Sri Lanka Emerging Players produced a statement performance in Hambantota, crushing West Indies Academy by an innings and 216 runs in the second unofficial Test at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. The comprehensive victory, completed on the third day, secured a 1-0 series win and reinforced the depth and quality of Sri Lanka’s emerging red-ball structure.
West Indies Academy, opting to bat first after winning the toss, struggled to build momentum against disciplined Sri Lankan bowling. They were bowled out for 231 in 67.5 overs despite a composed and defiant 99 from Shaqkere Parris, who narrowly missed out on a well-deserved century. Captain Rivaldo Clarke also offered resistance with a fluent 57, but early damage proved decisive. The innings never fully recovered after a top-order collapse left them reeling at 37/4. Chamod Battage led the attack with an impressive 4 for 51, while Nisala Abeyratne and Shakthi Udara provided crucial support with two wickets apiece.
In reply, Sri Lanka Emerging Players turned the contest into a batting exhibition. Their first innings total of 553 for 5 declared in 122 overs effectively sealed the match and buried the visitors under pressure. The innings was anchored by a superb 145 from Pulindu Perera, who displayed patience and authority at the crease. Wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara added a classy unbeaten 105, continuing his strong run of form. Valuable contributions flowed throughout the order, with Ravindu Rasantha scoring 60, Asitha Wanninayake also making 60, and Sharujan Shanmuganathan striking a confident 74. The depth of Sri Lanka’s batting ensured there were no prolonged phases of recovery for the West Indies bowlers.
The visiting attack toiled without success for long periods. Zishan Motara picked up two wickets, while Giovonte Depeiza and Johann Layne chipped in with one each, but Sri Lanka’s batting dominance ensured the scoreboard pressure became overwhelming.
Trailing by 322 runs, West Indies Academy were asked to follow on and collapsed under sustained pressure from Sri Lanka’s bowling unit in their second innings. The resistance was brief, with Damel Evelyn’s 26 and Shaqkere Parris’ 28 offering the only notable resistance. The innings folded for just 106 in 29.5 overs, ending any hope of a fightback.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Mihiranga Silva striking early before Asitha Wanninayake produced a devastating spell, claiming 4 for 5 to rip through the lower order. Shakthi Udara also impressed with 3 for 25, maintaining control and accuracy as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. The disciplined bowling effort ensured there were no extended partnerships and underlined Sri Lanka’s superiority in all three departments.
By the end of the match, Sri Lanka Emerging Players had not only secured a comprehensive innings victory but also wrapped up the two-match series 1-0 in emphatic fashion. The performance highlighted a well-balanced unit capable of dominating both with bat and ball, offering encouraging signs for the future pipeline of Sri Lankan cricket.
Chief Scores:
West Indies Academy 1st Inns: 231 (Shaqkere Parris 99, Rivaldo Clarke 57; Chamod Battage 4/51, Shakthi Udara 2/61)
Sri Lanka Emerging Players 1st Inns: 553/5d (Pulindu Perera 145, Anjala Bandara 105*, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 74, Ravindu Rasantha 60, Asitha Wanninayake 60)
West Indies Academy 2nd Inns: 106 (Damel Evelyn 26, Shaqkere Parris 28; Asitha Wanninayake 4/5, Shakthi Udara 3/25)
Result: Sri Lanka Emerging Players won by an innings and 216 runs.
