Tharanga hits ton in opener

On day one of Sri Lanka’s tour opener, Upul Tharanga scored 100 as Sri Lanka scored 289. In reply, their opposition, the British Universities XI, reached 13-2 at the close.

Mahela Jayawardene, captain for the game, lost the toss and was put into bat. Tharanga opened with Michael Vandort, but soon found himself partnered by his skipper, as he was caught behind off Ruel Brathwaite. Brathwaite soon struck again, bowling Jayawardene through the gate for 22 as he looked to build a big innings.

Thilan Samaraweera joined Tharanga at the crease, and the pair shared a partnership of 98. The more cautious Samaraweera allowed Tharanga to score the lion’s share of the runs, before Tharanga skied one to mid-wicket for exactly 100. Little came in the way of runs from Dilshan and Kapegudera, who fell for 21 and 13 respectively.

Mali Richards, son of Viv, soon chipped in, removing Samaraweera for a well made 36 and keeper Prasanna Jayawardene. After Bandara went, Vaas and Zoysa were able to boost Sri Lanka’s total above 250, sharing 52 for the ninth wicket, before David Balcombe cleaned up the innings.

Vaas and Zoysa soon followed their batting efforts up with the ball, each claiming a wicket before the close

Sri Lanka 289 all out
Upul Tharanga 100
Ruel Brathwaite 3-61, Mali Richards 3-62

British Universities XI 13-2
Damian Shizari 5*, David Wainwright 4*
Chaminda Vaas 1-5, Nuwan Zoysa 1-8