Sangakkara hits another unbeaten double century

KANDY, Sri Lanka, July 13 (Reuters) Kumar Sangakkara scored back-to-back unbeaten double hundreds as Sri Lanka raced to 500 for four and a huge 369 run lead on the third day of the third and final test against Bangladesh today.

Sangakkara followed his 200 in the second test in Colombo with a superb 222 not out from 277 balls, an innings that included 28 stylish boundaries.

The 29-year-old left-hander, playing on his old school ground, punished Bangladesh's bowlers in partnership with his captain Mahela Jayawardene who scored a brilliant 165.

The pair compiled a marathon 311-run stand for the third wicket as Sri Lanka plundered 470 runs from 98 overs in the day to finish on 500 for four.

Sangakkara's double ton was the sixth of his 67-match test career, a record bettered by only Englishman Wally Hammond (seven), West Indian Brian Lara (nine) and Australian great Don Bradman (12).

Sri Lanka resumed on 30-0 and lost openers Upul Tharanga (12) and Michael Vandort (43) before the third-wicket pair took control.

Jayawardene's 18th test century spanned 210 deliveries and included 15 boundaries and three sixes.

Bangladesh, dismissed for 131 in their first innings, trail the three-match series 2-0 after two innings defeats in Colombo.

REUTERS DH KP1914