An unbeaten century from Anjala Bandara rescued Sri Lanka Emerging Players from a precarious position on the opening day of the first unofficial Test against West Indies Academy at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on Monday.
At stumps, Sri Lanka Emerging had recovered to 302 for eight after a disastrous start that saw them reduced to 133 for seven before Bandara produced a determined innings of maturity and substance to wrest control back from the visitors.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, Sri Lanka’s top order struggled to cope with disciplined seam bowling from Johann Layne and company. Pulindu Perera fell early for nine before Ravindu Rasantha managed just four. When Sahan Kosala departed for three, the hosts were reeling at 26 for three.
The innings threatened to unravel completely despite a positive contribution from Asitha Wanninayake, who struck 41 off 59 deliveries with five boundaries. Sharujan Shanmuganathan added 25, but both batters fell while attempting to rebuild, leaving the home side vulnerable.
West Indies Academy sensed an opportunity and tightened the screws. Captain Dinura Kalupahana lasted only 15 balls for five, while Tharinda Nirmal’s brief stay yielded just three runs. At 133 for seven, the visitors were firmly in command.
However, Bandara had other ideas.
Displaying admirable patience and excellent shot selection, the wicketkeeper-batter anchored the innings magnificently. He remained unbeaten on 126 off 165 deliveries, an innings decorated with 13 boundaries. More importantly, he absorbed pressure and guided the lower order through challenging periods.
Bandara first found support from Shakthi Udara, who contributed 13, before forging an unbroken ninth-wicket partnership with Nisala Abeyratne that transformed the complexion of the match. Abeyratne played confidently for his unbeaten 38, striking seven boundaries as the pair added 109 runs and denied the visitors further breakthroughs.
The West Indies bowlers shared the honours. Layne was the pick of the attack with three wickets, while Jediah Blades and Ryan Bandoo claimed two apiece. Their efforts had Sri Lanka on the ropes for much of the day before Bandara’s counterattack shifted the momentum.
With two wickets still in hand and Bandara well set, Sri Lanka Emerging will aim to push beyond the 350-run mark when play resumes on the second morning. After a day that swung dramatically between the two sides, the contest remains finely poised.
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka Emerging 302/8 in 77 overs (Anjala Bandara 126; Nisala Abeyratne 38; Asitha Wanninayake 41; Johann Layne 3/58, Jediah Blades 2/64, Ryan Bandoo 2/45).**
