Date:26/04/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/04/26/stories/2003042605951900.htm

Sport - Cricket

Fleming, Richardson thwart Sri Lanka

COLOMBO April 25. Skipper Stephen Fleming slammed a century on Friday as New Zealand overcame their fear of Sri Lanka's spinners on the opening day of the first cricket Test at Colombo's Saravannamuttu Stadium.

Fleming posted an unbeaten 112, his fifth century in 74 Tests, and shared a record 172-run stand with opener Mark Richardson to lift New Zealand to 207 for two at draw of stumps.

The Fleming-Richardson partnership, which thwarted Sri Lankan spinners for four and a half hours, eclipsed New Zealand's previous best mark of 141 for the second wicket that stood in the names of Matthew Horne and Bryan Young for six years.

Enduring a painful hamstring that forced him to bat with a runner for most of his innings, Richardson thwarted the Sri Lankan spinners but fell for 85 to Chaminda Vaas' first delivery with the second new ball.