Karunaratne holds fort for Sri Lanka
Galle ( Sri Lanka), July 12: Opener Dimuth Karunaratne hit an unbeaten 158 to lift Sri Lanka to 287 against South Africa on day one of the first Test in Galle on Thursday.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada claimed four wickets to reduce Sri Lanka to 176/ 8 but Karunaratne gave the total respect with his 222ball knock after the hosts elected to bat first.
The left- handed Karunaratne, who registered his eighth century in his 50th Test, built crucial partnerships including a 63- run 10th wicket stand with Lakshan Sandakan, who made 25.
In response South Africa were in trouble at 4/ 1 at stumps after veteran spinner Rangana Herath got Aiden Markram out for nought.
Dean Elgar, on four, and nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj were at the crease at close of play.
The day belonged to Karunaratne who stood tall during his marathon stand after Rabada and then left- arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi tore into the Sri Lankan middleorder.
SL SKIPPER, OFFICIALS OUT OF TEST SERIES Captain Dinesh Chandimal and two top Sri Lankan cricket officials have agreed to sit out the Test series against South Africa pending sanctions, the International Cricket Council said on Thursday.
Chandimal, coach Chandika Hathurusingha and manager Asanka Gurusinha had pleaded guilty to violating the spirit of the game last month during Sri Lanka’s second Test against the West Indies. Scores: Sri Lanka 1st innings 287 ( D. Karunaratne not out 158, K. Rabada 4/ 50); South Africa 1st innings 4/ 1 ( D. Elgar not out 4, R. Herath 1/ 1).