-handed Sangakkara completed a 34th Test century during the stand, and will likely reach a ninth double come Wednesday.

The recalled Mohammad Mahmudullah was at hand to end the steely partnership shortly after the tea break, with Jayawardene perishing lbw for 72. There was no doubting the dismissal, nor would there have been were the Decision Review System available.

The belligerent Dinesh Chandimal, meanwhile, vindicated critics by holing out to a rash stroke – and Mathews allowed spinner Shakib Al Hasan to snipe through his defences during the third-last over.

First-Test centurion Kithuruwan Vithanage will resume the charge alongside Sangakkara, whose 160 not out featured 19 fours and three sixes, spanning 245 deliveries.