A 22-member Test squad is currently practising at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, targeting the upcoming tour of South Africa which will be held in late December. A 2-day practice match between Dimuth Karunratne’s XI and Dinesh Chandimal’s XI was organized in the bio-secure environment today.
Chandimal’s XI batted first and racked up 318 runs in 68.2 overs. The star performer for the batting side was Kusal Mendis, who made a blistering century with 12 boundaries and 1 six. He reached his century in just 125 balls, then retiring to grant the opportunity for other batsmen.
Read: Sri Lanka to take 22 players to South Africa
The rookie batting all-rounder Santhush Gunathilake, who was added to the National squad for the very first time, made a cautious half-century while his Captain also manufactured a fifty, guiding the total to go past 300.
In the bowling department, Dilruwan Perera snatched 3 wickets for Karunaratne’s XI, while pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Kasun Rajitha shared 2 each.
Unfortunately, Sri Lanka star batsman Kusal Perera had to retire from his innings after just making 27 runs, due to an injury. The severity of the injury is not known yet and he is supposed to lead the Kandy Tuskers franchise on 26th November against Colombo Kings in the inaugural Lanka Premier League.
Also Read: Sri Lanka tour South Africa; schedule announced
Keep logged into ThePapare.com for the updates and latest developments on the second day of the match, which will be held tomorrow.
Brief Scores
Dinesh Chandimal’s XI – 318/10 (68.2) | K Mendis 100 (Rtd), S Gunathilake 58 (Rtd), D Chandimal 57, D Perera – 3 wkts, D Chameera 2 wkts, Kasun Rajitha 2 wkts
c
