Sri Lanka build massive lead
Kumar Sangakkara smashed 222 not out © Getty Images
Kumar Sangakkara hit an unbeaten 222 from just 277 balls as Sri Lanka savaged the Bangladesh bowling attack to remain on course for a series whitewash at stumps on the third day of the final Test in Kandy.
The 29-year-old, who also struck a double century in last week’s second Test, looked no less imperious on Friday, smashing 28 fours as the hosts charged to 500 for four at the close in response to the tourists’ 131.
The effort was supplemented in no small part by skipper Mahela Jayawardene, who recorded his second ton of the series with 165 runs from 210 balls, while Michael Vandort added 43. Tillakaratne Dilshan ended the day unbeaten on 17.
It was a formidable response to Bangladesh’s modest first-innings total, but before lunch there was little indication of the scoring that lay ahead.
Resuming play at 30 without loss, Upul Tharanga fell for just 12 when he was trapped leg before wicket by Syed Rasel, who then removed Vandort’s leg stump to leave the Sri Lankans wobbling at 74 for two.
Then, however, Jayawardene joined Sangakkara at the crease and took the score to 385 before chipping a Rasel delivery over mid-off but into the hands of Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful.
Chamara Silva came in and carried the hosts further past their opponents, reaching 25 off 35 balls before being run out by Ashraful, backing up at the bowler’s end.
Mahela Jayawardene made a measured 165 © Getty Images
Sri Lanka, who hold an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the series, are currently 369 runs ahead.
Sangakkara was quick to praise the Sri Lanka coaching staff after his epic innings.
He said: “Trevor Penny, who is our acting coach, has helped me a lot with my style of play.
“I thought it had more rhythm to begin with and my innings was definitely more confident - I must say that this innings was far more fluent than my previous double hundred in the second Test.
“I enjoyed batting with Mahela Jayawardene in that partnership and really wished that he got his double hundred too.”
Sangakkara revealed that achieving a double ton at the Asgiriya International Stadium of particular pleasure.
He said: “To get a double hundred on my home ground where I have played a lot of cricket was also another reason for me to be delighted about my innings today.
“It is a great feeling to be part of the elite band of cricketers who had got back-to-back double hundreds.
“But despite this innings, I am convinced that I still need to work as hard as I can.”
