Dilshan, Mahela and Thilan put Sri Lanka in strong position

Chris Dhambarage Reporting from Galle

The charismatic Tillekeratne Dilshan began his new role in the Sri Lankan team in a most spectacular manner while Mahela Jayawardena completed his 26th Test hundred as the home side took control on day one of the first cricket Test match against the visiting New Zealand team which commenced at the Galle International Stadium yesterday.

The 32 year old who was promoted to open the batting for the first time in a test struck form in a professional manner by smashing a blistering 92 that enabled the home side to recover from an early setback. Jayawardena then took over the responsibilities during the latter stages as Sri Lanka reached an impressive 293 for 3 in their first innings. Seamer Chris Martin had justified Daniel Vettori’s decision to field first by striking twice during his first two overs.

But New Zealand’s early joy was short lived as Tillekeratne Dilshan launched a severe counter attack to seize the initiative immediately.

Dilshan had watched his opening partner Tharanga Paranavithana and skipper Kumar Sangakkara both depart within the first three overs of the game as Sri Lanka slumped to 16 for 2. In fact Paranavithana lasted just three deliveries and Sangakkara after clipping two superb leg side boundaries struck one straight into the hands of Daniel Flynn at mid wicket.

However the early pressure certainly did not prevent Dilshan from playing his natural game as the right hander raced to his half century from a record 30 deliveries.

He bettered former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga’s record of scoring a half century from 31 balls against India at Kanpur in 1986/87.

Dilshan was heading for more glory as he set about of completing one of the fastest centuries in World cricket before falling short by a mere eight runs from his ultimate goal. Nevertheless his innings was pure entertainment as he ferociously struck three boundaries in one over from Iain O’Brien and hoisted the same bowler for a six to make his intentions clear.

The fastest century ever by a Sri Lankan batsman was easily within his reach when he cut a delivery from Iain O’Brien back on to the stumps having made 92 from 72 balls with the aid of one six and a dozen boundaries.

Dilshan not only pulled his team from a disastrous start but also put on 118 runs for the third wicket from 145 deliveries together with former captain Mahela Jayawardena.

This innings of course was all about concentration and determination as he dropped anchor to consolidate their position.

This was quite an emotional innings from Jayawardena who scored the first ever hundred at the Galle Stadium also against New Zealand way back in 1998.

He struck 14 boundaries and had so far put on 159 runs for the unfinished fourth wicket together with Thilan Samaraweera who is batting on 82 with eleven boundaries.

Early morning rain delayed the start of play by 90 minutes and play was extended until 6.00 p.m. The second dayâ’s proceedings will commence at 9.45 a.m. today weather permitting.

		SCORECARD
	SRI LANKA 1st innings
T. Paranavitana c McCullum b Martin 	 00

		T. Dilshan b O’Brien 			 92

		K. Sangakkara c Flynn b Martin 		 08

		M. Jayawardene not out 			108

		T. Samaraweera not out 			 82
Extras: (b1, lb1, w1) 			 03
TOTAL (for 3 wkts, 78 overs) 		293

To bat: Angelo Mathews, Prasanna Jayawardene, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara.

Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Paranavitana), 2-16 (Sangakkara), 3-134 (Dilshan).

Bowling: Martin 15-2-59-2, O’Brien 14-1-90-1 (w1), Oram 7-1-25-0, Vettori 24-5-48-0, Patel 15-1-60-0, Ryder 3-1-9-0.