Opening batsman Jeet Raval smashed a superb 152 as New Zealand A took early control of the first unofficial Test match against Sri Lanka A at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.
New Zealand A continued to dominate against the kaput Lankans on chilly conditions. The hosts’ have maintained a tight stranglehold over the visitors from the word go, they won the four-match one-day series, 4-0.
The 27-year old left hander reached his 11th first class hundred from 160 deliveries after sharing a substantial opening stand with Dean Brownlie.
After opting to bowl first, the Lankan bowling attack rarely threatened the Kiwi batsmen. The home team pounced at anything short and wide on a batting friendly surface.
The Indian-born, Raval and Brownlie, who scored a patient 68 put on 153 for the first wicket in 42.3 overs before the Australian-born former Black Cap edged to wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella off left-arm seamer, Vishwa Fernando.
Skipper Michael Bracewell departed in the next over for a six-ball duck when he was given LBW off Jeffrey Vandery but Sri Lanka’s joy was short lived as Raval and two-down batter, Henry Nicholls added 121 for the third wicket.
Raval was caught behind the stumps by Dickwella off Lahiru Gamage after stroking 13 fours and a trio of sixes once he passed three figures.
Nicholls was unbeaten on 67 at the close of play with all-rounder Adam Milne (6).
Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 67 from 22 overs.
New Zealand A – 336/5 in 90 overs: Jeet Raval 152, Dean Brownlie 68, Henry Nicholls 67, Jeffrey Vandersay 2/67.
