Dilshan sets the pace
with fastest Test fifty

Sa’adi Thawfeeq reporting from Galle

Mahela Jayawardene who remained unbeaten on 108 at the end of the first day, on drives for runs (Pix by Pushpakumara Matugama)

GALLE: As someone in the Galle press box remarked opening the bowling is the only position Tillakaratne Dilshan has not fulfilled for his country which is true. This multifaceted cricketer once again displayed his unique ability to play any role he is called upon by his team to perform when he hit an explosive 92 off 72 balls to take the initiative away from New Zealand on the opening day of the first cricket Test at the Galle International Stadium yesterday.
Dilshan’s vibrant innings was not wasted as the SSC pair of Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera forged an unfinished fourth wicket partnership of 159 off 305 balls to see Sri Lanka finish on top of day one at 293 for three wickets after being invited to bat first.
Jayawardene complimented Dilshan’s exuberance with an effortless unbeaten century – 108 off 217 balls with 14 fours, his 26th in Tests, third against New Zealand and fifth at Galle. Samaraweera was undefeated on 82 scored off 167 balls with 11 fours as the pair batted New Zealand out of the Test.
A delayed start due to rain forced New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori to invite Sri Lanka to bat first considering the fact that the pitch had been covered since Monday afternoon when rain disrupted the Kiwis practice session. The move seemed to have paid dividends when within the first 12 minutes of play New Zealand had captured the wickets of opener Paranavitana and skipper Sangakkara for just 16 runs, fast bowler Chris Martin doing the damage in his opening spell of six overs.

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