Nuwanidu’s unbeaten ton rescues Sri Lanka A as first four-day match ends in a draw
Source: Cricket Australia – CA Multicultural Media (eLanka)
A superb unbeaten century from Nuwanidu Fernando helped Sri Lanka A secure a hard-fought draw against Australia A in the first four-day match in Darwin, as the game turned into a display of sheer batting dominance from both sides.
Sri Lanka A batted through the final day to finish their second innings on 3/280 from 81 overs. Fernando stood tall with a composed 104 not out, steering his side to safety with support from Pavan Rathnayake (56*) and Pasindu Sooriyabandara (56). Australia A all-rounder Liam Scott was very economical with 10 runs conceded in 10 overs with one wicket in second innings.
Australia A had earlier piled on a mammoth 486 in their first innings, with runs flowing throughout the top and middle order. Nathan McSweeney and Liam Scott both scored 94, while Josh Philippe (85), Mitchell Perry (61), and Jake Weatherald (54) added to the dominance with the bat.
Sri Lankan spinner Sonal Dinusha was the pick of the bowlers with 4/97, supported by pacer Pramod Madushan (3/82).
In reply, Sri Lanka A managed 272 in their first innings, thanks largely to Dinusha’s fighting 105 not out. Liam Scott (2/27) and Henry Thornton (2/31) were the most effective bowlers for the hosts.
The second four-day match is scheduled to begin on Sunday.
The first four-day match between Australia A and Sri Lanka A ended in a draw.
Sri Lanka A 2nd innings: 3/280 (81 overs)
Nuwanidu Fernando 104*
Pavan Rathnayake 56*
Pasindu Sooriyabandara 56
Liam Scott 1/10
Australia A – 1st innings: 486 (161.4 overs)
Nathan McSweeney 94
Liam Scott 94
Josh Philippe 85
Mitchell Perry 61
Jake Weatherald 54
Sonal Dinusha 4-97, Pramod M 3-82
Sri Lanka A – 1st innings: 272 all out (82 overs)
Sonal Dinusha 105*, N Fernando 34
Liam Scott 2-27, Henry Thornton 2-31
