Nishan Madushka arrives

A prolific run scorer in domestic cricket, Madushka scores maiden Test century

By Shamseer Jaleel in Galle   

Sri Lanka made a bold reply to Ireland’s first innings total of 492, cutting the deficit to 135 before heavy rains put an early end to day three of the second Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.   

Nishan Madushaka, who scored his maiden century, and Kusal Mendis were at the crease, with Sri Lanka on 357 for 1.   

Continuing from their overnight score of 81 for no loss, Sri Lanka’s batsmen batted untroubled as the Galle wicket hardly provided any support for the bowlers, playing unlike how a typical day three Galle wicket.   

Dimuth Karunaratne went on to score his 16th Test century which included 13 boundaries, the quickest he has reached the mark in his career, continuing his sparkling form as captain of Sri Lanka’s Test team.   

Madushka too batted beautifully without taking any unwanted risks.   

He scored his maiden century inclusive of 14 beautifully struck boundaries and one huge six to bring his century.   

This was just his fourth Test after making debut in New Zealand series earlier this year.   

Meanwhile Karunaratne lost his wicket as a result of a momentary lapse in concentration going for hook shot off Curtis Campher only to be caught in the deep in the last over before the lunch break.   

He made 115 runs.   

Along their way Madushka and Karunaratne also broke the first wicket partnership record at Galle Stadium, surpassing the 193 that Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu put on together against South Africa in 2000.   

After lunch, Kusal Mendis joined Madushka at the wicket.   

Both batted without much difficulty as the Ireland bowlers were taken to task with shots all over the park.   

Madushka made maximum use of a second chance he was given when he was dropped on 131 at slips by Ireland skipper Andy Balbirnie.   
Mendis was powerful as he batted and added runs at will with no major threat from the poor Ireland bowlers who got no help from the wicket.   

Both added 129 runs for the second wicket with Madushka unbeaten on 149 while Kusal Mendis was on 83 not out when play was stopped.   
A total of 32 overs was lost due to the rain. The match is expected to start at 9:45 a.m. today.   

Batting coach Nawaz praises Nishan Madushka

“Ireland has a decent bowling attack with some good fast bowlers and a few spinners but the wicket did not support the bowlers. Even we found it tough giving away 492 runs. It was hard work for the bowlers from both teams. This is an unusual Galle wicket. We wanted to pass their score and bat for two more sessions but now with one session missed we want a 200 runs lead and put them to bat in the last day. Batting on the last day for 50 to 60 overs will not be an easy task as the pitch could assist the bowlers on day 5,” Sri Lanka’s batting coach Naveed Nawaz said.

Nawaz speaking further said, “Nishan Madushka was an identified player because he could convert 50s and 60s into big ones. He batted well in New Zealand with the national team and in England with the emerging outfit. He is a bright prospect for the national team and he is suited to open the batting. He is a lad with very simple techniques playing well within himself. He has a bright future for the national team.”   

(SJ)