In a dominating display of batting, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total of 704/3 declared on the fourth day of the second Test against Ireland at the Galle International Stadium. The innings was characterized by double centuries from Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis, followed by Angelo Mathews' 15th Test century.
With a lead of 212 runs from the first innings, Sri Lanka resumed play from 357/1 on the fourth day, with Madushka and Mendis continuing to pile on the runs. The duo put on a 268-run partnership that saw the Ireland bowlers struggling in hot conditions.
Madushka converted his maiden Test century to a double century, while Mendis made his first double century later in the day. However, the breakthrough for Ireland came right before the second new ball was taken, with Andy McBrine dismissing Madushka for 205.
Mathews then took charge of the innings, scoring an unbeaten century from 114 balls, with six fours and four sixes. His lofted shot down the ground off Curtis Campher signaled the start of a more aggressive approach from Sri Lanka's batters.
Kusal followed suit, hitting three fours and a six in Campher's next over. He went on to hit 11 sixes, equalling the joint-second most by a batter in Test innings. His dismissal by Graham Hume saw him depart with 245 runs off 291 balls.
Dinesh Chandimal came out to keep the momentum going, but his innings ended prematurely when he injured his shoulder while diving to make his ground. Sri Lanka declared their innings immediately after Mathews reached his century, with a lead of 212 runs.
In the history of Test cricket, Sri Lanka became only the third team to have all of their top four batters score a hundred in an innings. The feat was previously achieved by India in 2007 and Pakistan in 2019.
With 22 overs left to face, Ireland lost an early wicket when Ramesh Mendis' delivery deflected off James McCollum's gloves onto the stumps. PJ Moor tried to take the attack to the bowlers but was removed by Prabath Jayasuriya for 19.
Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector safely made it to the end of the day's play, leaving the Test interestingly poised.
Brief Scores: Ireland 492 and 54/2 in 22 overs (PJ Moor 19; Prabath Jayasuriya 1-28) trail Sri Lanka 704-3 declared in 151 overs (Kusal Mendis 245, Nishan Madushka 205; Graham Hume 1-87) by 158 runs