Sri Lanka’s discarded pair of Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne stroked delightful half-centuries as Sri Lanka ‘A’ recorded a close 6-run win over the touring West Indies ‘A’ in their rain-hit 1st unofficial ODI match played at Dambulla on Saturday.
West Indies ‘A’ skipper Carlos Braithwaite won the toss and elected to field first on a placid surface. Sri Lanka ‘A’ included aging stars such as Thilina Kandamby, Jeewan Mendis and Farveez Maharoof to give them the opportunity to shine once again. The Lankan opening pair of Dimuth Karunaratne and Danushka Gunatilake failed to give the hosts a formidable start as both were dismissed cheaply as the home team were two down for only 10 runs in the 6th over.
Captain Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal capitalized their opportunity to put up a substantial score to get the nod for the final 2 ODI’s in India. They stroked 105 runs for the 3rd wicket before Chandimal was removed by left-arm spinner Nikita Miller for 60 runs. The right-handed wicket-keeper took 74 deliveries and made 4 boundaries and a six. Chandimal’s departure brought Kithruwan Vithanage to the crease and he was involved in a 50-run partnership with Thirimanne for the 4th wicket. Vithanage made 29 runs while Thirimanne top-scored with a fluent 101-ball 74 runs with 6 fours and a six. The final overs were superbly handled by Thilina Kandamby as he made a quick-fire 58 in 40 balls to push the Lankan score to 245/8 in 50 overs.
Chasing 246 runs to win, West Indies ‘A’ openers got them off to a strong start without losing a wicket in the mandatory power play stroking 38 runs. Nkumrah Boner was the first to be dismissed as he was caught by Dimuth Karunarathne off Dushmantha Chameera for 21. As the clouds started to gather around the stadium, West Indies lost a crucial, match losing wicket of Jermaine Blackwood in the 19th over and the rain started to pour down as soon as the hosts completed the 20-over mark. Sri Lanka ‘A’ were 6 runs ahead according to the Duckworth/Lewis method which was the final result of the 1st unofficial ODI. Sri Lanka ‘A’ led the 3-match series 1-0.
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka A – 245/8 in 50 overs: Lahiru Thirimanne 74, Dinesh Chandimal 60, Thilina Kandamby 58*, Ronsford Beaton 2/40, Carlos Brathwaite 2/54, Nikita Miller 2/57.
West Indies A – 71/2 in 20 overs: Kraigg Brathwaite 24*, Lakshan Rangika 1/1, Dushmantha Chameera 1/22.
