Dimuth Karunaratne's 18th first-class century lifted Sri Lanka A to a strong position at the end of the first day against West Indies A in Hambantota. At stumps, the hosts were 261 for 2, with Lahiru Thirimanne unbeaten on 85.

Choosing to bat, Sri Lanka A were dealt an early blow when their captain Upul Tharanga was caught behind off seamer Shannon Gabriel in the fifth over. Tharanga's dismissal brought Thirimanne to the crease, who combined with Karunaratne for a mammoth second-wicket association which yielded 217 runs.

Karunaratne took a while to get going, and at one stage even went 41 deliveries without a four. He and Thirimanne, however, kept rotating the strike with regular singles, as eight West Indies A bowlers were used on a frustrating day for the visitors. Karunaratne stroked 14 fours to make his way to 139, while Thirimanne's knock included eight fours.

The pair batted for more than 74 overs before Karunaratne was caught behind off Carlos Brathwaite towards the end of the day.
(Cricinfo)