Nipun, Sahan put Sri Lanka ‘A’ in strong position

By M. Shamil Amit

Nipun Dhananjaya and Sahan Arachchige cracked their second successive half tons to put Sri Lanka ‘A’ on top against Australia ‘A’ at the end of the third day’s play in the second four-day match played at the Sooriyawewa Stadium.

Dhananjaya, following his 92 in the first innings, made 77 while Arachchige added to his first innings half-century with 58 to help Sri Lanka ‘A’, resuming their second innings from their overnight score of 27 for 2, to make a score of 290 runs.

Australia ‘A’, left with a target of 367 runs for victory, ended the day on 37 for 1 needing a further 330 runs when play resumes today.:

Sri Lanka ‘A’ 330 for 9 declared (Nipun Dhananjaya 92, Lahiru Udara 63, Sahan Arachchige 61, Nuwanidu Fernando 32, Sadeera Samarawickrama 29: Scott Boland 4 for 38, Mark Steketee 4 for 69) and (27/2 overnight) 290 (Nipun Dhananjaya 77, Sahan Arachchige 58, Kamindu Mendis 48, Lakshitha Manasinghe 25, Sadeera Samarawickrama 20, Suminda Lakshan 30 n.o.: Scott Boland 3 for 51, Tanveer Sangha 3 for 53, Mark Steketee 2 for 55, Jon Holland 2 for 85)

Australia ‘A’ 254 (Marcus Harris 39, Matt Renshaw 35, Henry Hunt 28, Aaron Hardie 24, Mark Steketee 19, Josh Philippe 16, Jimmy Peirson 67 n.o.: Lakshitha Manasinghe 5 for 82, Dilshan Madusanka 3 for 43, Suminda Lakshan 2 for 67) and 37 for 1 (Henry Hunt 17 n.o.)