Sri Lanka A dominates New Zealand A in series opener

Sri Lanka A secured a commanding 140-run victory over New Zealand A at the Galle International Stadium yesterday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match One-Day series.
After being put in to bat, the hosts posted a formidable 261 in 49.2 overs. Opening batter Kamil Mishara set the tone with a blistering 71 off 49 balls, featuring 12 boundaries and a six. Captain Sahan Arachchige provided stability with a composed 66, while Milan Rathnayake anchored the lower order with a vital 53. New Zealand’s Kristian Clarke and Adithya Ashok were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each.
The visitors’ chase never gained momentum against a clinical Sri Lankan attack. New Zealand A was bundled out for just 121 in 28.4 overs. Dale Phillips top-scored for the Blackcaps with a quick-fire 30, but the rest of the lineup struggled to handle the spin duo of Wanuja Sahan and Sonal Dinusha.
Sahan was the undisputed star of the match, finishing with remarkable figures of 5/13 in 6.4 overs to earn Player of the Match honors. Dinusha provided excellent support with 2/10, effectively dismantling the New Zealand middle and lower order.
The two teams will now head to Hambantota for the second fixture on Wednesday, with Sri Lanka A looking to clinch the series.
(Agencies)