Jayasundera 92 as the match fizzles out

As expected the second unofficial Test match between Sri Lanka ‘A’ and Pakistan ‘A’ fizzled out to a tame draw at the Pallekele International Stadium yesterday.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ batting the second time in just under two and a half sessions of play ended the day on 206 for 3 with the match being stopped after Udara’s dismissal. Udara made a top score of 92 in 153 balls which had ten boundaries and was associated in a 49 runs stand for the third wicket with skipper Ashan Priyanjan. Earlier Sri Lanka ‘A’ lost an early wicket that of Dhananjaya de Silva, who made a 96 in the first inning, was able to face only five deliveries being bowled by Imad Wasim for a duck with the home side’s score on three.

From there on Udara Jayasundara and Madawa Warnapura denied success for the Pakistan A bowlers for a considerable period. The pair added 148 runs for the second wicket before being separated with Zafar Gofar dismiss- ing Madawa who made 80 in 159 balls inclusive of 11 boundaries.

The outcome of the match was visible when play ended on day three with Pakistan ‘A’ ending on 287 for 5 in reply to host Sri Lanka ‘A’s score of 327. With two of Sri Lankan ‘A’ batsmen Dhanajaya de Silva and Kithruwn Vithanage missing out on a ton. The focus on the final day’s proceedings was that would Pakistan ‘A’ batsman Usman Salahuddin who was unbeaten on 86 be able to get his ton.

But he too unfortunately was unable to reach the feat as he failed to add anything to his overnight score as he became the first of the three victims of pacie Lahiru Gamage on day four with Pakistan ‘A’ adding just one run from eight overs to their overnight of 287.

Zafar Gofar who followed did not last long as he faced 11 balls for his one run falling to Gamage with Pakistan ‘A’ on 296. Tabish Khan too fell victim to Gamage and he too plodded for 16 balls for a duck.

Meanwhile Adnan Akmal making steady progress was left to watch his partners depart at the other end. Akmal joined by Zia-ul-Haq gave some hope to the visitors with the pair making steady progress but four runs away from Sri Lanka ‘A’ score of 327 having added 24 runs for the ninth wicket they were separated with Haq’s wicket by spinner Tharindu Kaushal.

However the Pakistanis managed to surpass the host score before Akmal became Kausahl’s third wicket having made a 101 ball knock of 47 which included six boundaries with the visitors being bowled out for 333.

The third unofficial Test will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium from May 20 to 23.

(Dhananjaya de Silva 96, Kithruwan Vithanage 96, Udara Jayasundara 42, Asela Gunaratne 31, Kusal Perera 23: Imad Wasim 4 for 44, Zafar Gohar 2 for 48, Mir Hamza 2 for 70)