Chandimal stars with century as Sri Lanka take lead on the third day

GALLE: Sri Lankan middle-order batsman Dinesh Chandimal scored a superb century after gutsy fifties from Kamindu Mendis and Angelo Mathews to put the home team ahead of Australia on day three of the ongoing second Test.

Following Chandimal’s batting masterclass, the hosts finished 431/6, 67 runs ahead of Australia’s total of 364 innings.

Resuming with an overnight score of 184/2, the hosts found themselves in the driving seat after the conclusion of day three despite an unwelcome start when the team lost their top scorer overnight, Kusal Mendis. .

Mendis was only able to add one run to his overnight score as he returned to the pavilion in the third over of the day after scoring 85.

He faced 161 deliveries and broke nine limits.

After his departure, Mathews and Chandimal carried out the team proceedings and put them in a commanding position with an astonishing 83-run partnership for third wicket.

Veteran all-rounder Mathews, who played a gutsy fifty-plus for his team, couldn’t make it big when Australian pacemaker Mitchel Starc took him out for 52. The right-handed batsman faced 117 deliveries over the course of his gritty hit and broke four boundaries.

After his departure, Kamindu defended his team and formed another key association for Sri Lanka. The duo added 133 runs for the fifth wicket before Mitchel Swepson claimed his second wicket by bowling the left-handed batsman for a superb 61 from 137 balls, laced with seven bounds.

Wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella’s batsman, on the other hand, was unable to capitalize on the strong base as he was only able to score five runs over the course of his brief strike.

Sri Lanka’s top scorer Chandimal then put together a handy 22-run partnership with Ramesh Mendis until the conclusion of day three. His valiant position bolstered Sri Lanka to finish at 431/6.

Chandimal remained undefeated with his fantastic 118 in 232 deliveries with the help of 10 limits, including a six, while Ramesh scored seven without outs. The duo will now resume proceedings for Sri Lanka on day four of the second Test.

For Australia, Nathan Lyon, Starc and Swepson bagged two wickets each.

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