Avishka’s second ton extends Ireland Wolves’ misery 4-0

Sri Lanka A recorded their fourth straight win in the 5-match unofficial ODI series beating Ireland Wolves (Ireland A) by 202 runs thanks to a brilliant century from opener Avishka Fernando.

Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first at the  Sinhalese Sports Club ground already having the series in the bag. They put in an all-rounder-heavy-side with three changes from the previous match.

In – Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Chathuranga De Silva

Out – Jeewan Mendis, Ishan Jayaratne, Asitha Fernando

The opening partnership didn’t last long as the skipper, Upul Tharanga got out for 11 runs in the seventh over. Last game centurion, Minod Bhanuka then joined Avishka Fernando to put up their second 100 run partnership in consecutive games.  Bhanuka departed for 34 runs when Simi Singh who joined the Wolves mid tour as the cover for injured James Shannon got the better of him.

Minod Bhanuka century seals the series for Sri Lanka ‘A’

Sri Lanka’s strong middle order couldn’t do much with the bat as Asela Gunaratne and Dasun Shanaka got out cheaply while in form Milinda Siriwardana fell for a busy 28 off 24 balls at the hands of Harry Tector.

Albeit the wickets have fallen around him, Avishka Fernando didn’t hold back and continued his charge to keep the scoreboard ticking. He seized control in the middle overs and scored a ruthless century with 7 big sixes and 10 boundaries. This is Fernando’s second ton in the series. He averages a stunning 102.75 in the series so far.

Ton-up Avishka Fernando & Milinda Siriwardena overpower Ireland ‘A’

When Fernando was caught on 139 (118 balls) by substitute Gareth Delany off Shane Getlake’s bowling, Sri Lanka was on a commanding 251 with ten overs to go. Then, the dynamic duo, ever reliable Kamindu Mendis and in form Anjelo Perera blasted 101 runs in the last ten to motor the Sri Lankan total to a mammoth 353-6. Both went on to score half centuries: Anjelo Perera – 56 off 34 balls, Kamindu Mendis – 50 off 32 balls.

In reply, Ireland A couldn’t take off to a good start as Isuru Udana went through the Wolves’ top order in no time. Stuart Thompson, James McCollum and wicket keeper batsman Lorcan Tucker fell cheaply to Udana in his opening spell.

Photo Album – Ireland A Team Tour to Sri Lanka 2018/19 | 4th ODI

Captain Harry Tector and Simi Singh tried to consolidate in the middle but Shanaka trapped Singh in front of the wicket for LBW on 31. Kamindu Menids and Chathuranga De Silva then made sure the visitors couldn’t build another significant partnership as the duo kept picking wickets at regular intervals.

Ireland Wolves inning was wrapped up within 31 overs for 151 runs giving the home team an impressive 202 run victory.  The fifth and final unofficial ODI will be held on the 29th at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.