DURBAN: Sri Lanka were in a comfortable position at the close of play on the first day of their second Test here on Monday thanks to a fighting knock by senior batsman Thilan Samaraweera who was ably supported by young Chandimal.
Sri Lanka were 289 for seven with Samaraweera not out on 86 which he made off 218 balls. Sri Lankan batsmen had good starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Dilshan got out for 47, Jayawardene for 31 and Angelo Matthews for 30.
Right-arm fast bowler de Lange was the pick of the bowlers as he took four wickets, including the prized wicket of Sangakara who failed to open his account.
