Asitha Wanninayake stroked a brilliant century to give the Sri Lanka U19s honors on day two of the first Youth Test against England U19s at County Ground, Chelmsford.
Sri Lanka resumed their innings on day two at 25/1, with overnight batters Asitha Wanninayake (13*) and Shevon Daniel (1*) remaining unbeaten at the crease. The duo added another 50 runs to the scoreboard before the left-hander was Daniel trapped in front by Benjamin Cliff for 22 runs in the 9th over of the day.
The opening batter Wanninayake and No. 4 batter Pawan Pathiraja then rebuilt Sri Lanka’s innings, putting on 83 runs for the 3rd wicket. Pathiraja chipped in with 32 runs off 95 balls with 5 fours, before being adjudged LBW off the bowling of Bertie Foreman.
At 133/3, Wanninayake was joined by right-hand batter Ranuda Somarathne at the middle and the duo put on a match-defining partnership of 137 runs off 246 balls for the 4th wicket, bringing the visitors back into the contest.
Somarathne, who was dismissed as the 4th wicket of Sri Lankan innings, made a vital 65 runs off 114 balls with 8 fours. Wanninayake, who made a century in the 3-day warm-up game a few days ago, came up with another fabulous century as Sri Lanka ended second day’s play on top putting 301 runs for 4 wickets.
Wanninayake remained unbeaten at the crease after making 132 runs off 307 balls with 19 fours. For the hosts, the opening fast bowler Benjamin Cliff was the pick of the bowlers as he grabbed 2 wickets for 57 runs.
