Dimuth Karunarathne struck his 25th first-class century as Sri Lanka A gained control over West Indies A in their first unofficial Test match at R. Premadasa International Stadium.
At stumps on day two, the hosts lead the game by 72 runs despite West Indies A spinner, Rahkeem Cornwell’s 6 for 87. Sri Lanka A made a staggering 348 for 8 in reply to the visitors first innings score of 276.
Karunarathne had a modest series against Australia in the recent three-match Test series at home scoring only 41 runs in 6 innings. With this century, he has almost guaranteed himself of retaining a place in the Test team. He stroked 15 fours during his marathon knock of 131 off 242 in the first-ever pink ball match in Sri Lanka.
Karunarathne and his opening partner, Kusal Janith Perera completely thrashed the lackluster Windies bowling attack during an enterprising opening stand worth 167 runs in 219 balls.
Perera, the aggressor in the partnership clobbered 7 fours and 3 sixes but was unfortunate to be bowled for 87 when his 105-ball knock was brought to an end by the giant off-spinner Cornwell. 23-year old Leeward Island spinner, Cornwell struck again in his very next over when he removed Lahiru Thirimanne for just 2 runs.
Gunarathne grabs 3 with the Pink Ball; Singh slams 96
Former St. Joseph’s College team mates, Karunarathne and Roshen Silva added 30 runs for the 3rd wicket before the latter became Cornwell’s 3rd wicket for the day. Silva made a 34-ball 17 while number 5 batsman Charith Asalanka was caught at slips by Shamarh Brooks off Kemar Roach for 18 as another 31-run promising stand came to an end.
Sri Lanka A skipper, Karunarathne was then joined by wicket-keeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella and the two left-handers convincingly collected runs during their 75-run stand for the 5th wicket. Karunarathne’s excellent knock was ended when he was caught behind off slow left-arm orthodox spinner, Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai in the 81st over of the innings.
Cornwell struck twice in two consecutive deliveries dismissing Dickwella who amassed 10 fours in his 70-ball 59 and Anuk Fernando for a golden duck. He got his 6th scalp for the day when Lakshan Sandakan was caught plumb in front for no score.
The match will be continued tomorrow (6th October) for third day’s play.
West Indies A – 276 all out in 86.4 overs: Vishaul Singh 96, Shamarh Brooks 65, Kemar Roach 45, Kieran Powell 36, Asela Gunarathne 3/27, Asitha Fernando 2/35, Charith Asalanka 2/53.
Sri Lanka A – 348/8 in 93 overs: Dimuth Karunarathne 131, Kusal Janith Perera 87, Niroshan Dickwella 59, Rahkeem Cornwell 6/87.
