Fast-bowler Kasun Madhushanka, left-arm chinaman Lakshan Sandakan and middle-order batsman Asela Gunarathne excelled on day three for Sri Lanka A in their third unofficial Test match against West Indies A in Dambulla.

Madhushanka and Sandakan picked up three wickets apiece to bundle out the Windies to 243 after they resumed play on 183 for 4. The hosts in their second innings managed to score 211 for 5 at stumps as Gunarathne top-scored with a fine 69.

Earlier in the day, Madhushanka grabbed the wicket of skipper Shamarh Brooks for 54 to trigger the mini collapse. Madhushanka’s new-ball partner, Lahiru Gamage then got the better of Jahmar Hamilton for 14. Kemar Roach was caught behind by Kusal Perera off Madhushanka while Delorn Johnson was caught plumb in front by leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay.

Photo Album: Sri Lanka ‘A’ vs West Indies ‘A’ | 3rd Test – Day 03

Sandakan returned to the attack and wrapped up the proceedings when he dismissed Rakheem Cornwall and Keon Joseph in successive overs as the tourists lost their last five wickets for just 32 runs.

With a luxury lead of 75 runs, Sri Lanka A commenced their second innings. The two openers, Sandun Weerakkody and Kusal Perera blasted their way to 67 in just 10.2 overs before the latter was caught behind for 20 by off-spinner Cornwall. 23-year old Weerakkody soon followed his partner when he was trapped in front of the stumps by Cornwall after a well-constructed 36-ball 48 with 7 fours to his name.

Sri Lanka A skipper Lahiru Thirimanne and Gunarathne added valuable 63 runs for the 3rd wicket before the former fell for the fourth time to Cornwall this series. He managed to score 27 off 76 balls with 2 fours. Young Charith Asalanka perished early but Gunarathne continued to steady the innings during his valiant 126-ball 69 which included 10 fours. He became Cornwall’s 4th victim shortly before the stumps were raised.

Roshen Silva (29*) and Dasun Shanaka (7*) are the not out batsmen at the crease as Sri Lanka A lead the game by 286 runs with five wickets in the second inning and a day remaining to play.

The match will be continued tomorrow (21st October) for the fourth and final day.

Sri Lanka A – 318 all out in 89.2 overs: Sandun Weerakkody 79, Kusal Janith Perera 69, Charith Asalanka 46, Roshen Silva 49, Kasun Madhushanka 20, Dasun Shanaka 23 Delorn Johnson 4/65, Rakheem Cornwall 3/93, Damion Jacobs 2/64.  

West Indies A – 243 all out in 61.4 overs: Shimron Hetmyer 94, Shamarh Brooks 54, Rakheem Cornwall 25, Lahiru Gamage 2/50, Kasun Madhushanka 3/45, Lakshan Sandakan 3/54.

Sri Lanka A (2nd inn) – 211/5 in 61 overs: Sandun Weerakkody 48, Kusal Perera 20, Lahiru Thirimanne 27, Asela Gunarathne 69, Roshen Silva 29*, Rakheem Cornwall 4/62.

Crawler