Test hopefuls impress as Sri Lanka ‘A’ take control

Test hopefuls Malinda Pushpakumara, Roshen Silva and Dasun Shanaka starred for Sri Lanka ‘A’ on day two of the second unofficial Test match against West Indies ‘A’  in Jamaica to put the visitors in a dominant position.

Test hopefuls Malinda Pushpakumara, Roshen Silva and Dasun Shanaka starred for Sri Lanka ‘A’ on day two of the second unofficial Test match against West Indies ‘A’  in Jamaica to put the visitors in a dominant position

West Indies resuming on their overnight score of 14/2 were strangled by some classical left arm orthodox bowling from Test discard Malinda Pushpakumara as the hosts were bundled out for a mere 137 runs. Pushpakumara tore through the West Indian  middle order as he captured a six wicket haul, while Shehan Jayasuriya chipped in with two.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ going into bat a second time with a commanding lead of 157 runs, ran into early trouble as the top order fell cheaply to leave them four down with just 38 runs on the board. It soon became 86/5 when Shehan Jayasuriya was run out for a quick-fire 32 before centurion from the first innings, Dasun Shanaka joined Roshen Silva.

The duo added 106 runs for the sixth wicket – their second century stand of the match – in quick time to push Sri Lanka’s lead past the 300 run mark. Shanaka fell for 60 late on day two running past a delivery from off spinner Rahkeem Cornwall who ended up with three scalps.

The ever consistent Silva batted on and on as he remained unbeaten on 85* when umpires decided to draw stumps on day two. His knock included 4 fours and 2 massive sixes as he helped Sri Lanka extend their lead to 370 runs with four second innings wickets remaining.