Pulindu Perera century puts Sri Lanka Emerging Players in control

Second 4-day unofficial test vs. West Indies Academy

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 05:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former Dharmaraja College, Kandy and Sri Lanka U19 left-handed opener Pulindu Perera hit a brilliant 145 off 188 balls (14 fours, 1 six) to enable Sri Lanka Emerging Players gain in control of the second 4-day unofficial test against touring West Indies Academy at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium, Hambantota yesterday.

Perera shared an opening partnership of 168 with Ravindu Rasantha (60 off 126 balls, 6 fours) to lay the foundation for Sri Lanka Emerging Players total of 430-4 by the end of the second day. It was Perera’s second first-class century playing in only his 11th match and his highest at this level.

With West Indies Academy having been dismissed for 231 in their first innings, Sri Lanka Emerging Players hold onto a handsome 199-run lead already with two more days of the match remaining.

The rest of the batters took a cue from the openers and all of them contributed towards the massive total. Asitha Wanninayake (60 off 102 balls, 9 fours) and Sahan Kosala (38) added a further 76 for the third wicket.

At stumps Sharujan Shanmuganathan (33*) and Anjala Bandara (48*), the first ‘test’ hero with twin centuries were involved in an unfinished 71 runs stand for the fifth wicket.

West Indies Academy didn’t do themselves any favours conceding 46 runs by way of extras which helped swell the home team’s total substantially. The match continued on its third day today. – [ST]

Scores:

West Indies Academy 231
Sri Lanka Emerging Players 430-4 at close (o/n 37-0) (Pulindu Perera 145, Ravindu Rasantha 60, Asitha Wanninayake 60, Sahan Kosala 38, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 33*, Anjala Bandara 48*, Zishan Motara 2/101)