Debutant Milan Ratnayake’s Heroics Lift Sri Lanka to 236 Runs

News Today: Sri Lanka Secures 236 Runs Thanks to Milan Ratnayake’s Stunning Debut

Sri Lanka posted a respectable 236 runs on the first day of the opening Test match against England at Old Trafford, thanks to brilliant half-centuries by skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and debutant Milan Ratnayake. Despite a shaky start at 113 for 7 wickets, the duo’s resilience and determination turned the tide for Sri Lanka, with Ratnayake scoring an impressive 72 off 135 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes.

Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to bat first seemed questionable early on as Sri Lanka’s top order crumbled under the relentless pressure from England’s pace attack. Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes dominated the first session, reducing Sri Lanka to 80 for 5 by lunch. Woakes’ devastating double-wicket maiden over and Atkinson’s early breakthrough left Sri Lanka in deep trouble.

However, de Silva stood firm, crafting a well-deserved 74 from 84 balls, featuring 8 boundaries. He built a crucial 63-run partnership with Ratnayake for the eighth wicket, providing a much-needed recovery. Ratnayake, playing his debut match, displayed immense character, reaching his maiden half-century with a six off Shoaib Bashir, who eventually took his wicket.

Despite losing Dhananjaya just before tea and being bowled out for 236, Sri Lanka’s lower order, especially Ratnayake and Vishwa Fernando, ensured that the team crossed the 200-run mark. England’s bowlers, particularly Chris Woakes (3 for 32) and Shoaib Bashir (3 for 55), were the pick of the day.

England’s response was cut short due to bad light, ending the day at 22 for no loss, trailing by 214 runs. Both teams wore black armbands in tribute to the late Graham Thorpe.