Madushka 269 flattens Kent

Nishan Madushka celebrates his double century

By Amindha de Alwis 

Nishan Madushka’s mammoth 269 headlined an impressive day out for the SLC Development XI on day three of their four-day encounter versus Kent in Canterbury yesterday. 

Masushka’s eight-hour stay at the wicket was punctuated by 37 fours and two hits over the fence. 
The wicketkeeper batsman was involved in two highly fruitful partnerships during his knock. The first of 294 runs for the second wicket with opener Lasith Croospulle (136), and thereafter a 171-run stand with Nuwanidu Fernando (99) who was bowled by South African spinner George Linde while on the brink of his own century. 
The efforts of the three batsman, in their first competitive innings since arriving on tour, ensured that the Development XI ended the day on 573 for six, just 22 runs behind the home side who had pummeled their way to 598 for 8 declared in their first innings. 

Fernando was dismissed just three overs shy of the close of play leaving Santhush Gunathilake and Dilum Sudeera, both new to the crease, to take the team to stumps. 

The four-day game has thus far seen 1168 runs scored for the loss of just 14 wickets, with both sides scoring at a breezy run-rate above four an over.

Given the lack of assistance for the bowlers, the visitors would likely look to bat as long as possible going into the fourth and final day. 

Scores: End of Day Three

Kent: 595 for 8 dec (D Stevens 168, G Linde 107, B Mead 106 no)
SLC Development XI: 573 for 6 ( L Croospulle 136, N Madushka 269, N Fernando 99)