Dubai, Jan 9: Mahela Jayawardene defied a left-hand
webbing injury to notch his 32nd century and Kaushal Silva
missed his by five runs as Sri Lanka gained an upper hand over
Pakistan in the second Test in Dubai today.
Jayawardene, who received three stitches after he dropped
a catch on Wednesday, scored 106 not out and shared an
invaluable 139-run partnership with Silva (95) to guide Sri
Lanka to 318-4 at close on the second day.
Sri Lanka have gained an important 153 runs lead over
Pakistan’s first innings score of 165 and a chance to take a
lead in the three-Test series after the first match ended in a
draw in Abu Dhabi last week.
Jayawardene, grimacing while playing strokes, toiled his
way to a remarkable knock, hit paceman Bilawal Bhatti for his
12th boundary to reach three figure mark off 215 balls,
raising his bat in delight before he was embraced by skipper
Mathews.
Mathews, 42 not out, has so far added 91 for the unbroken
fifth wicket stand with his illustrious partner to consolidate
Sri Lanka’s position.
Jayawardene, the 36-year-old former captain, has so far
batted for 330 minutes for only his second century against
Pakistan and his first in 21 months since his hundred against
England in Colombo in April 2012.
Jayawardene-Silva ensured Sri Lanka overcome a
disappointing start to the day after they lost Kumar
Sangakkara (26) and Dinesh Chandimal (12) in the space of 13
runs.
Silva, who survived a confident caught behind appeal off
paceman Rahat Ali when on 26, helped Jayawardene to score 83
runs in the second session without being separated, taking
their team to 132-3 at tea.
Silva was finally dismissed leg-before by Mohammad Hafeez
soon after tea. He hit ten boundaries during his defiant
330-minute stay at the crease. (AGENCIES)
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