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NTCM XI v SL: Day 3

Sunday, June 27 2004

Kumar Sangakkara scored a double-century as the Sri Lankans pushed for victory on the third day of their tour match against the Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin. The tourists declared 41 runs behind, before running through the Chief Minister's XI lineup for 145 in the second innings.

Sangakkara began the day on 163, partnered by Romesh Kaluwitharana, who fell early for 17. Glenn McGrath belatedly captured his first wicket of the match, bowling Upul Chandana for 2. Farveez Maharoof (25*) stayed with Sangakkara (203*) long enough for the Sri Lankan 'keeper to reach his double-century after 104 overs. Stand-in captain Mahela Jayawardene showed positive intent by declaring the innings closed at 7/378, 41 runs behind the home side's first innings of 419.

The Chief Minister's XI lost their first wicket at 33, then steadily lost wickets thereafter. First innings star Lasith Malinga (6/90 & 1/19) was given only 3 overs, as the innings became a shootout between spinners Rangana Herath and Upul Chandana. Herath (4/45) won that battle as none of the home side's batsmen managed to score more than Bowden, with 28. Captain Justin Langer followed his first-innings of 151 with a golden duck. Chandana ended with 2/29, but Herath's impressive performance could see him named as Muttiah Muralitharan's replacement for the First Test.

The home side declared their innings at 9/145, leaving the Sri Lankans a target of 187, and 3 overs to negotiate before the close. Glenn McGrath ensured the Chief Minister's XI retained some hope of victory, bowling Sanath Jayasuriya (1) with the last ball of the day. Jayawardene is the not-out batsman, on 4. Much of the interest in the match tomorrow will centre on McGrath's last opportunity to find match form ahead of the First Test against Sri Lanka at the Marrara Cricket Ground on Thursday (July 1).


Progress Score: Stumps Day 3

Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI: 419 a.o. (JL Langer 151, R Bowden 75; SL Malinga 6/90) & 9/145d. (R Bowden 28; HMRKB Herath 4/45, UDU Chandana 2/29)
Sri Lankans: 7/378d. (KC Sangakkara 203*, ST Jayasuriya 64; AC Dent 2/51) & 1/6 (ST Jayasuriya 1, DPMD Jayawardene 4*; GD McGrath 1/1)
Sri Lankans require a further 181 runs to win

Posted by Adam