Skipper Andy Balbirnie (95) and Paul Stirling (74) added fighting 115 runs fourth wicket stand while Lorcan Tucker made an unbeaten 78 as Ireland were in a commanding position after first day’s play scoring 319 for 4 wickets at close in the second Test against Sri Lanka commenced at Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.
It was a good toss to win by Ireland skipper Andy Balbrinie who decided to bat first without any hesitation but their openers James McCollum and Peter Moor were unable to make a good start. The paceman Asitha Fernando made first breakthrough to depart Moor who scored five runs in seven balls while McCollum was out caught by wicket keeper Sadeera Samarawickrama off Prabath Jayasuriya at the tenth over which was the first over bowled by leggie Jayasuriya. Harry Tector who made 18 in 44 balls with three fours was unfortunately out caught at mid on by Dinesh Chandimal off the bowling of Jayasuriya just before the lunch break.
However after falling first three wickets skipper Andy Balbrinie and experienced stroke maker Paul Stirling who recalled for this match well repaired the innings to come forward in a grand style. At lunch the Irish were 106 for three wickets after 28 overs and skipper Andy Balbrinie was leading from the front was unbeaten at 57 while Paul Stirling was at unbeaten 14.
Ireland fourth wicket pair Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling domineted the game in the second session and both batted well to protect their wickets to build up their total with more confidence. They were in healthy position at tea scoring 199 for three wickets. Skipper Andy Balbirnie was 90 not out while Stirling was 74 not out making superb batting display to go for the tea break with a healthey total while creating problems for Sri Lanka bowlers.
However Paul Stirling who made his career best test score of 74 runs was retired hurt and back to the pavilion with a cramp in his left leg and this was very unfortunate with hot weather conditions. The successful 115 fourth wicket partnership came to an end with stirling injury and most probably Paul will bat once again on second day today.
The skipper Andy Balbrinie who made his best knock of 95 was back to the pavilion five runs away his maiden century as off spinner Ramesh Mendis got his prized wicket and Dhananjaya de Silva took a simple catch at slip position.
Lorcan Tucker who made an unbeaten 78 in 102 balls with 10 fours and Curtis Campher 27 in 64 balls with two fours and a six were at the wicket at close of the day making 87 runs fifth wicket stand.
Prabath Jayasuriya was the only bowler to pick two wickets in his 32-over spell giving away 95 runs. Asitha Fernando and Ramesh Mendis took a wicket apiece. Sri Lanka team came back to the game with unchanged eleven while Ireland made two changes and their replacement Paul Stirling made a good performance yesterday.