The first four-day match between Sri Lanka ‘A’ and Australia ‘A’ concluded in a tame draw in Darwin, with Sri Lanka ‘A’ showcasing a dominant batting performance on the final day.
Resuming their second innings on Day 4 at 49/1, Sri Lanka ‘A’ batted with resilience and flair to reach 280/3 by the close of play, led by a magnificent unbeaten century from Nuwanidu Fernando.
Fernando, batting at No. 3, anchored the innings with a composed and authoritative 104 not out off 218 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes.
His patient yet punishing knock was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka ‘A’s effort, ensuring they maintained control throughout the day.
Fernando’s century was a display of skill and temperament, as he navigated the Australian ‘A’ bowling attack with ease, blending solid defense with calculated aggression.
Supporting Fernando’s heroics were Pavan Rathnayake and Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who both contributed valuable half-centuries.
Sooriyabandara’s 56 runs added stability, while Rathnayake’s 56 provided momentum, helping Sri Lanka ‘A’ build a formidable total. Their partnerships frustrated the Australian ‘A’ bowlers, who struggled to make inroads on a placid Darwin pitch.
Despite the strong batting display, the match petered out into a draw, with neither side able to force a result.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 272 (82) Sonal Dinusha 105*, Nuwanidu Fernando 34, Isitha Wijesundara 33, Vishad Randika 27, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 20, Liam Scott 2/27, Henry Thornton 2/31, Nathan McSweeney 2/51 & 280/3 (81) Nuwanidu Fernando 104*, Pavan Rathnayake 56*, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 56, Kamil Mishara 35
Australia ‘A’ – 486 (161.4) Nathan McSweeney 94, Liam Scott 94, Josh Philippe 85, Mitchell Perry 61, Jake Weatherald 54, Sonal Dinusha 4/97, Pramod Madushan 3/82, Nishan Peiris 2/137
Result – Match Drawn
