Oshada, Isitha star in Sri Lanka ‘A’s win

Friday, 13 September 2024 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Oshada Fernando

Go one-up in four-day Test series v South Africa ‘A’

Isitha Wijesundara

Opening batsman Oshada Fernando and fast bowler Isitha Wijesundara starred for Sri Lanka ‘A’ in their six-wicket win over South Africa ‘A’ in the first four-day unofficial Test played at Kimberley.

Fernando, who is staking a claim for a Test place in the national side, followed his first innings century (112) with another noteworthy knock of 80 off 122 balls (12 fours), as Sri Lanka ‘A’ chased down their target of 174 to go one-nil up in the two-match series.

South Africa ‘A’, who gained a first innings lead of 49 runs, were rattled by the pace of Wijesundara, who went on to take a career best 7/34 off nine overs as the hosts were bowled out for 124 in their second innings, leaving Sri Lanka ‘A’ with a moderate target to chase. The second and final Test starts at Benoni on Sunday.

Scores: South Africa ‘A’ 372 and 124 (Marques Ackerman 27, Beyers Swanepoel 38*, Isitha Wijesundara 7/34, Eshan Malinga 2/28)

Sri Lanka ‘A’ 323 (Oshada Fernando 122, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 61, Sonal Dinusha 36, Vishad Randika 35, Beyers Swanepoel 4/52, Prenelan Subrayen 2/63) and 174-4 (o/n 34-1) (Oshada Fernando 80, Lahiru Udara 26, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 22, Janith Liyanage 23*, Codi Yusuf 2/29)