Colombo - In a commanding position after scoring 312 for just two wickets on the opening day itself, Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara said his team would aim to add another 200 to 250 runs tomorrow and bat India out of the second cricket Test .
Sangakkara (130 batting) and opener Tharanga Paranavitana (100) were in fine form against a toothless Indian attack which was also exposed early on by the explosive Tillakaratne Dilshan (54).
"We have to capitalise and bat long tomorrow. We need to get between 200 to 250 more runs tomorrow to put pressure on India. Anything above 250 would be a bonus," Sangakkara said after the opening day's play.
"If we get some more big knocks, we can put up a huge score and put India on the backfoot. The pitch is a bit pacy but still a good one to bat on," he added.
Sangakkara praised Parnavitana, who got his second Test hundred, and Dilshan for giving a rollicking start to the Lankan innings.
"It's good that he got the hundred. He knows how to get there now and that's a good sign. Dilshan was just fantastic. He in fact took the pressure off Paranavitana," he said.
The Lankan bowling would be without injured pacer Lasith Malinga and just-retired off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, both of whom wrecked havoc in the Galle Test but Sangakkara said he is confident about the reshuffled attack doing well.
"There is a bit of movement in the wicket and I think we have the attack to exploit the conditions. I am sure the bowlers will do well if we good them good score to defend. I am especially looking forward to see Suraj Randiv. He has shown great potential," he said. PTI
