The second day’s play of the first test match between touring Ireland A team and Sri Lanka A team was played today at Sinhalese Sports Club grounds in Colombo with the hosts closing on a trouble-free victory over the visitors.
Milinda Siriwardane and Kamindu Mendis lift Sri Lanka A
Sri Lanka A resumed day two on 185 runs for 4 wickets with Milinda Siriwardane and Kamindu Mendis remaining unbeaten on 73 and 64 respectively. Both batsmen continued to pile runs on the board strengthening their partnership for the fifth wicket. Left hander Milinda Siriwardane stroked a magnificent century before being dismissed by Irish left arm spinner James Cameron-Dow when the score was at 233 runs.
Axed Kaushal Silva puts SSC in control
Siriwardane’s knock of 104 runs came off 126 balls including 13 fours and 1 six. Left-handed stroke maker Kamindu Mendis missed his maiden first class century by 9 runs as he was bowled by Cameron-Dow in the 60th over. His knock of 91 runs came off 135 balls with 13 boundaries at a strike rate of 67. After their dismissals, the Sri Lankans continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 308 runs in the 78th over.
Milinda Siriwardana puts Saracens on top
Sri Lankans lost their last 5 wickets for 58 runs with left arm spinner James Cameron-Dow instrumental in causing this collapse as he grabbed 7 wickets for 77 runs for the visitors. Irish batsmen began their second innings 155 runs behind expecting a much better batting display but once again failed with the bat as they finished day two on 182 runs for 9 wickets.
18-year old Mahesh Theekshana stars for Colts CC
Left arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya who starred with the ball for the hosts in the first innings picking up 4 wickets, shone again grabbing a 5-wicket haul for 68 runs. In addition, right arm seamer Mohomed Shiraz picked up 2 wickets for 47 runs. Sri Lanka A is on the verge of a comprehensive victory with Ireland A leading by 27 runs with only 1 wicket remaining.
>>Photos : Ireland A Team Tour to Sri Lanka 2018/19 – 1st Four Day Game – Day 2<<
