GALLE, Sri Lanka - Kumar Sangakkara smashed a superb 142 to put Sri Lanka on course for a big first-innings total in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Galle yesterday.
The left-hander hit three sixes and 16 fours in his 31st Test hundred as Sri Lanka posted 361-3 at stumps on the opening day after winning the toss on a good batting track.
Lahiru Thirimanne, who added 124 for the third wicket with Sangakkara, was unbeaten on a solid 74 when play was called off due to rain with 4.3 overs remaining. Skipper Angelo Mathews was 25 not out.
Sangakkara also equalled Mahela Jayawardene's record of most centuries by a Sri Lankan in Tests. Openers Tillakaratne Dilshan (54) and Dimuth Karunaratne (41) were the other main scorers.
"Going into this Test match I have batted only three or four days but I worked pretty hard on those sessions. I just wanted to really get over my first ball," said Sangakkara.
"I was very lucky that it was short and wide and I managed to get runs off the first ball.
"That really gives you the confidence. I think 361 is a great score and gives us a platform to build the game in the morning."
Former skipper Sangakkara dominated the Bangladeshi attack with exciting strokeplay, gathering runs comfortably against both pace and spin during his 226-ball knock.