Sooriyabandara slams career best 242 as Galle pile up 711/9

Pasindu Sooriyabandara, the former Royal College middle-order batsman scored his second double century in first-class cricket with a career best 242 to propel table leaders Galle to an imposing first innings total of 711-9 at the end of the second day of their National Super League 4-day match against Jaffna at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

Continuing from his overnight score of 78 Sooriyabandara reached his eight first-class century off 152 balls and his double century off 277 balls with his 16th four. During his 346-ball stay at the wicket Sooriyabandara struck 17 fours and figured in a 250-run stand for the fourth wicket with Lakshan Edirisinghe who went onto score 122 off 207 balls (14 fours, 1 six). Sooriyabandara also added 135 for the fifth with wicket-keeper Vishad Randika (66 off 107 balls, 6 fours). He was seventh out with the score on 655. Jaffna has conceded a record 62 extras so far in the innings and used 10 bowlers.

Second placed Kandy, playing their final league match, took vital first innings points from defending champions Dambulla in their match at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium. In reply to Kandy’s first innings of 276, Dambulla continuing from their overnight score of 60-3 were bowled out for 207 conceding a lead of 69. Kandy seamers Sithum Disanayaka and Nimsara Atharagalla caused the Dambulla batting collapse taking three wickets apiece.

By the close Kandy had scored 156-4 in their second innings to hold onto an overall lead of 225. Sithara Gimhan scored 58 and Kamil Mishara 46. Both matches continue on their third day today. – (ST)

DAY TWO SCORES

+At R. Premadasa Stadium: Galle 711-9 (o/n 312-3) at close (Sangeeth Cooray 49, Oshada Fernando 22, Shehan Fernando 56, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 242, Lakshan Edirisinghe 122, Vishad Randika 66, Dhananjaya Lakshan 26, Nimesh Vimukthi 40, Milan Ratnayake 26*, Kalhara Senaratne 2/145, Janith Liyanage 2/86)  

+At Dambulla Stadium: Kandy 276 and 156-4 at close (Sithara Gimhan 58, Sahan Kosala 22, Kamil Mishara 46, Sonal Dinusha 2/16)

Dambulla 207 (o/n 60-3) (Risira Weerasuriya 42, Pavan Ratnayake 39, Sonal Dinusha 33, Dushan Hemantha 21*, Sithum Disanayaka 3/43, Nimsara Atharagalla 3/53, Roshan Jayatissa 3/36)