By M. Shamil Amit

The first unofficial Test match between Sri Lanka Emerging XI and the visiting West Indies Emerging XI which ended in a draw at Sooriyawewa yesterday turned out to be Anjala Bandara’s match as he cracked back to back hundreds in a rare feat.
Bandara, from Mahanama College, following his 163 in the first innings cracked an unbeaten 189 in the second innings and was the savior of the host team in both innings.
In the second innings Bandara again came to the rescue of the side when they were struggling on 46 for 4 and shared in valuable partnerships of 45 for the fifth wicket with Sharujan Shanmuganathan and the second with Pulindu Perera with whom he added 82 runs for Sri Lanka Emerging XI to end day three on 273 for 5.
In the final day’s play yesterday Bandara and Pulindu continued to frustrate the West Indies Emerging XI bowling as the pair added another 80 runs before they were separated with the dismissal of Pulindu who made 87 which had ten boundaries having put on 162 runs for the sixth wicket.
Bandara found another reliable partner in Thaminda Gamage and the pair further frustrated the bowlers with a partnership of 92 for the seventh wicket.
Bandara joined by Nisala Abeyratne posted the 400 total before the match was stopped due to rain and with no play possible the umpires were forced to call off the match with Sri Lanka Emerging XI’s score on 402 for 8.
The two teams will play their second four day match from June 15 at the same venue.
Scores:
Sri Lanka Emerging X1 356 (Anjala Bandara 163, Nisala Abeyratne 48, Asitha Wanninayake 41, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 25) and (173/5 overnight) 402 for 8  (Pulindu Perera 87,Tharinda Gamage 40, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 25. Anjala Bandara 188 n.o.: Johann Layne 3/61, Jediah Blades 2/43)
West Indies Emerging XI 381 (Rivaldo Clarke 127, Mavendra Dindyal 60, Shaqkere Parris 55, Damel Evelyn 35, Johann Layne 35, Amari Goodridge 28: Shakthi Udara 6/102, Chamod Battage 2/65, Nisala Abeyratne 2/76)