Sri Lanka ‘A’ produced a commanding all-round performance to crush New Zealand ‘A’ by 140 runs in the first unofficial One-Day International played in Galle on Sunday, with left-arm spinner Wanuja Sahan delivering a match-winning five-wicket haul.
After posting a competitive 261 in 49.2 overs, Sri Lanka ‘A’ bowled out the visitors for just 121 in 28.4 overs, as Wanuja’s superb spell of 5 for 13 dismantled the chase and sealed an emphatic victory.
Earlier, Sri Lanka ‘A’ built their total on the back of three half-centuries. Kamil Mishara provided a blazing start, smashing 71 off just 49 balls with 12 fours and a six. His aggressive intent ensured the home side raced to early momentum despite losing Lasith Croospulle cheaply.
The innings was then stabilised by skipper Sahan Arachchige, who compiled a composed 66 off 81 deliveries, mixing caution with timely boundaries. He shared useful partnerships through the middle overs, ensuring Sri Lanka ‘A’ did not lose their grip after the early flourish.
Later, Milan Rathnayaka added valuable runs with a patient 53 off 89 balls. His knock, though measured, proved crucial in pushing the total beyond the 250-mark. Quick contributions from the lower order, including a handy 12 from Wanuja Sahan, helped Sri Lanka ‘A’ close on 261.
Chasing 262, New Zealand ‘A’ began briskly, with Dale Phillips striking 30 off 17 balls to briefly threaten. However, once Wanuja Sahan was introduced into the attack, the match turned decisively.
The left-arm spinner struck immediately, trapping Phillips lbw before removing Tim Robinson, who was stumped. He continued to weave a web around the batters, extracting turn and maintaining tight control. Mitchell Hay fell attempting to break the shackles, while Adithya Ashok and Ben Lister were also dismissed by the spinner as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
Wanuja’s outstanding figures of 5 for 13 in 6.4 overs reflected his dominance, as the visitors struggled to counter his accuracy and subtle variations. He received good support from Sonal Dinusha, who claimed two wickets for 10 runs, further tightening Sri Lanka ‘A’s grip on the contest.
New Zealand ‘A’ never recovered from the collapse, slipping from 51 for 1 to 121 all out. Only Kristian Clarke, who remained unbeaten on 18, showed some resistance, but the target proved far beyond reach.
Sri Lanka ‘A’s comprehensive victory highlighted their strength in both departments, but it was Wanuja Sahan’s clinical left-arm spin that stood out as the defining performance of the match. His five-wicket haul not only broke the backbone of the chase but also underlined his growing importance in the Sri Lanka ‘A’ setup.
