Sri Lanka warmed up for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand with young players putting up impressive performances in their drawn two-day game against NZ Chairman’s XI played at Queenstown.
Uncapped bowlers, Dushmantha Chameera and Tharindu Kaushal bowled excitingly taking 3 wickets each to restrict the hosts for 125 after being 37/3 overnight. Sri Lanka posted a healthy 261 for 8 in their innings before declaring at the close of 2nd day’s play. Earlier on day 1, Sri Lankans were reduced to 173 for 9 on their first day of competitive cricket in New Zealand with Lahiru Thirimanne scoring a half-ton for the visitors.
Opener Dimuth Karunarathne made 52 in the 2nd innings to be well-prepared for the Test challenge while wicket-keeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella scored a quick-fire 51-ball 63 to help Sri Lanka take major honours during the drawn warm-up game. Angelo Mathews and Kumar Sangakkara failed to post substantial scores in their 2nd attempt in the match yet spent much needed time in the middle after failing to get going in the 1st innings.
One drop batsman Jono Hickey was the most impressive batsman for the New Zealanders scoring 57 in 92 balls with 9 fours. Uncapped seamer Dushmantha Chameera bowled 4 overs to take his 3 wickets while off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal bowled 23 deliveries to capture his 3 wickets for 13 runs.
Sri Lanka will play their 1st Test match in New Zealand after 8 years starting on 26th December at Christchurch.
