Pushpakumara 12-for spins Sri Lanka ‘A’ to victory

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Test discard Malinda Pushpakumara gave the selectors a wake up call when he captured a match bag of 12/98 to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’ to victory in their second unofficial Test match against West Indies ‘A’ which ended in Jamaica yesterday (21).

Sri Lanka ‘A’ resuming their second innings on 213/6 on day 3, were dealt a couple of early blows including the loss of their overnight batsman Roshen Silva for 86.

Wanidu Hasaranga made sure the Sri Lanka ‘A’ lead went past the 400 run mark with an unbeaten, counter attacking half century before Sri Lanka declared their second innings on 267/9.

Chasing an improbable 425 to win, the West Indians crumbled once again to the left arm spin of Malinda Pushpakumara who captured his second six wicket haul of the match. Pushpakumara destroyed the West Indies top order with his flight and guile as he took his series wicket tally to 15, in three innings.

Sunil Ambris was the only batsman to provide some resistance for the hosts making 41, before they were bowled out for 144, handing a 280 run victory for the visitors.

The other highlights for Sri Lanka ‘A’ were a century and a half century in the match for seam bowling all rounder Dasun Shanaka, while Pushpakumara was deservingly named man of the match.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 294 all out (73.3 overs) Dhananjaya De Silva 73, Charith Asalanka 41, Roshen Silva 30, Dasun Shanaka 102*, Keon Joseph 3/32, Rahkeem Cornwall 2/85, Damion Jacobs 2/74 & 267/9 Dec (67.5 overs) Roshen Silva 86, Dasun Shanaka 60, Shehan Jayasuriya 32, Wanidu Hasaranga 50*, Rahkeem Cornwall  5/107

West Indies ‘A’ – 137 all out (44.3 overs) Rahkeem Cornwall 46, Malinda Pushpakumara 6/52, Shehan Jayasuriya 2/08 & 144 all out (54 overs) Sunil Ambris 41, Malinda Pushpakumara 6/46, Shehan Jayasuriya 2/48