Tony de Zorzi takes Sri Lankan bowlers on a leather hunt

Day 3 of the 2nd unofficial Test between Sri Lanka Emerging and South Africa Emerging saw a dramatic turnaround as the visitors took the ascendency of proceedings.

It was another hot and humid day in Hambantota as the hosts looked to make use of their 103 run 1st innings lead. The junior Proteas skipper Tony de Zorzi had other plans as he hit a century to remember on Sri Lankan soil.

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He showed plenty of patience and character in his 242 ball 103 as he made sure his team ended the day in a commanding position with a day to go in the match. The visitors top order were hardly troubled as they dominated the Sri Lankan bowlers for the first time in the series.

De Zorzi’s most fruitful partnership (99) came with Kagiso Rapulana  for the 2nd wicket before the latter was dismissed for a well constructed 41. Rapulana dismissal brought Raynard von Tonder to the middle as he seemed to be in great touch from ball number one. The duo of De Zorzi and Von Tonder couldn’t string a partnership together as the skipper was dismissed but Von Tonder went on to hit a brilliant 68 before he had to walk off the field due to an injury.

The South African Emerging Team eventually ended the day on 344/6, more importantly 239 runs ahead of the hosts with a crucial final day coming up tomorrow.

Read: Charith Asalanka stars on eventful day

Ryan Rickelton who was the first man to be dismissed on day three also chipped in with a valuable 37, laying the foundation with a brilliant 83 run opening stand with the skipper.

For Sri Lanka Emerging left arm quick Binara Fernando bowled a good spell late in the day capturing 2/23 in 14 overs while centurion from Sri Lanka’s 1st innings Charith Asalanka bowled a tidy spell to capture 2/51.