Anjala Bandara’s superb, unbeaten century led an impressive fightback by Sri Lanka Emerging Players against the West Indies Academy on the opening day of their first unofficial ‘Test’ here on Monday.
Bandara ended the day on 126 not out and was the main reason the home side finished the day in a comfortable position of 302 for eight from 77 overs after electing to bat first at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium.
It was a remarkable turnaround for Sri Lanka, who at one stage looked set to be bowled out cheaply after finding themselves 133 for seven.
But Bandara, together with Shakthi Udara and Nisala Abeyratne frustrated the Academy bowlers to carry their side to a competitive total heading into the second day. Sri Lanka were in trouble from early on, with Johann Layne accounting for the wickets of opener Ravindu Rasantha and Sahan Kosala, while Amari Goodridge dismissed Pulindu Perera to leave them 26 for three.
Asitha Wanninayake and Sharujan Shanmuganathan repaired the damage during a 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but once Layne struck again to remove the latter for 25, Sri Lanka suffered a middle order collapse.
They then lost the wickets of Wanninayake for 41, before off spinner Ryan Bandoo removed captain Dinura Kalupahana for five and Tharinda Nirmal for just three, to see Sri Lanka slip to 133 for seven.
However, Bandara joined forces with Udara to add 60 runs for the eighth wicket to carry Sri Lanka close to the 200-mark.
Pacer Jediah Blades broke the stand by bowling Udara for a patient 13 off 41 balls to give the Academy hope of bowling out Sri Lanka cheaply with the score 193 for eight.
But Bandara and Abeyratne shared an unbroken stand of 109 runs for the ninth wicket to completely transform the contest.
Bandara has so far faced 165 balls and struck 13 fours, while Abeyratne is 38 not out off 69 balls inclusive of seven boundaries.
Layne has been the Academy’s best bowler with 3-58, while Bandoo (2-45) and Blades (2-64), have claimed two wickets apiece.