Sri Lanka ‘A’ bat themselves into strong position

Saturday, 25 April 2026 04:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dilum Sudeera celebrates taking six New Zealand ‘A’ wickets for 107

Lahiru Udara (with raised bat) and Nishan Madushka gave Sri Lanka ‘A’ a solid start posting 98

Sri Lanka’s new head coach Gary Kirsten is in Galle with two members of his support staff Ryan van Niekerk and Jordan Gregory tracking talent during the Sri Lanka ‘A’ v New Zealand ‘A’ ‘test’ match

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Kamil Mishara raced to 72* off 57 balls

Matthew Boyle scored a century in New Zealand ‘A’s first innings of 305

Sri Lanka ‘A’ batted themselves into a strong position in the second unofficial 4-day test against New Zealand ‘A’ played at the Galle Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Towards the end of another rain-hit day Sri Lanka ‘A’ having dismissed New Zealand ‘A’ for 305, replied with 197-2, to trail by 108 with eight first innings wickets in hand going into day three today.

Drawing inspiration by the presence of new head coach of the national cricket team Gary Kirsten who had driven to Galle to witness the match, Sri Lanka ‘A’ made short work of the New Zealand ‘A’ first innings when they resumed at 238-4 by dismissing them for 305, the remaining six wickets falling for 67.

Apart from Matthew Boyle’s hundred and Curtis Heaphy’s half-century on the opening day, none of the other batsmen could compile a big score as left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera (6/107 off 35.1 overs) and off-spinner Ramesh Mendis (3/103 off 28) spun a web around the remaining New Zealand ‘A’ batsmen.

After play was held up by rain at the end of the New Zealand ‘A’ innings, Sri Lanka ‘A’ were given a solid start by Nishan Madushka and Lahiru Udara who posted a stand of 98. Udara fell to seamer Michael Rae for a well-constructed 61 off 88 balls (8 fours).

Kamil Mishara who joined Madushka then took the New Zealand ‘A’ bowlers by the scruff of the neck to slam – fours in a display of power hitting. He raced to 72* off 57 balls inclusive of 10 fours.

Madushka played the sheet anchor role in a second wicket partnership of 97 pushing and prodding his way to 57 off 121 balls (5 fours) when Rae returning for a new spell removed him shortly before the close.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ are in a good position to pile up a massive first innings total and put the pressure back on New Zealand ‘A’ in the remaining two days. The first unofficial 4-day test ended in a draw with New Zealand ‘A’ taking the honours.

Scores:

New Zealand ‘A’ 305 (o/n 238-4) (Rhys Mariu 22, Curtis Heaphy 59, Matthew Boyle 102, Max Chu 27, Mitchell Hay 20, Simon Keene 20, Dilum Sudeera 6/107, Ramesh Mendis 3/103)

Sri Lanka ‘A’ 197-2 at close (Nishan Madushka 57, Lahiru Udara 61, Kamil Mishara 72*, Michael Rae 2/35)