Scoring centuries and breaking records is suitable something of a habit for Tharanga. The 26-year-old Sri Lanka lefthander already has his name on one international list with the retired Sanath Jayasuriya.That is the limited overs international world record of 286 against England at Headingley, Leeds on the 2006 tour when Tharanga was making am impression for the first time at this level. He tells you that he learnt a lot from that tour and the subsequent months. There was though no World Cup century in the Caribbean.
While his partnership of 282 with Tillakaratne Dilshan, against Zimbabwe on Thursday fell five runs short of dismantling that record, it is possibly a better indication of the state of the way the game went. Frankly, even the over-awed Zimbabwe babes in the wood would admit their bowling strategy was far from challenging. Before a venue over-flowing with good-humour in the leafy confines of Pallekele, and with its fast bouncy surface and slick conditions after the sun settled, the Tharanga role in the first wicket partnership of 282 in the World Cup Group A game was one of sensible and attractive batting.
It is also the fourth highest wicket partnership in the ODI arena and set up an impress 327 for six total, which the African side was never going to overhaul. Apart from being Tharanga's first World Cup century, the way he went about gathering his runs in this big partnership created the example of how to make the most of good batting conditions with the ball coming on to the bat. Although Dilshan generally dominated the partnership and reached three figures first, the more stylish Tharanga played with equal focus and punched the ball around without too many qualms.
While his partnership of 282 with Tillakaratne Dilshan, against Zimbabwe on Thursday fell five runs short of dismantling that record, it is possibly a better indication of the state of the way the game went. Frankly, even the over-awed Zimbabwe babes in the wood would admit their bowling strategy was far from challenging. Before a venue over-flowing with good-humour in the leafy confines of Pallekele, and with its fast bouncy surface and slick conditions after the sun settled, the Tharanga role in the first wicket partnership of 282 in the World Cup Group A game was one of sensible and attractive batting.
It is also the fourth highest wicket partnership in the ODI arena and set up an impress 327 for six total, which the African side was never going to overhaul. Apart from being Tharanga's first World Cup century, the way he went about gathering his runs in this big partnership created the example of how to make the most of good batting conditions with the ball coming on to the bat. Although Dilshan generally dominated the partnership and reached three figures first, the more stylish Tharanga played with equal focus and punched the ball around without too many qualms.
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