Chandimal’s and Dhananjaya’s double century partnership of 211 runs only second to Arjuna’s and Asanka’s 230 runs
The third and final Test between the touring Australian team and Sri Lanka is now in progress at the SSC crocket ground at Maitland Place.
The Sri Lanka who were reeling at 24 for the loss of 5 wickets in the first hour of play after deciding
to bat on the first day did not lose another wicket until another six hours batting when the vice captain Dinesh Chandimal and the novice playing in his only the third Test, 24 year old Dhananjaya de Silva defended resolutely against the fiery pace and spin attack of the formidable Australians ranked number one Test Team in the world. Both scored centuries. the seventh by Dinesh Chandimal in Tests and the maiden hundred by Dhananjaya de Silva.Dinesh Chandimal’s scored 132 runs ( in 356 balls with 13 fours and a six ) in his marathon innings and Dhananjaya de Silva scored 129 runs (in 280 with 18 fours)and were associated in a stand of 211 runs for the sixth wicket, a record . But this was the second highest partnership against Australia. The highest record for any wicket has been recorded by Arjuna Ranatunga and Asanka Gurusinghe when they added 230 runs in the year 1992 for any wicket. The Sri Lanka innings ultimately folded up for 355 runs just before the tea interval..The Australia in reply was 35 for the loss of one wicket at the tea interval. The Test match is now poised for an interesting finish.
