Galle (Sri Lanka), July 18 (IANS) Kumar Sangakkara struck his 22nd Test century, guiding Sri Lanka to 228 for one at tea on the first day of the first cricket Test against India here Sunday.
India’s bowling woes continued as they went wicketless in the second session which was completely dominated by Sangakkara and Tharanga Paranavitana (95).
The duo shared an unbeaten 173-run stand after the fall of Tillakaratne Dilshan, who became the maiden Test victim of debutant pacer Abhimanyu Mithun.
Sri Lanka, who were 91 for one at lunch, batted with ease adding 137 runs in 38 overs.
The Indian attack lacked the sting in absence of Zaheer Khan and to make matters worse, ace spinner Harbhajan Singh, who is recovering from a bout of flu and a hamstring problem, went off the field only to return after 20 minutes.
Sangakkara got a life when he was dropped on 65 off part-time spinner Virender Sehwag. But apart from that chance, Sangakkara was in command and dictated the Indian bowlers.
The Sri Lankan captain took 141 balls for his century, hitting 12 fours.
Opener Paranavitana took his time in the middle. He played 187 balls and struck 11 fours.