Twitter Reactions: Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews’ centuries propel Sri Lanka to hefty lead over Afghanistan on Day 2

Angelo Mathwes and Dinesh Chandimal(Photo Source: X/Twitter)

In a gripping turn of events on the second day of the clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, the momentum swung back and forth like a pendulum, leaving spectators tight-lipped before foreseeing any predicament. After an impressive bowling display restricted Afghanistan to a meagre 198 runs, Sri Lanka’s opening pair, led by Dimuth Karunaratne’s 42 and Nishan Madushka’s 36, laid a solid foundation with an unbeaten partnership of 80 runs at the close of Day 1.

Day 2 commenced with Sri Lanka trailing by 118 runs, but the session leading up to lunch proved to be a slow burner. Despite Sri Lanka adding 97 runs to the scoreboard, they also lost three crucial wickets. Madushka fell victim to a leg-slip trap, Kusal Mendis succumbed to a pull shot down to long leg, and Karunaratne, tantalizingly close to a century, perished for 77 after whipping a full-toss to mid-wicket.

However, the day took a remarkable turn when Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews took charge of the crease. Displaying remarkable composure, the duo meticulously built a partnership, frustrating the Afghan bowlers and steadily piling on the runs. Chandimal showcased his ability with a gritty 107 off 181 deliveries, while Mathews, the veteran campaigner, constructed a masterful 141 off 259 balls. Just as Sri Lanka seemed poised for complete dominance, fate intervened in the 79th over.

Afghanistan make a comeback in last session

Saleem Safi’s unfortunate hamstring injury forced him off the field, paving the way for Naveed Zadran to make a decisive impact. Zadran struck swiftly, dismissing Chandimal with a peach of a delivery and orchestrating Dhananjaya’s run-out with a brilliant piece of fielding. Despite the setbacks, Mathews and Samarawickrama seemed determined to guide Sri Lanka to a commanding position. 

However, an unexpected twist saw Mathews depart via the hit-wicket dismissal attempting a pull shot just before the close of play, leaving Sri Lanka at 410/6 with a massive lead of 212 runs and the hosts are in the box seat. As the sole Test of the series heads into Day 3, the spotlight shifts to Afghanistan’s ability to dismantle Sri Lanka’s lower order and claw their way back into contention. Will the visitors capitalise on their breakthroughs, or will Sri Lanka’s tailenders defy expectations and extend their advantage? Day 3 awaits the decisive outlook as the fans continue to discuss how the day panned out.

Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to Day 2 of the only Test between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan: