Wicket-keeper batsman Sandun Weerakkody and left-handed batsman Charith Asalanka smashed excellent centuries for Sri Lanka Development XI against Zimbabwe Development XI on day two in their four-day match today at Harare.
After being in a precarious position at 40 for 4, both left-handers combined to add 236 runs for the 5th wicket to put the visitors in a strong position on 287 for 5 at stumps after restricting the home team to 349 earlier in the day.
The Zimbabweans commenced day two on 302 for 6. Overnight batsman, Luke Jongwe made a fighting half-century as he joined the half-centuries list comprised of their top three batsman, Brian Chari, Charles Kunje and Tarisai Musakanda who made excellent half-tons yesterday.
Left-arm seamer Anuk Fernando, right-arm fast-bowler Kasun Madusanka and off-spinner Asalanka captured 2 wickets apiece for the Sri Lankans.
In reply to 349, Sri Lanka Development XI lost four of their top batsmen, Pabasara Waduge, Hashan Dumindu, Lahiru Milantha and skipper Rumesh Buddhika as right-arm seamer Victor Nyauchi wrecked through the Lankan batting lineup.
Weerakkody and Asalanka batted with superb confidence and authority to punish the Zimbabweans smashing 151 and 100 respectively. Former Sri Lanka U19s and Dharmaraja College player, Weerakkody stroked 21 elegant boundaries and a six during his 167-ball 151 before he became Carl Mumba’s 2nd victim.
Sri Lanka U19s captain, Asalanka reached his century in the penultimate ball of the day when he steered Mumba’s delivery to the fence and remained unbeaten on 100 from 203 balls with 12 fours.
With two more days to play, Sri Lanka Development XI trail by 62 runs with 5 wickets remaining in the 1st innings.
Zimbabwe Development XI – 349 all out in 100.1 overs: Brian Chari 76, Charles Kunje 53 Tarisai Musakanda 61, Luke Jongwe 50, Jaylord Gumbie 47, Anuk Fernando 2/23, Shehan Madusanka 2/69, Charith Asalanka 2/79.
Sri Lanka Development XI – 287/5 in 73 overs: Sandun Weerakkody 151, Charith Asalanka 100*, Victor Nyauchi 3/42, Carl Mumba 2/63.
