Oshada reminds selectors with century against Pakistan

Oshada Fernando scored a century off Pakistan for SLC President’s XI. 

Sri Lanka Test discard Oshada Fernando gave a timely reminder to the national selectors with a 115-ball century for SLC President’s XI against the touring Pakistanis on the opening day of the 2-day warm-up match played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Hambantota yesterday.

Opener Fernando’s innings of 113 off 127 balls (18 fours) was the stand-out knock as the home side winning the toss and batting first were dismissed for 196.

Skipper Kamindu Mendis (21) and Fernando added 88 for the third wicket which was the only partnership of substance as the Pakistan seamers Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali and Aamir Jamal wrecked the rest of the batting, capturing eight wickets between them.

Pakistan ended the day strongly placed at 160-3 thanks to a splendid innings of 83 off 67 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) from Shan Masood, who figured in a stand of 92 with Imam-ul-Haq (32). Babar Azam the Pakistan captain was unbeaten on 14.

Off-spinner Lakshitha Manasinghe was the pick of the Lankan bowlers ending the day with figures of 2 for 39. The match continues on its second and last day today. – (ST)

Scores: SLC President’s XI 196 (Oshada Fernando 113, Kamindu Mendis 21, Shaheen Afridi 3/37, Hasan Ali 3/22, Abrar Ahmed 2/52, Aamir Jamal 2/33)

Pakistanis 160-3 at close (Abdullah Shafique 25, Imam-ul-Haq 36, Shan Masood 83, Lakshitha Manasinghe 2/39)