Middle order batsman Milinda Siriwardana guaranteed his Test debut in Galle when he stroked an unbeaten century against West Indies in the three-day warm-up match at SSC grounds on Sunday.
The hosts’, Sri Lanka Board President’s XI commenced the day three from their overnight score of 233 for 3. After adding 50 more runs to the overall score, Udara Jayasundara was the first to be dismissed when he fell to the bowling of Windies captain, Jason Holder.
Left-handed Jayasundara’s excellent innings of 142 in 216 balls consists 19 fours and 2 sixes.
Experienced campaigner, Siriwardana was then joined by the young 22-year old Angelo Jayasinghe at the crease.
The left-right combination worked perfectly for the Lankans as they constructed a 93-run stand for the 5th wicket.
Former Sri Lanka under 19 captain, Jayasinghe stroked 6 fours and a huge six during his 62-ball 42. He was caught behind by Denesh Ramdin off Shannon Gabriel.
Sachith Pathirana came in and gave the vital support for Siriwardana to assure his place in the Sri Lanka Test team for the upcoming two-match series.
The 29-year old left-hander caressed 18 elegant boundaries in his superb 105 in 149.
The officials called-off the match at the Tea break with the Windies having only two days of rest left befor the first Test in Galle.
The visitors will have lot to ponder due to their below-par performance in the tour match.
West Indies – 209 all out in 65.3 overs: Kraigg Braithwaite 46, Carlos Braithwaite 54, Shai Hope 24, Suraj Randiv 5/73, Suranga Lakmal 3/26, Vishwa Fernando 2/39.
Sri Lanka BP XI – 455/6 in 107 overs: Minod Bhanuka 101, Udara Jayasundara 142, Milinda Siriwardana 105*, Angelo Jayasinghe 42, Sachith Pathirana 40, Kemar Roach 2/58, Jason Holder 2/54, Shannon Gabriel 2/85.
