Karunaratne and K Mendis tons drive Sri Lanka on opening day

Dimuth Karunaratne struck an assured 179 Kusal Mendi amassed 140, and Sri Lanka took firm grip of the Test, as that pair’s 281-run partnership for the second wicket formed the centrepiece of the hosts’ dominant day one. Not only were Karunaratne and Mendis largely untroubled by the Ireland bowlers on a flat Galle deck, they also ensured that their progress was brisk, hitting 33 fours and a six between them.

Brief scores: