#OTD in 1997: Sri Lanka posted highest ever Test total

On this day, twenty-five years ago, Sri Lanka registered the highest-ever red-ball total of 952/6 against India. They achieved the unique feat in the first fixture of the home Test series at Colombo. In this pursuit, they got past the score of 903/7, scored by England in 1938. 

India rides on the centuries of key players

Mohammad Azharuddin (L) and Sachin Tendulkar (R)

Opting to bat first, India lost Nayan Mongia (7) early. However, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Rahul Dravid added 147 runs for the second wicket to tire out the opposition bowlers, before the former was dismissed for 111. 

Soon, Dravid was sent into the hut for 69. Afterwards, Sachin Tendulkar (143) and Mohammad Azharuddin (126) propelled India to declare at a score of 537/8 on the board. 

Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama create history

In response to a daunting score, the hosts lost Marvan Atapattu (26) to debutant Nilesh Kulkarni. Little did, the Indian team know the dismissal would create history for the opposition. 

At number three, arrived Roshan Mahanama, who put together a 576-run stand with Sanath Jayasuriya, which was the then highest partnership in the purest format. Jayasuriya slammed 340, while Mahanama compiled 225. 

Then, Aravinda de Silva (126), Arjuna Ranatunga (86) and Mahela Jayawardena (66) further pushed Sri Lanka's score to 952/6 at the end of Day 5. 

 ZIM vs BAN, 2nd ODI: Match Preview, Key Players, Fantasy Tips and Dream 11