Thirimanne, Chandimal hit unbeaten hundreds as Sri Lanka declares on 570-4 against Bangladesh

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

GALLE, Sri Lanka — Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal scored unbeaten maiden test centuries Saturday to allow Sri Lanka to declare after reaching 570-4 on the second day of the first match against Bangladesh.

Thirimanne reached 155 with 14 boundaries, while Chandimal made 116 with 12 fours and two sixes. Earlier, Kumar Sangakkara scored 142 to set Sri Lanka on its way at Galle International Stadium.

After the declaration, fast bowler Shaminda Eranga gave Sri Lanka an early breakthrough when Jahurul Islam was surprised by a sharp bouncer that hit his glove and went through to the wicketkeeper.

Islam hit four boundaries in scoring 20 as Bangladesh went to tea on 23-1.

The Sri Lankans batted aggressively for 71 minutes after lunch in which Chandimal and Thirimanne smashed 109 runs off 17 overs.

Bangladesh’s fielding was awful, letting off Chandimal on three occasions, twice before he reached double figures.

Chandimal was dropped on 5 at gully off Abul Hasan, who then put down one when the same batsman hooked Shahadat Hossain after adding four more runs.

Chandimal was unbeaten on 55 at lunch from 96 balls and it took him only 40 more deliveries to reach his century.

Thirimanne, a 23-year-old left-handed batsman, brought up his century with a lofted shot over mid-on off Elias Sunny.

The partnership was worth 203 runs, a new record for the fifth wicket in Galle and the third highest partnership at this ground for any wicket.

The Sri Lankans completely dominated after captain Angelo Mathews fell in the morning after adding just two runs to his overnight score to be out for 27.

Bangladesh’s bowlers failed to create any pressure, delivering too many loose balls which were dispatched to the boundary with ease.

05:15ET 09-03-13