Sri Lanka A made a solid start to the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A, finishing Day One on a commanding 324 for seven after electing to bat at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The hosts built their innings around a composed unbeaten knock from Sonal Dinusha who remained unbeaten on 90.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka A sought to take advantage of favourable batting conditions. However, the early exchanges were evenly contested as New Zealand A’s seamers maintained discipline. Nishan Madushka fell for 20, but Lahiru Udara and Nuwanidu Fernando steadied the innings with a cautious partnership. Udara looked particularly assured, compiling a patient 61 off 90 balls, laced with four boundaries, before becoming one of Tim Pringle’s two victims.
Sri Lanka A continued to lose wickets at regular intervals during the middle session. Nuwanidu Fernando contributed 21, while Pavan Rathnayake added 27 before falling just as he appeared set. Captain Pasindu Sooriyabandara chipped in with a valuable 32, helping the hosts cross the 150 mark, but New Zealand A kept chipping away.
The momentum shifted firmly in Sri Lanka A’s favour during the final session. Sonal Dinusha anchored the innings superbly, blending patience with calculated aggression. His unbeaten 90 came off 116 deliveries and included eight fours and a six. He found strong support from Ramesh Mendis, who played a fluent hand of 48 from 70 balls. Their partnership lifted Sri Lanka A from a potentially tricky position to a commanding total.
Late wickets for New Zealand A prevented further damage, but Sri Lanka A still ended the day in control. Milan Rathnayaka made a brief six before departing, while Isitha Wijesundara remained unbeaten on seven alongside Dinusha at stumps.
Tim Pringle was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 88, while Fraser Sheat, Jarrod McKay, Ryan Harrison, Peter Younghusband and Matthew Boyle claimed one wicket each.
Chief Scores – Sri Lanka A 1st Innings:
Sonal Dinusha 90*; Lahiru Udara 61; Ramesh Mendis 48; Pasindu Sooriyabandara 32; Pavan Rathnayake 27: Tim Pringle 2/88; Fraser Sheat 1/29; Jarrod McKay 1/23; Ryan Harrison 1/42; Peter Younghusband 1/76.
