Kithruwan Vithanage smashed a century off 91 balls, but could not lead Sri Lanka A to a victory in the 2nd unofficial ODI against New Zealand A.
Having won the toss, Sri Lanka A skipper Ashan Priyanjan sent the hosts in to bat, in typical Kiwi weather conditions. Although the visitors struck in the 8th over with Kasun Rajitha picking up opposition captain Hamish Rutherford, the going was tough for the bowlers as the Kiwis settled in. Michael Pollard brought up his 2nd consecutive half century as he added 66 runs for the 2nd wicket alongside George Worker. Pollard’s wicket did not bring any respite to the Lankan bowlers as the New Zealanders continued to work the ball into the gaps consistently. When Worker was dismissed for 40 in the 29th over, New Zealand A was 138 for the loss of 3 wickets. Things only got worse for the visitors from this point onwards as Michael Bracewell and Wicket keeper Henry Nicholls came together to put on 132 runs in 17. 1 overs, to lead the hosts to 305 at the end of their allotted overs. Bracewell stroked a masterful 83 off 72 balls including 7 fours and 2 sixes, while Nicholls added 79 off 65 balls with 6 fours and one six. The Sri Lanka A bowlers took a pounding in the process, with all their bowlers going for over 5 runs an over.
Facing a daunting target, the Sri Lanka A batters got off to a flyer as they scored 39 runs in 5 overs. However Bracewell and Nicholls combined once again, this time via a run-out, to dismiss Dhananjaya De Silva for 18. Walking in at De Silva’s dismissal, Kithruwan Vithanage showed his power hitting prowess once again as he put on 139 runs for the 2nd wicket with Dhanushka Gunathilaka. Gunathilaka caressed his way to 65 off 79 balls and was dismissed with the Lankans needing 148 runs off 24.3 overs. Things were looking great for the visitors at this stage with Vithanage in prime form being ably assisted by veteran Chamara Kapugedara. Going into the last ten overs needing just 68 runs, with 6 wickets in hand, Sri Lanka A looked like favourites to pull off the chase, but the dismissal of Vithanage for 120 off 104 balls, in which he smashed 10 fours and 2 sixes, saw the innings crumble. The last 5 wickets, including 2 crucial run-outs, fell for just 13 runs with Adam Milne’s death bowling and the Kiwi fielding keeping a stranglehold on the visitor’s lower order. New Zealand A ended up winning by 15 runs.
The 3rd Unofficial ODI of the 4 match series is scheduled to take place at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln on Saturday. Having fallen short in the 1st ODI too, Sri Lanka A will need to win the remaining 2 matches if they are to level the series.
New Zealand A – 305/4 (50): MG Bracewell 83, HM Nicholls 79, MA Pollard 54; CAK Rajitha 2/63
Sri Lanka A – 290 All Out (48.3): KDK Vithanage 120, MD Gunathilaka 65, CK Kapugedara 40; AF Milne 3/49
