Anjala Bandara rescues Sri Lanka rookies

By M. Shamil Amit

Anjala Bandara rescued Sri Lanka’s next generation cricketers branded as the rookies or Emerging players with an unbeaten knock of 126 on day one of the first unofficial Test match against the visiting West Indies Emerging XI at the Sooriyawewa Stadium yesterday.

Bandara, a product of Mahanama College in Colombo, scored his runs which came off 165 balls comprising 13 boundaries as he rescued the host side who were struggling on 119 for 6 to end the day with a score of 302 for 8.

Bandara, a left hander, featured in three valuable partnerships and his rescue act began with a 69 runs stand for the fourth wicket with Sharujan Shanmuganathan who made 25 followed by a 60 runs stand for the eighth wicket Shakthi Udara.

The best alliance was an unbroken stand of 109 runs with Nisala Abeyratne who remained unbeaten on 38 which had eight boundaries.

Fast bowlers Johann Layne and Jades Blades together did the early damage but failed capitalise despite Ryan Bandoo supporting later in the innings as Bandara and Nisala denied them and held on to rescue the side.

The match will be continued today.

Scores:

Sri Lanka Emerging X1 302 for 8 (Asitha Wanninayake 41, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 25, Anjala Bandara 126 n.o., Nisala Abeyratne 38 n.o.: Johannn Kayne 3/58, Rayan Bandoo 2/45, Jadia Blades 2/64) vs West Indies Emerging XI