Ton up Sonal helps Sri Lanka ‘A’ end day one on 372-7

An unbeaten century by Sonal Dinusha and half-centuries by Lahiru Udara and Vishad Randika propelled Sri Lanka ‘A’ to finish the first day with a commanding total of 372 for 7 against Afghanistan ‘A’ in the only Unofficial Test match which began at the P. Sara Oval yesterday.

Sonal hit 126 off 178 balls, including 13 boundaries, and contributed in three fruitful partnerships. Lahiru smashed a rapid 65 off 57 balls with 11 boundaries, while Vishad scored 63 with eight boundaries. Opening pair Lahiru Udara and Oshada Fernando provided a solid start after skipper Pasindu Sooriyabandara won the toss and opted to bat first. They added a valuable partnership of 84 runs before Oshada was dismissed for 32.

However, Sri Lanka ‘A’ faced a setback as Lahiru and Nuwanidu Fernando put on a brief 21-run partnership before losing three quick wickets, including Lahiru. Struggling at 106 for 4, the partnership between Ahan Wickramasinghe and Sonal helped the hosts recover, adding 65 runs for the fifth wicket before Ahan departed for 27.

Sonal, joined by Vishad Randika, initiated another recovery, reaching the 200-run mark and sharing a century partnership before being separated after a valuable 115-run stand for the sixth wicket as Naveed Zadran dismissed Vishad.

Sonal then partnered with Wanuja Sahan, who remained unbeaten on 34, to add an unbroken 81-run stand for the eighth wicket as Sri Lanka ‘A’ finished the day at 372 for 7. The match will resume today.