Persistent afternoon rain on Thursday interrupted 2nd day’s play in the 2nd unofficial Test match between Sri Lanka A and Pakistan A at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium as only 32 overs were possible.
Sri Lanka A resumed from their overnight score of 244 for 4 in 81 overs. The hosts lost their key middle order batsman, Kusal Janith Perera in the very first over as he was castled by left-arm seamer Mir Hamza for 23. In-form Asela Gunaratne joined Kithruwan Vithanage and they batted beautifully to construct a solid 65-run stand for the 6th wicket before left-arm spinner Imad Wasim got the better of Asela for 31. His knock comprised elegant 6 fours.
Left-handed Kithruwan was looking well-set for a deserving ton but he became the 2nd Lankan batsman to be dismissed for 96 in the current innings when he was given LBW off Mir Hamza’s bowling in the 103rd over. Vithanage stroked 12 boundaries and a big six in his 154-ball knock.
Sri Lanka were 322 for 7 when rain interrupted proceedings and delayed play by more than 4 fours. After play restarted, Pakistani A bowlers led by Imad Wasim wrapped up the Lankan lower order as the hosts were bundled out for 327.
The visiting openers Shan Masood and Khurram Manzoor had to face two overs bowled by Lahiru Gamage and Vishwa Fernando before the umpires brought a premature end to 2nd day’s proceedings due to bad light.
The match will be continued tomorrow (15th May, Friday).
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka A – 327 all out in 111 overs: Udara Jayasundera 42, Dhnanjaya De Silva 96, Kithruwan 96, Kusal Janith Perera 23, Asela Gunaratne 31, Imad Wasim 4/44, Zafar Gohar 2/48, Mir Hamza 2/70.
Pakistan A – 2 for no loss in 2 overs.
