The first unofficial Test between Sri Lanka ‘A’ and New Zealand ‘A’ ended in a draw today at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota after an evenly contested four-day encounter.
Having won the toss, Sri Lanka ‘A’ opted to bat first and posted a solid 381 runs in their first innings. The innings was anchored by a magnificent century from middle-order batter Sonal Dinusha, who scored 108 off 148 deliveries, striking 9 fours and a six. Opening batter Lahiru Udara also made a valuable contribution at the top of the order, compiling a steady 61 runs off 90 balls with 4 boundaries.
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In reply, New Zealand ‘A’ produced a strong batting performance to take control of the game, amassing 479 runs in their first innings. Opening batter Curtis Heaphy laid the foundation with a fine century, while No. 3 batter Tim Robinson also reached three figures to put the visitors in a commanding position.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ bowlers shared the workload, with Isitha Wijesundara, Sonal Dinusha and Ramesh Mendis picking up two wickets apiece to keep the deficit within reach.
Trailing by 98 runs on first innings, Sri Lanka ‘A’ began their second innings with determination and reached 168 for 4 by stumps on the final day. No. 3 batter Nuwanidu Fernando led the resistance with a composed half-century, ensuring the hosts safely batted out the remainder of the match.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 381 (97.5) Sonal Dinusha 108, Lahiru Udara 61, Ramesh Mendis 48, Isitha Wijesundara 36, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 32, Pavan Rathnayake 27, Nuwanidu Fernando 21, Nishan Madushka 20, Tim Pringle 3/88 & 168/4 (49) Nuwanidu Fernando 50*, Lahiru Udara 39, Nishan Madushka 25, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 20, Tim Pringle 3/50
New Zealand ‘A’ – 479 (153.4) Curtis Heaphy 162, Tim Robinson 130, Fraser Sheat 61*, Isitha Wijesundara 2/56, Sonal Dinusha 2/72, Ramesh Mendis 2/105
Result – Match Drawn
