Sri Lanka take control against Ireland on first day

16.04.2023 - 15:09 rte.ie

Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis both scored centuries as Sri Lanka dominated the opening day against Ireland in the first-ever Test between the nations.Captain Karunaratne won the toss and elected to bat first at Galle International Stadium, and the hosts piled on the runs to close on 386 for four.Ireland, playing in just their fifth Test since being admitted to the top tier of the game, made an encouraging breakthrough in the first hour when Curtis Campher had Nishan Madushka caught behind for 29.But the visitors were made to toil in the field for more than two sessions as Karunaratne completed his 15th Test century, with Mendis also reaching three figures, as the pair put on 281 runs for the second wicket - the highest-ever Test partnership at Galle.Ireland were left staring at the distinct possibility of claiming just a single wicket on the first day before George Dockrell trapped Mendis lbw for 140 in the 73rd over.Two overs later, Angelo Mathews fell for a third-ball duck after he took a wild swipe at Ben White's delivery.

Karunaratne's fine innings then came to an end when he was caught behind for 179 off a delivery from Mark Adair with only a handful of overs remaining.Dinesh Chandimal (18 not out) and Prabath Jayasuriya (12no) steadied the ship for the home side, and despite the late wickets, Sri Lanka will start the second day firmly in the driving seat in the first of a two-Test series.

cricket Sport on Curtis Campher Mark Adair George Dockrell Angelo Mathews Ireland Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka off-spinner Ramesh Mendis claimed five second innings wickets as his team thumped Ireland by an innings and 10 runs in the second test for a 2-0 series sweep in Galle on Friday.

Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis Hit Double Tons As Sri Lanka Pummel Ireland

Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis both made double centuries against Ireland Thursday as Sri Lanka's top four batters all hit hundreds for only the third time in Test history. The hosts declared their first innings on 704 for three after tea on the fourth day of the second Test in Galle, 212 runs ahead. Ireland were 54 for two at stumps, needing a further 158 on the final day to avoid a second straight innings defeat. Ireland could still achieve an historic first draw if they can hang on after losing all five of their games since obtaining Test status in 2017.

Ireland continue battle to claim draw in Sri Lanka

Ireland's bowlers struggled to take wickets in sapping conditions on day four in Galle as Sri Lanka mounted 704-3 declared, led by Kusal Mendis’ 245, before the hosts claimed two early wickets to help set up an intriguing fifth day as Ireland fight to save a draw.

Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka Hit Tons As Sri Lanka Pile On Runs vs Ireland

Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka both hit centuries as they amassed a record Sri Lankan opening stand in Galle of 228 in the second Test against Ireland on Wednesday. The hosts were 357 for one at the close, still 135 runs behind but with nine wickets in hand. Madushka was unbeaten on 149 at stumps, alongside Kusal Mendis, approaching a century of his own on 83, after Karunaratne departed for 115 -- the only wicket to fall on the third day of the match.

Ireland made to toil in the field following record-breaking day in Sri Lanka

Ireland toiled for little reward in the field a day after their record-breaking batting feats as Sri Lanka charged to 357 for one in Galle to trail the tourists by just 135.