Sri Lanka ‘A’ came agonizingly close to wining the first unofficial Test against England Lions in Galle on Friday as they claimed seven wickets after setting a target of 333. The Sri Lankans had only themselves to blame as they gave their bowlers only 48 overs to have a crack at the Englishmen.
After quick Milan Ratnayake accounted for the first three wickets to fall, his new ball partner Amshi de Silva claimed another wicket to reduce England to 67 for four. There was some resistance from Josh Bohannon (57) and Jack Haynes (43) who added 88 runs for the fifth wicket. Off-spinner Lakshitha Manasinghe provided the breakthrough by removing both batters. However time was running out and at younger levels captains should be encouraged for sporting declarations.
On the final day, Sri Lanka ‘A’ resumed from the overnight score of 580 for three and declared on 663 for nine having batted for 19 overs and added 83 runs.
Opening batsman Nishan Madushka was the hero posting 241 in a 423 ball marathon in which he hit 25 fours and four sixes. He added 219 runs for the fourth wicket with captain Nipun Dananjaya, who made 128. Test batsman Oshada Fernando too posted a hundred after Lakshitha Manasinghe (73) and Nuwanindu Fernando (80) hit half-centuries.
It was a remarkable fight back by Sri Lanka ‘A’ after they were shot out for 136 in their first innings with Test fast bowler Matthew Fischer claiming five wickets. England Lions then responded with 467 all out. With a first innings deficit of 331, Sri Lanka were under tremendous pressure and they did well to dig themselves out of trouble.