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Game heading towards gruelling crunch battle
By Bernie Wijesekera
The third and final unofficial Test between Sri Lanka ‘A’ and West Indies ‘A’ produced exciting cricket on day three. Fortunes fluctuated pendulum – wise during the first session. Sri Lanka after a healthy start – 181 for 3 on Friday, slumped to 194 for 6. But the lower order batsmen led by a 7th wicket stand of 59 runs between Mahroof (16 ) and allrounder Dilhara Lokuhettige with a carefree 57 (5 fours and a six in 94 balls) sewed up the innings. Sanjay Weerakoon a breezy 27 n.o., with 6 fours in 35 balls saw Lankan ‘A’ give a spirited reply of 312 to the West Indies ‘A’ first innings total 324.

Windies in their second innings after being 100 for 2 helped by an attractive and aggressive second wicket stand between opener Lendl Simmons (nephew of test allrounder Phil) with a solid (52) and skipper Ganga (23) put on 45 runs. Ganga stroking the ball beautifully was lured by a slower delivery from Soysa, was well held at covers by Dilhara (with 2 fours and a six).

Simmons batted with assurance in his 168 minute stay and made 52 (with 6 fours and a six). He fell to a diving caught and bowled by left-armer Weerakoon. With the pitch taking some turn Weerakoon bowling to a remarkable line put Sri Lanka ‘A’ in front. He had Samuel caught in the deep 16-114 for 4 at close.

The Windies led by 126 runs with 6 wickets intact. Today’s first session is vital for both teams. With the pitch deteriorating the game is evenly poised.
But 200 runs could be a good total. Windies orthodox left-arm spinner Nikita Miller, had the batsmen in check in his marathon spell in Sri Lanka’s first innings.

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