Sonal Dinusha hits a century for Sri Lanka A
Tim Robinson’s unbeaten century powered New Zealand A to a commanding position at stumps on Day Two of the first unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on Friday.
Replying to Sri Lanka A’s first innings total of 381, the visitors reached 199 for 1 in 62 overs, trailing by 182 runs with nine wickets in hand. A solid unbroken second-wicket stand between Robinson and Curtis Heaphy put New Zealand A firmly in control heading into Day Three.
Sri Lanka A resumed the day looking to add quick runs to their overnight total of 324 for 7, but the New Zealand A bowlers kept things relatively tight. Despite that, useful contributions from the lower order helped the hosts push their total to a competitive 381.
Tim Robinson’s unbeaten century powered New Zealand A
The innings was built around a magnificent century from Sonal Dinusha, who struck 108 off 148 balls with nine fours and a six. He received valuable support from Lahiru Udara, who made a fluent 61, while Ramesh Mendis chipped in with 48. Isitha Wijesundara’s brisk 36 further strengthened the total. Among the bowlers, Tim Pringle was the most successful with three wickets, while Peter Younghusband claimed two.
New Zealand A’s reply began cautiously, but Sri Lanka A made an early breakthrough when Dilum Sudeera removed captain Rhys Mariu for 17 with the score at 27. However, that proved to be the only success for the home side during an otherwise frustrating day.
Robinson and Heaphy then settled into a patient partnership, initially focusing on survival before gradually expanding their stroke play. The pair displayed excellent discipline against both pace and spin, rotating the strike effectively and capitalising on loose deliveries.
Robinson reached his century in composed fashion, finishing the day unbeaten on 101 off 178 balls, decorated with ten boundaries. Heaphy provided solid support at the other end, remaining not out on 75 from 172 deliveries, striking five fours in a patient knock. Their unbroken partnership of 172 runs put New Zealand A in a strong position.
Sri Lanka A’s bowlers tried several combinations, but none could break the stand. Sudeera was the lone wicket-taker, returning figures of 1 for 50 in 19 overs, while Sonal Dinusha bowled economically, conceding just 15 runs in 10 overs. Ramesh Mendis and Dulaj Samuditha also kept things tight but without reward.
With the pitch continuing to favour batting, the contest is finely poised. New Zealand A will aim to erase the deficit early on Day Three and build a substantial lead, while Sri Lanka A will look for quick wickets to regain control.
Chief Scores
Sri Lanka A – 381 all out (97.5 overs)
Sonal Dinusha 108, Lahiru Udara 61, Ramesh Mendis 48, Isitha Wijesundara 36, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 32
Tim Pringle 3/88, Peter Younghusband 2/97
New Zealand A – 199/1 (62 overs) at stumps, Day Two
Tim Robinson 101* (178), Curtis Heaphy 75* (172), Rhys Mariu 17
Dilum Sudeera 1/50
New Zealand A trail by 182 runs with nine wickets in hand.
