Sangakkara celebrates after scoring his 11th double century

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara scored a sensational double century to put his side in charge against New Zealand on the second day of the second Test in Wellington.

Sangakkara was well supported by batsman Dinesh Chandimal, who made 67.

Starting out the day on 78/5, Sangakkara and Chandimal amassed a 130-run partnership, during which both batsmen brought up their half-centuries, before Chandimal was caught behind off the bowling of James Neesham.

Chandimal’s excellent knock of 67 came off 143 balls and included eight boundaries.

Chandimal hit eight boundaries during his knock of 67

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Dhammika Prasad only made 11 runs before he was also caught behind off the bowling of Neesham.

Rangana Herath fared no better as he was caught behind off the bowling of Trent Boult for 15.

Sangakkara and Suranga Lakmal stabilised the innings with a 67-run partnership, during which Sangakkara registered his 11th double century, before he was brilliantly caught by Boult at backward point off the bowling of Neesham.

Sangakkara’s superb innings of 203 came off 306 deliveries and included 18 boundaries and three sixes.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 356, which gave them a 135-run lead, when Lakmal was stumped by BJ Watling off the bowling of Mark Craig for five runs.

Neesham and Doug Bracewell picked up three wickets apiece, while Boult snapped up two and Craig and Tim Southee claimed one wicket each.

Trailing by 135 runs, New Zealand’s opening duo of Hamish Rutherford and Tom Latham put together an unbeaten 22-run partnership before stumps was called.

Rutherford finished on 12, while Latham remained undefeated on nine off 32 balls, which included one boundary.

New Zealand ended day two on 22/0 and will continue batting tomorrow at 11:00 local time or 22:00 GMT (previous day).