Dominant performances by the top order, followed up by some good bowling on the last day saw Sri Lanka A beat New Zealand A by 168 runs in the second unofficial Test played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
Batting first, Sri Lanka A amassed 555 runs for the loss of 6 wickets for their first innings, with Kaushal Silva and Kithruwan Vithanage both making strong cases for National selection. Silva, who scored a century in the first game as well, racked up a score of 193 to provide the backbone of the Lankan innings. Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal supported him initially with half centuries, before Vithanage hit a fast paced century, getting to 116 off 127 deliveries.
The Lankan bowlers were able to back up the hard work done by their batsmen, dismissing New Zealand A for 391 in under 85 overs. Nuwan Pradeep picked up 4 wickets while Malinda Pushpakumara bagged three. For the visitors, Luke Ronchi resisted with a century, ensuring that his side saved the follow on.
Going into the second innings with a 164 run lead and only a little over a day’s play left, the Lankans were understandably aggressive. Kusal Perera slammed 55 off 40 deliveries to set the tone before Vithanage once again dominated proceedings with a quick unbeaten 71. The hosts declared on 275 for the loss of 4 wickets, setting the Kiwis a total of 440 for victory on the last day.
New Zealand however, were unable to survive the day, folding for 271, with only Doug Bracewell offering any resistance with an unbeaten century. For Sri Lanka, Pushpakumara, Dilruwan Perera and Chaturanga Perera were the main wicket takers.
Sri Lanka A 555 for 6 dec (Silva 193, Vithanage 116) and 275 for 4 dec (Vithanage 71, Karunaratne 62, Perera 55) defeated New Zealand A 271 and 391 (Ronchi 134, Latham 77, Pradeep 4-101)
