Galli: Nuwanidu Fernando’s unbeaten half-century gave Sri Lanka A a thrilling fightback as Dhruv Jurel’s 141 helped India A pile up a huge total on the second day of the first unofficial Test at the Galle International Stadium on Friday.
Fernando and Ashen Bhandara on strike left India A a further 339 runs behind and the home side were 113/2 at the end of the second day’s play.
Earlier, the tourists continued their first innings at 333/4 and added another 119 runs for the loss of two wickets until captain Jural declared.
Captain Jural remained the top scorer with an unbeaten 141 off 215 balls with 13 fours and a six.
He shared a 136-run fifth-wicket partnership with Sheikh Rashid, who scored 63 runs off 113 balls before falling to Samika Gunasekara in the sixth over on the second day.
Bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey provided significant support to his captain Jurel with 30 off 51 balls.
Gunasekara was the best bowler for Sri Lanka A as he took 3 wickets for 84 runs in 18.4 overs, followed by Dilum Sutheera with two wickets and Ravindu Fernando with one wicket.
In reply to India’s 452/6d, Sri Lanka A started to unravel their innings as they bowled out openers Niroshan Dickwella (10) and Bavenda Weerasinghe (11) for just 38 runs in 10.4 overs.
Following an early stumble, Nuwanitu paired with Fernando Bandara, the duo batted smartly to put on 75 not out for the third wicket as Sri Lanka A ended a torrid second day on a high.
Fernando was Sri Lanka’s top scorer in the first innings with an unbeaten 65 off 103 balls, while Bandara scored an unbeaten 18 off 51 balls. Both will resume the home side’s reply on the final day as they look to neutralize India’s 339-run lead.