KARACHI, June 30: Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara hit contrasting centuries while sharing a record Asia Cup opening partnership to lead Sri Lanka’s run spree against Bangladesh in the third match of the Super Four round at the National Stadium here on Monday.

Seasoned campaigner Jayasuriya celebrated his 39th birthday in great style, smashing 130 off only 88 deliveries and Sangakkara hit 121 — his third century of the ongoing tournament — to help Sri Lanka pile up 332 for eight in their 50 overs after Mahela Jayawardene chose to bat first at the toss.

Sangakkara’s 128-ball knock, featuring 16 fours and one six, followed his 101 against Bangladesh in the league-round match at Lahore last week and 112 against Pakistan on Sunday.

The irrepressible Jayasuriya was in a punishing mood compared to his more composed partner, who was forced to take a backseat during the 201-run partnership that took 169 balls to better the previous highest first-wicket stand of 191 (unbroken) set by Jayasuriya and Avishka Gunawardene against the same opponents at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium in 2004.

Jayasuriya required mere 55 deliveries to register his 26th hundred in 414 One-day Internationals, and fourth against Bangladesh, when he turned spinner Abdur Razzak towards the square-leg region for a single.

None of the bowlers could make any impression on Jayasuriya as he drove, cut and pulled as he pleased — altogether striking six sixes and 16 fours — before he holed out to Tamim Iqbal at sweeper cover off Alok Kapali in the 28th over.

The dismissal of Jayasuriya seemed to inspire Mohammad Ashraful’s men as the run-rate dropped from 7.17 per over, which was the case until the 30th over. Ashraful was attentive to the situation and his decision to hold back the final powerplay until the start of the 35th over paid off well, only 19 runs were scored in five overs as Bangladesh launched a splendid comeback.

The Bangladeshis, in the period between 34th and 47th overs, claimed six wickets while Sri Lanka collected only 73 runs. All-rounder Kapali also sent back Sangakkara in the 45th over.

Despite the dismissals of Jayawardene, Chamara Kapugedera, Chamara Silva and Tillekeratne Dilshan for low scores, Bangladesh face a tough run chase. A win here will confirm Sri Lanka’s place in next Sunday’s final.

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