Hambantota: Twenty-two-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara continued his rapid rise in Sri Lankan cricket with a magnificent pair of centuries as Sri Lanka Emerging Players and West Indies Academy played out a draw in the first unofficial Test at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.
Bandara amassed a staggering 351 runs in the match, scoring 163 in the first innings and an unbeaten 188 in the second, becoming the undisputed star of the four-day contest.
After electing to bat first, Sri Lanka Emerging Players found themselves reeling at 133 for 7 before Bandara staged a remarkable rescue act. The wicketkeeper-batter displayed tremendous patience and skill during his 217-ball stay at the crease, striking 19 boundaries on his way to 163.
His innings lifted Sri Lanka to 356 all out. Nisala Abeyratne (48) and Asitha Wanninayake (41) were the only other notable contributors. For West Indies Academy, Johann Layne (3/68) and Ryan Bandoo (3/45) shared the bowling honours.
West Indies Academy replied with 381 all out, securing a slender first-innings lead of 25 runs. Captain and wicketkeeper Rivaldo Clarke led from the front with a superb 127, while Mavendra Dindyal (60) and Shaqkere Parris (55) also made significant contributions.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were led by off-spinner Shakthi Udara, who delivered an outstanding spell of 6 for 102, while Nisala Abeyratne (2/76) and Chamod Battage (2/65) chipped in with support wickets.
The hosts again found themselves under pressure in the second innings at 91 for 5 before Bandara produced another masterclass. Combining resilience with sound technique, he batted for 324 deliveries and remained unbeaten on 188, striking 13 boundaries.
Bandara received valuable support from Pulindu Perera (87) and Tharinda Nirmal (41) as Sri Lanka Emerging Players closed on 401 for 8 declared, leaving no realistic chance of a result.
For the visitors, Johann Layne (3/61) and Jediah Blades (2/43) were the most successful bowlers.
The match ultimately ended in a draw, but it served as a showcase for Bandara’s immense talent. At just 22 years of age, the wicketkeeper-batter demonstrated the temperament, concentration and stroke-making ability required at the highest level.
Chief Scores
Sri Lanka Emerging Players 1st Innings – 356
- Anjala Bandara 163
- Nisala Abeyratne 48
- Asitha Wanninayake 41
- Johann Layne 3/68
- Ryan Bandoo 3/45
West Indies Academy 1st Innings – 381
- Rivaldo Clarke 127
- Mavendra Dindyal 60
- Shaqkere Parris 55
- Shakthi Udara 6/102
Sri Lanka Emerging Players 2nd Innings – 401/8
- Anjala Bandara 188*
- Pulindu Perera 87
- Tharinda Nirmal 41
- Johann Layne 3/61
- Jediah Blades 2/43
Result: Match Drawn.
Player of the Match: Anjala Bandara (163 & 188*) – 351 runs.
