The firm defiance of Ashen Bandara assisted by a few showers on day 3 & 4, finally proved to be enough for Sri Lanka Emerging team (SL-E) to pull off a draw in the first unofficial Test match in the 2-match 4-day series vs Bangladesh Emerging team (Ban-E) at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, Khulna.
SL-E started their day on 190-6 with 20-year-old Ashen Bandara and fast bowling all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne in the middle, chasing a huge first innings score of 360 which was set by Ban-E led by their skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s brilliant century.
With a win out of the question, the draw was SL-E’s only option and the Bandara-Karunaratne duo continued their blockage from day 03. But before too long, Karunaratne who made an uncharacteristic 51-ball 8 had to depart when his stumps were disturbed by Nayeem Hasan’s off spin.
Hasan who has already played 2 Tests for Bangladesh, went on to dismiss most of rest of SL-E’s batting line up, adding another 3 to his day 2 wicket tally, ending up with a 7-wicket haul.
Ashen Bandara who stood firm with his rock-solid defense, was caught by Shanto off Shafiqul Islam’s bowling on 85 as the last wicket of SL-E innings. SL-E were bundled for 244, giving a 116-run advantage for home team.
The Ban-E 2nd innings began in a very slow-paced manner and continued it that way for 43 overs before the rain interrupted again for the 3rd consecutive day. The umpires finally called it a day as the captains, Charith Asalanka and Najmul Hossain Shanto shook hands for a draw in the first unofficial test of the 2 match series.
The Ban-E 2nd innings was dominated by Nishan Peiris who snatched 3 scalps out of 4 wickets to fall. The second and final 4-day unofficial Test match of the series which will be the series decider will be held on 3rd September at Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium, Cox’s Bazar.
 to pull off a draw in the first unofficial Test match in the 2-match 4-day series vs Bangladesh Emerging team (Ban-E) at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, Khulna.){kind=link}