Anjala Bandara rescues SL Emerging players with brilliant century

Tuesday, 9 June 2026 02:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Anjala Bandara batted brilliantly for his unbeaten century

First four-day unofficial Test vs. West Indies Academy

Anjala Bandara, the former Mahanama College wicket-keeper/batsman, came to the rescue of Sri Lanka Emerging players when he hit a magnificent unbeaten century on the opening day of the first four-day unofficial Test against West Indies Academy at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium, Hambantota yesterday.

Bandara came to bat with Sri Lanka Emerging players four down for 95. Before he could get into top gear, the home side had slumped further to 133-7, falling to the pace of Johann Layne (3/58) and the left-arm wrist spin of Ryan Bandoo (2/45). This is despite contributions of 41 off 59 balls (5 fours) from Asitha Wanninayake and 25 off 38 from Sharujan Shanmuganathan from the top order.

Bandara found useful allies in Shakthi Udara and Nisala Abeyratne, who helped him raise the total by 169 runs. With Udara (13 off 41 balls), Bandara added 60 for the eighth wicket, and with Abeyratne (38* off 69 balls, 7 fours), a further 109 in an unfinished stand that carried Sri Lanka Emerging past the 300-run mark towards the end of the day.

Bandara, batting brilliantly against the varied West Indies Academy attack, struck 13 fours in his 165-ball knock of 126*. West Indies Academy were guilty of conceding 35 extras, 20 of them byes.

The match continues in its second day today. – [ST]

Scores:

Sri Lanka Emerging 302-8 at close (Asitha Wanninayake 41, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 25, Anjala Bandara 126*, Nisala Abeyratne 38*, Jediah Blades 2/64, Johann Layne 3/58, Ryan Bandoo 2/45) vs. West Indies Academy

Johann Layne celebrates a wicket