Kandy looking cool after Sahan Arachchige’s 162
Sahan Arachchige’s 162 and Avindu Theekshana’s five-for placed Kandy in the boxing seat leading by 210-runs at third day stumps, in the second four dayer at Pallekele yesterday.
Jaffna in reply to their hosts 503, had starts, but the three batters having crossed the half-century mark, failed to convert into big scores. Janith Liyanage, after a forgetful maiden international appearance, was the top scorer for his team hitting an excellent 85. Neither he, including the next best 73 from Saminda Fernando, nor the two other batters, also hitting 50’s, took them anywhere closer to Kandy’s first essay’s commanding total.
Avindu Theekshana has been the best bowler so far with a five for 135.
The northern team inserting Kandy to bat first, were in a spot of bother at four down for 138. But it is then, a 153-run stand between centurion Arachchige and a half-century maker Kasun Vidura (67) for the sixth-wicket carried them to a steady 347. Before Arahchcige was dismissed, he was involved nearly in another century stand.
| Kandy 503 for 9d (135.2) (Sahan Arachchige 162, Kasun Vidura 67, Oshada Fernando 50, Lahiru Udara 50, Nipun Malinga 3/68, Santhush Gunatilake 2/55) and 25 for no loss (7) Jaffna 318 all out (92.4) (Janith Liyanage 85, Saminda Fernando 73, Geeth Kumara 58*, Nishan Madushka 56, Avindu Theekshana 5/135) | |