Pavan scores century as Sri Lanka ‘A’ dominate day two

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 02:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dinusha, de Livera complete half-centuries
Second 4-day unofficial Test v Australia ‘A’

Pavan Rathnayake scored his 11th first-class century against Australia ‘A’ in second 4-day unofficial Test

Pavan Rathnayake joined Nuwanidu in triple figures and Sonal Dinusha and Sohan de Livera scored fifties apiece as Sri Lanka ‘A’ dominated the second day of the second 4-day unofficial Test against Australia ‘A’ at the Marrara Oval, Darwin yesterday.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ resumed at 263-4 and batted until after the tea break before declaring at 485-6. By the close Australia ‘A’ had lost the wicket of Nathan McSweeney for 12 to off-spinner Nishan Peiris to be 76-1. McSweeney fell to a well-flighted ball that turned through the gate to smash into his middle stump. Kurtis Patterson was dropped on the first ball he faced, with an edge to the fielder at short leg not taken. It was a difficult chance, but Kurtis Patterson (19*) reset and got through to stumps with Jake Weatherald (45*). Australia ‘A’ trail Sri Lanka ‘A’ by a massive 409 runs.

The day belonged to Rathnayake who went on to complete his 11th first-class century using up 223 balls for his 122 which comprised 16 fours. With Dinusha who made a solid 88 off 191 balls (4 fours) Ratnayake added 170 for the fifth wicket as the pair dictated terms to the Aussie bowlers.

Wicket-keeper De Livera joined the run parade completing an unbeaten 50 off 68 balls (3 fours, 1 six) before the declaration. Zanden Jeh was the only Australian to take multiple wickets (3/132 from 43 overs).

The first 4-day unofficial test ended in a draw.

Scores: Sri Lanka ‘A’ 485-6 decl. (o/n 263-4) (Kamil Mishara 81, Nuwanidu Fernando 102, Pavan Rathnayake 122, Sonal Dinusha 88, Sohan de Livera 50*, Zanden Jeh 3/132)

Australia ‘A’ 76-1 at close (Jake Weatherald 45*)