The second four-day match between Sri Lanka ‘A’ and Australia ‘A’ concluded in a draw today (23rd July) at the Marrara Cricket Ground, resulting in the two-match series also ending level at 0-0.
A dominant batting performance by Australia ‘A’, led by a brilliant unbeaten double century from skipper Jason Sangha, ensured the game petered out to a stalemate on the final day.
>>Australia ‘A’ dominate Day 3 with stellar batting display against Sri Lanka ‘A’<<
Resuming their first innings on Day 4 at 379/3, trailing Sri Lanka ‘A’ by 106 runs, Australia ‘A’ continued to assert their authority with the bat. They finished the day at an imposing 558/4, with Sangha anchoring the innings masterfully.
The captain, who was unbeaten on 121 overnight, went on to score a magnificent 202 not out off 379 balls, including 12 fours and a six. His resolute knock showcased both patience and flair, guiding his team to a commanding position.
Sangha found able support in No. 5 batter Oliver Peake, who contributed a well-crafted 92 runs off 178 balls, studded with 6 fours. The duo forged a crucial 165-run partnership for the fourth wicket, effectively batting Sri Lanka ‘A’ out of the contest.
>>Sri Lanka ‘A’ dominate with Pavan Rathnayake’s century and Sonal Dinusha’s gritty knock on Day 2<<
Their disciplined and aggressive approach ensured Australia ‘A’ erased the deficit and built a substantial lead, though time constraints prevented a push for victory.
For Sri Lanka ‘A’, off-spinner Nishan Peiris toiled hard, finishing with figures of 2/144. Despite his efforts, the visitors struggled to make inroads into Australia ‘A’s batting lineup, with the pitch offering little assistance to the bowlers on the final day.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 485/6d (157) Pavan Rathnayake 122, Nuwanidu Fernando 102, Sonal Dinusha 88, Kamil Mishara 81, Sohan de Livera 50*, Zanden Jeh 3/132
Australia ‘A’ – 558/4 (161) Jason Sangha 202*, Jake Weatherald 183, Oliver Peake 92, Kurtis Patterson 59, Nishan Peiris 2/144, Nuwanidu Fernando 1/44, Asanka Manoj 1/71
Result – Match Drawn
 at the Marrara Cricket Ground, resulting in the two-match series also ending level at 0-0. ){kind=link}