Sri Lanka A and New Zealand A played out a tame draw in the first unofficial Test at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota after four days of competitive cricket that saw both sides produce significant individual performances with the bat.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sri Lanka A posted a solid 381 in their first innings, built around a magnificent century from Sonal Dinusha. The left-hander anchored the innings with a composed 108 off 148 balls, striking nine fours and a six. He received useful support from Lahiru Udara, who contributed a fluent 61, while Ramesh Mendis added 48 and Isitha Wijesundara chipped in with a handy 36 down the order. Contributions through the middle order ensured Sri Lanka A recovered from a moderate start to reach a competitive total.
New Zealand A’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Tim Pringle leading the effort with 3 for 88. Peter Younghusband claimed two wickets, while Ryan Harrison and Fraser Sheat picked up two and one respectively, as the visitors kept chipping away without allowing Sri Lanka A to completely dominate.
In reply, New Zealand A produced a commanding batting performance to take a first-innings lead. Curtis Heaphy played a marathon knock of 162, batting for 370 deliveries in an innings that displayed patience and resilience. He was well supported by Tim Robinson, who compiled a classy 130, as the pair added a massive partnership that put the visitors firmly in control. Lower down the order, Fraser Sheat added a brisk unbeaten 61 to push New Zealand A to 479.
Sri Lanka A’s bowlers toiled hard, with Ramesh Mendis and Sonal Dinusha claiming two wickets apiece, while Isitha Wijesundara also finished with two scalps. However, the inability to break the long Heaphy-Robinson stand proved costly, as New Zealand A secured a 98-run first-innings lead.
Sri Lanka A’s second innings began cautiously, with Lahiru Udara scoring 39 and Nishan Madushka contributing 25 before New Zealand A struck at regular intervals. Nuwanidu Fernando then steadied the innings with an unbeaten half-century, compiling 50 not out with seven boundaries. Captain Pasindu Sooriyabandara added 20, while Sonal Dinusha remained unbeaten on 15 as Sri Lanka A reached 168 for 4 before the match ended in a draw.
Tim Pringle was the standout bowler in the second innings, finishing with 3 for 50, while Peter Younghusband picked up one wicket.
With time running out and neither side in a position to force a result, the match ended in a draw after an absorbing contest that showcased promising talent from both teams.
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka A 1st innings – 381 (Sonal Dinusha 108, Lahiru Udara 61, Ramesh Mendis 48; Tim Pringle 3/88)
New Zealand A 1st innings – 479 (Curtis Heaphy 162, Tim Robinson 130, Fraser Sheat 61*; Ramesh Mendis 2/105, Sonal Dinusha 2/72)
Sri Lanka A 2nd innings – 168/4 (Nuwanidu Fernando 50*, Lahiru Udara 39; Tim Pringle 3/50)
Result: Match drawn.
