Abbas century in vain as Sri Lanka ‘A’ seal series 3-0

Tuesday, 21 April 2026 00:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka ‘A’ celebrate their 3-0 unofficial ODI series win against New Zealand ‘A’

Three-match unofficial ODI series against New Zealand ‘A’

A splendid century from Lahore-born 22-year-old right-hander Muhammad Abbas failed to stop Sri Lanka ‘A’ from beating New Zealand ‘A’ by four wickets in the third and final unofficial ODI and making a clean 3-0 sweep of the three-match series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Hambantota.

Abbas’ knock of 110* off 112 balls (7 fours, 4 sixes) was the cornerstone on which New Zealand ‘A’ built their innings of 302-7. Abbas starred in a third wicket stand of 122 with Matthew Boyle who made 85 off 80 balls (12 fours).

Sri Lanka ‘A’ took up the challenge on a flat pitch with Kamil Mishara setting the tone with an 81-ball 83 (6 fours, 5 sixes) and sharing a third wicket partnership of 130 with Pavan Rathnayake (77 off 62 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes). Following the dismissals of Mishara and Rathnayake within the space of three balls, Ahan Wickramasinghe took on the responsibility of seeing Sri Lanka ‘A’ home with 22 balls to spare playing a matured innings of 64* off 53 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes) that won him the Player of the Match award. Right-arm seamer Simon Keane bowled his heart out for New Zealand ‘A’ finishing with figures of 4/54.

The two teams commenced a two-match 4-day unofficial test series at the same venue yesterday.

Scores: New Zealand ‘A’ 302-7 (50) (Rhys Mariu 28, Matthew Boyle 85, Muhammad Abbas 110*, Tim Pringle 20, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 2/46)

Sri Lanka ‘A’ 303-6 (46.2) (Kamil Mishara 83, Lasith Croospulle 26, Pavan Rathnayake 77, Ahan Wickramasinghe 64*, Sonal Dinusha 26, Simon Keene 4/54, Tim Pringle 2/42)

Muhammad Abbas acclaims his century

Player of the Match Ahan Wickramasinghe

Sri Lanka ‘A’ captain Sahan Arachchige receives the series trophy from chief selector Pramodya Wickramasinghe. Sonal Dinusha who led Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the third match is also present

Simon Keene who took 4/54 celebrates the wicket of Lasith Croospulle