In a gripping day of cricket at Darwin, the unofficial Test match between Australia ‘A’ and Sri Lanka ‘A’ saw an enthralling display of skill and resilience, headlined by Sonal Dinusha’s remarkable all-round performance.
Australia ‘A’ resumed their first innings on Day 3 at 241/4 and went on to post a formidable 486 runs, powered by six half-centurions.
Nathan McSweeney and Liam Scott both fell agonizingly short of centuries with 94 each, while Josh Philippe (85), Mitchell Perry (61), and Jake Weatherald (54) chipped in with vital contributions to bolster the hosts’ total.
Sri Lanka ‘A’, however, found a hero in Sonal Dinusha, whose exploits with both bat and ball kept the visitors in the contest. Having already scored a gritty century in Sri Lanka ‘A’s first innings, the left-arm spinner showcased his bowling prowess, claiming an impressive 4 wickets to disrupt Australia ‘A’s middle and lower order.
Dinusha’s versatility proved to be a game-changer, offering Sri Lanka ‘A’ hope despite the daunting challenge ahead.
The visitors began their second innings 214 runs behind and faced early pressure. By the close of play on Day 3, they had reached 49 runs for the loss of 1 wicket, with their batters showing cautious intent to chip away at the deficit.
With 9 wickets still in hand, Sri Lanka ‘A’ trail by 165 runs heading into the fourth and final day tomorrow in Darwin.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 272 (82) Sonal Dinusha 105*, Nuwanidu Fernando 34, Isitha Wijesundara 33, Vishad Randika 27, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 20, Liam Scott 2/27, Henry Thornton 2/31, Nathan McSweeney 2/51 & 49/1 (13) Kamil Mishara 26*
Australia ‘A’ – 486 (161.4) Nathan McSweeney 94, Liam Scott 94, Josh Philippe 85, Mitchell Perry 61, Jake Weatherald 54, Sonal Dinusha 4/97, Pramod Madushan 3/82, Nishan Peiris 2/137
Stumps – Day 3
