Sahan Arachchige played a captain’s innings of 83* off 148 balls (9 fours, 1 six) to hold the Sri Lanka ‘A’ first innings together and help them end the first day of the second 4-day unofficial test against India ‘A’ on 288-5 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.
Invited to bat first Sri Lanka ‘A’ were helped by contributions from all their top order batsmen but none went onto convert their starts into a big innings apart from the captain. Openers Pawantha Weerasinghe (39) and Sohan de Livera (28) put on 53 followed by 44 from Nuwanidu Fernando and 34 from Ashen Bandara. Arachchige was joined by Anjala Bandara (42) in a partnership which realized 99 for the fifth wicket.
India ‘A’ bowlers maintained a steady line and length especially off-spinner Saransh Jain and seamer Yash Thakur who were the most successful bowlers with two wickets apiece. The match continues in its second day today. – [ST]
Scores:
Sri Lanka ‘A’ 288-5 at close (Pawantha Weerasinghe 39, Sohan de Livera 28, Nuwanidu Fernando 44, Ashen Bandara 34, Sahan Arachchige 83*, Anjala Bandara 42, Saransh Jain 2/77, Yash Thakur 2/32) v India ‘A’