Notably, the short right-hander also won the man of the match award for his ton. However, the home side went on to win the game by a comfortable margin, 106 runs, thanks to a scintillating hundred in the second inning by Kusal Mendis.
#PALLEKELE INTERNATIONAL CRICKET STADIUM SERIES#
It was the first game of the three-match series and the hosts were bundled out for 117 in the first innings. Their disappointing performance came against the mighty Aussies in 2016. Quite surprisingly, Sri Lanka have the unwanted record for the lowest score in an innings at Pallekele. The highest total at Pallekele was recorded by the Australians. Mendis has improved a lot since his impressive hundred and is now one of the dependable batsmen for Sri Lanka. He was the also the highest scorer in the match Steve Smith was the second highest scorer with 55 runs. He was equally authoritative against both pace and spin in his 319-minute inning. Mendis showed great character and lot of promises of becoming a great player. The right-hander played an outstanding inning, 176 off 254 balls, to put his side in a commanding position after the hosts were bundled out for a mere 117 in the first innings against Australia. The rising star of Sri Lankan Cricket, Kusal Mendis holds the record for highest score in an innings. Dinesh Chandimal, the recently appointed captain occupies the second spot with 221 runs in 6 innings.īoth the seasoned campaigners have made good use of the familiar home conditions and sit pretty at the top, with Pakistan's Azhar Ali occupying the third spot. The former Sri Lankan skipper has scored 228 runs in 8 innings. The experienced right-hander, Angelo Mathews holds the record for the most runs at this venue. Notably, the talented slow left-arm chinaman, Lakshan Sandakan made his debut in that game. It was a remarkable game for the hosts as they beat the Aussies by 106 runs despite scoring just 117 runs in the first innings. Unfortunately, only 103 overs could be bowled before rain interrupted and the match was called off.Īnd in the last game at this venue, Sri Lanka hosted Australia. The first game at the venue was played in 2010 between Sri Lanka and West Indies. Venue DetailsĮnd names: Hunnasgiriya End, Rikillagaskada EndĬurator: Asitha Wijesinghe The list of games played along with the results Here are the complete venue details and some interesting records at Pallekele in Tests. But the hosts will have to accept the fate and try and give their best. The experience of Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, and Nuwan Pradeep will be largely missed, as the three key bowlers have been ruled out of the Test due to injuries. The dead rubber also provides an opportunity to the youngsters in the Sri Lankan side to make a mark against an in-form Indian batting unit. Therefore, the right-hander will have to come good. All eyes will be on him, and the newly appointed captain should look to put the loss behind him and lead the young side.Ĭhandimal who missed the first Test due to an injury didn’t have a great game with the bat either in the 2nd Test, and considering the inexperience of the bowling department and the form the Indian batsmen, Sri Lanka would love some extra runs. The game at Pallekele will also be a test of Dinesh Chandimal’s character after the talented batsman suffered a humiliating loss on his captaincy debut. While India, after having pocketed the series already, look to continue their dominance over an injury-hit Sri Lankan side, the hosts will be keen to salvage some pride by winning the last game of the 3-match series. The fact that India have never played a Test match at this venue makes this game all the more special for both teams. However, India did play an ODI here in 2010, in which they defeated the hosts by 20 runs. This will be the first Test match for the visitors at this venue.
The third and the last Test of the series will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy. The Kohli-era has taken Indian Cricket to new heights and continuing their great form, the number one Test team in the world- India demolished Sri Lanka in the second Test and bagged the series with one game to spare.