Karunaratne and Chandimal Steady Sri Lanka After Early Blow in Galle

Lyon Strikes Early, but Sri Lanka’s Top Order Finds Stability on Day 1

Lunch Update: ???????? Sri Lanka 87/1 vs ???????? Australia

Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal provided a solid start on Day 1 of the second Test in Galle, guiding their side to 87 for 1 at lunch. Despite early concerns over pitch conditions, the surface played well, allowing Sri Lanka’s batters to find their rhythm.

A Guard of Honour for Karunaratne’s Farewell Test

Opening in his farewell Test match, Karunaratne received a heartfelt guard of honour from both Sri Lankan and Australian players as he walked out to bat. After the early dismissal of Pathum Nissanka (11)—bowled by Nathan Lyon—Karunaratne partnered with Chandimal to rebuild Sri Lanka’s innings with an unbeaten 64-run stand.

Lyon Provides Early Breakthrough, but Sri Lanka Stands Firm

Lyon, who had been a key threat in the first Test, struck in his second over, removing Nissanka with a well-placed delivery that clipped the top of leg stump. However, despite early pressure from Mitchell Starc’s pace (145kph) and Matthew Kuhnemann’s spin, Karunaratne and Chandimal absorbed the pressure and steadily built Sri Lanka’s best partnership of the series.

Australia’s Bowling Attack Adjusts

With off-spinner Todd Murphy replaced by debutant Cooper Connolly, Australia entered the match with just three specialist bowlers. All-rounders Beau Webster and Connolly contributed short spells, but failed to unsettle the set batters.

Sri Lanka’s Adjustments Pay Off

In response to their crushing defeat in the first Test, Sri Lanka made three key changes:
✅ Pathum Nissanka replaced Oshada Fernando at the top
✅ Ramesh Mendis brought in for Jeffrey Vandersay
✅ Lahiru Kumara returned in place of Asitha Fernando

Chandimal’s Aggression Gives Sri Lanka the Edge

Continuing his fine form, Chandimal counter-attacked, playing some elegant strokes, including a lofted boundary over mid-off and a streaky four over point. His partnership with Karunaratne provided much-needed stability after Sri Lanka’s struggles in the previous match.

Lunch Break: Sri Lanka in Control

At lunch, Sri Lanka sits in a strong position at 87/1, looking to build a substantial first-innings total. With Karunaratne’s farewell match underway, all eyes will be on whether Sri Lanka can push forward and challenge Australia’s bowling attack in the next session.