Sri Lanka all-rounder Asela Gunarathne proved vital match fitness during a SLC Premier Emerging League match between Lankan CC and Army SC at Panagoda.
Asela Gunarathne is an unbelievable player – Angelo Mathews
Sri Lanka posted 318 for 7 in 50 overs in its ICC Champions Trophy warm-up match against Australia on Friday…
Gunarathne, who fractured his hand during the first Test against India, has recovered fully from the injury but was overlooked for the upcoming Indian series due to lack of match fitness.
“Asela is fit and has been medically cleared. But then he has not played any cricket for three and half months. When you are playing the best team in the world, you need your players at their peak. If everything goes well, he will be back for the ODIs.” Chief Selector Graeme Labrooy had said.
Gunarathne bowled 10 overs – conceded 43 runs, capturing one wicket while right-arm seamer Tharindu Darshana captured a five-wicket haul as Lankan CC posted 200 runs.
In reply, the hosts, Army were 139 for 6 at close of play after Gunarathne made a 20-ball 17 before becoming one of left-arm spinner Naveen Kavikara’s four victims.
Lankan CC – 200 all out 53.3 overs: Sajana De Silva 56, Shameera Weerasinghe 47, Geeth Kumara 32, Methsith Jayamanne 19, Tharindu Darshana 5/25, Geethal Fernando 3/28,
Army SC – 139/6 in 33 overs: Sanjika Ridma 24*, Leo Fransisco 31, Thulina Dilshan 34, Sithum Peiris 19, Asela Gunarathne 17, Naveen Kavikara 4/45.
