In a display of cricketing prowess and occasional misfortune, Sri Lanka fortified their position on Day 2 of the standalone Test match against Afghanistan, compiling a formidable total to command a lead of 212 runs. As the play unfolded at the Sinhalese Sports Club, two of Sri Lanka’s seasoned campaigners, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, embellished the scorecard with brilliant centuries.
The day commenced on an assertive note with Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s seasoned opener and former skipper, crafting a swift 77 off just 72 deliveries, his innings studded with impactful strokes. He set the tone, ensuring that the host nation stayed on a trajectory for a large first-innings lead. Following his departure, it was Mathews and Chandimal who took center stage with a 132-run partnership for the fourth wicket, displaying a masterclass in batting. Chandimal’s contribution was significant as he amassed 107 runs before being sent back to the pavilion.
Maturing like a fine wine, the 36-year-old Mathews, who registered his 16th Test hundred, achieved the milestone of crossing 7,500 runs in the longest format of the game. His presence at the crease was seasoned with experience and a rhythmic flow, poised to remain unbeaten as the day neared its conclusion. However, a stroke of ill-fortune struck when Mathews, attempting to dispatch a half-tracker from the Afghan spinner Qais Ahmad, inadvertently hit his leg stump during his follow-through. The sight of the bails tumbling provoked a sense of disbelief in Mathews, who stood aghast at the rare mode of dismissal.
Scoring a commendable 141 runs off 259 balls, featuring 14 boundaries and three radiating sixes, Mathews steered his side to a potent 410/6 in 101.2 overs. The Afghan bowlers, led by Naveed Zadran and Qais Ahmad, bagged a couple of wickets apiece in their efforts to curtail the Lankan dominance, with Nijat Masood also claiming one victim on the day.
Mathews’ contribution to Sri Lankan cricket has been monumental. Playing in his 107th Test match, he now stands as the third-highest run-getter for the island nation, trailing behind the legendary figures of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. His 16th Test ton brings him at par with contemporary Dimuth Karunaratne, and veterans like Tillakaratne Dilshan and Marvan Atapattu.
The Sri Lankan XI boasted a mix of experience and fresh blood, featuring the likes of Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Mathews, Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Gunasekara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, and Asitha Fernando. The Afghan team, led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, included Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Nasir Jamal, Ikram Alikhil, Zia-ur-Rehman, Qais Ahmad, Nijat Masood, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Naveed Zadran.
The match continues to intrigue spectators as Afghanistan, relatively new to the pinnacle of cricket, endeavor to navigate through the challenges presented by a seasoned Sri Lankan side. The narrative of the game promises further twists as each team vie for supremacy in the coming days.
