Sangakkara puts SL in control

Sri Lanka charged into control of the second Test match against the West Indies, as Kumar Sangakkara’s 9th Test hundred led the way to a commanding score of 340/7 at the close of the third day. The lead is now 342 on a pitch that is expected to become progressively more difficult for batting.

The day started in a soggy manner, but as play kicked off at 11:45 am local time, action was not far off. In the first complete over of the day, Jermaine Lawson impacted, bowling Jayawardene between bat and pad for 43. Just 2 deliveries later, Samaraweera was caught behind without scoring, playing a ball down the legside.

The early burst of West Indian energy was then fizzled via a partnership of 109 runs, resurrecting the score from 155/4 to a more impressive 264 at the fall of the fifth wicket. Omari Banks then made his entry onto the scoresheet, dismissing Dilshan for 49, an innings that featured some 7 boundaries. Morton claimed the catch, as Dilshan attempted to guide the ball to third man.

Wijekoon, in his second Test match, came to the crease and was unsettled early by Daren Powell and Tino Best. After a period of uncertainty and with a score of 12, he fended a Powell deliver onto his stumps – 278/6. A further 43 runs were added to the challenge with the next partnership.

Having contributed 19 to the stand, Chaminda Vaas was bowled off his pads by Omari Banks. The left-hander attempted a sweep and only succeeded in seeing the ball strike the pad and roll onto the stumps.

Sangakkara remained, however, steadfast and with 135 unbeaten to his name. The 82-ball innings delighted with 20 boundaries, though determined in character facing several annoying rain delays and a heartful West Indian attack.

Resuming with Sangakkara on the fourth day will be Herath, with 4 runs to his name.

Score Summary:

Sri Lanka 1st innings 150 all out (46.1 overs)
TT Samaraweera 37, TM Dilshan 36
DB Powell 5/25, TL Best 3/50

West Indies 1st innings 148 all out (58.1 overs)
NO Deonarine 40, TL Best 26 not out
WPUJC Vaas 6/22, M Muralitharan 2/37

Sri Lanka 2nd innings 340/7 (98 overs)
KC Sangakkara 135 not out, TM Dilshan 49, DPMD Jayawardene 43
JJC Lawson 3/93, OAC Banks 2/39, DB Powell 2/79