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Twin tons ground India to dust on Day one
by CricketArchive Staff Reporter


Ground:Galle International Stadium, Galle
Scorecard:Sri Lanka v India
Player:KC Sangakkara, NT Paranavitana
Event:India in Sri Lanka 2010

DateLine: 18th July 2010

 

Twin centuries from Parnavitana and Sangakkara literally ground India to dust before bad light came to the rescue of the visitors. It was a poor display from the number one Test side in the world and if they repeat this kind of performance the crown will be soon removed from their head. Parnavitana and Sangakkara rarely looked in any sort of discomfort as they negotiated a toothless Indian bowling attack to reach their respective centuries.

 

Sangakkara had no hesitation in electing to bat first though the pitch was damp after overnight rain. With the sun beating down it was evident that the pitch would dry up fast and it proved right. Ishant Sharma was all over the play while his pace partner Mithun was steady to say the least. The debutant though bowled with much more verve than his senior partner and could have had Dilshan earlier. Dilshan tried to get after the debutant and that attitude was the cause of the downfall as he gloved one behind as he attempted a pull. If Ishant's ineffectiveness was a major concern the fitness issues of Harbhajan right in the middle of the match reduced the off-spinner's bite. After the fall of the first wicket Sangakkara strode out into the middle and the Lankan skipper was at ease from ball number one.

 

The Indians did no favour for themselves as a couple of chances weer put down of both the batsmen. Parnavitana was dropped off Harbhajan just before lunch as Gambhir at silly point was slow to react while Sangakkara was dropped by Dhoni off Virender Sehwag. After lunch Sangakkara went into overdrive as he latched onto any loose offerings from the Indian bowlers. Parnavitana was prepared to be more patient while Sangakkara tore into the Indian bowlers with some well-timed flicks, elegant drives and rasping cuts leaving Indians gasping. Sangakkara literally walked to his 22nd Test century as he tucked an errant Ishant Sharma to fine leg. After the tea break Parnavitana showed no signs of nerves as the southpaw advanced to his maiden Test century and that joy was visible from the prolonged celebration in the middle by the batsman.

 

Sangakkara soon got dismissed for 103 as he pulled a long hop from Sehwag straight to Tendulkar at deep midwicket. If India thought that they could get better of new man Jayawardene they were sorely wrong as the elegant right-hander was in the groove straightaway. With the Lankan score at 256 for 2 bad light interrupted the day's play forcing the players were off the field. Further play was not possible as the light did not improve thus forcing the umpires to call off play for the day.

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