Sri Lanka take charge

Upul Chandana and Thilan Samaraweera shared a record eighth-wicket stand as Sri Lanka took charge of the third Test against Zimbabwe in Galle yesterday. Sri Lanka lead the series 2-0 and are now in a great position to complete a series whitewash.

Chandana, recalled to the Test team after an absence of 17 months, and Samaraweera put on 146 before Sri Lanka were dismissed for 418 on the second day. Zimbabwe, who suffered innings defeats in the first two Tests, then negotiated a tricky 19 overs to close on 18 without loss.

Chandana, a leg-spinner whose previous best score was 32, fell eight runs short of a maiden Test century as he was caught on the boundary.

The partnership beat Sri Lanka's previous best for the eighth wicket of 117 set by Mahela Jayawardene and Chaminda Vaas on the same ground against South Africa in 2000.

Samaraweera made 76 before being run out and Charitha Buddika fell in the next over as Sri Lanka failed to post a total of more than 500 for the first time in the series.

However, with a lead of 400 and the pitch taking spin Sri Lanka have batted themselves into the box seat, especially as they have Muttiah Muralitharan to turn to.