Avishka, Kamindu script massive Sri Lanka ‘A’ win
Former Sri Lanka Head Coach Graham Ford, currently in the country with the Ireland 'A' side, was seen in an interactive conversation with the Sri Lanka Limited Overs skipper Lasith Malinga at the SSC yesterday - Pic by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
A fine century by Avishka Fernando (139) – his second in the series and an excellent allround performance by reliable allrounder Kamindu Mendis (50 n.o. and 3 for 34) spearheaded Sri Lanka ‘A’ for an easy 202 run victory over Ireland A in the 4th ODI match played at the SSC Grounds yesterday.
Having won the toss Sri Lanka ‘A rattled up a massive 353 for 6 wickets and dismissed the Irishmen for 151 to go up 4-0 in the five match series.
Two fruitful partnerships for second and seventh wickets laid the foundation for the big Sri Lanka total. First a 117 by Avishka and Minod Bhanuka (34) followed by an unfinished 7th wicket stand by Kamindu Mendis (50 n.o.,) and Angelo Perera (56 n.o.) laid the foundation for the hosts’ match winning total.
Top scorer Avishka’s ton came off 118 deliveries including ten hits to the ropes and seven massive hits over.
For the visitors Simi Singh was the most successful bowler to claim 2 for 39.
Ireland’s run chase was hampered by opener Isuru Udana who dismissed the front line batters while spinners Kamindu Mendis (3 for 34) and Chaturanga De Silva (2 for 39) polished off the tail to lead Sri Lanka A to crushing win.
Chief Scorers
Sri Lanka ‘A’ 353 for 6 (50) (Avishka Fernando 139, Minod Bhanuka 34, Milinda Siriwardene 28, Angelo Perera 56n.o., Kamindu Mendis 50 n.o., Simi Singh 2 for 39, J. Cameron-Dow 1 for 40, J.J. Garth 1 for 51, H. Hector 1 for 32, S.C. Getkate 1 for 65)
Ireland 151 (30.4) (Simi Singh 19, L. Tucker 19, J. Cameron-Dow 20, Isuru Udana 3 for 33, Kamindu Mendis 3 for 34, Chaturanga De Silva 2 for 39)