Ruthless Sri Lanka snuff out Irish challenge – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sports editor)
Ireland flexed their muscles after a first Test drubbing, then realized Sri Lanka had a much bigger flex as the second Test turned dramatically in the locals favour on a surprisingly batter friendly Galle surface.
From a position of what seemed like a no result, the tide changed sensationally as the Sri Lankans showed vigorous intent to push for a famous victory and instill new belief that they have turned the corner in terms of orchestrating a fightback and strategy to win games that seemed on a chartered course.
After folding tamely in the first Test, Ireland’s batters found form to post a massive 492, their highest total since receiving Test status.
They threw down the gauntlet, and Sri Lanka accepted, making the babe’s of world cricket realize it is a bigger picture than looking imposing, There’s a follow through that needs to be implemented.
Riding on that high, their new found confidence soon dissipated when Sri Lanka’s batters, stung by the Irish challenge, ventured on a run spree smashing their way to 704 for 3 with two double centuries and two centuries making it the highest number of tons which Includes two from the Irish at this venue, usually associated with low scoring.
After rain curtailed play on the third day, the game appeared to be heading for a draw as Sri Lanka’s openers posted 228 for 1 with Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne out for another century. He made a quickfire 115 off 133 balls with 15 fours.
Kusal Mendis then joined Nishan Madushka and to start a run orgy that realized 268 runs in quick time as they steered the game dramatically in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Mendis was ruthless in his assault on the Irish attack smacking 245 off 291 balls with 11 sixers and 18 fours while Madushka notched his maiden double ton off 339 balls with a six and 22 fours.
Veteran Angelo Matthews then added more pain as the Sri Lanka total soared, making 100 not out off 114 balls with 4 sixers and 6 fours.
A well calculated declaration then set the stage for Sri Lanka’s bowlers who grabbed 2 wickets by the close of the first day with Ireland still 198 in arrears and staring at defeat unless the could bat out the last day on a deteriorating wicket which is the norm in Galle.
Obviously demoralised by the Sri Lankan onslaught, the Irish were forced into a shell trying to save the Test. But this led to their downfall on a deteriorating track that was this time exploited by spinnes Ramesh Mendis three, and Prabath Jayasuriya who grabbed two more wickets adding to his five wicket haul in the first innings.
Sri Lanka romped to a innings and 10 run win giving them a 2-0 sweep in the series and the hope of a new beginning against sterner opposition.
