Sri Lanka A continued to torment West Indies A in their first four-day encounter at R. Premadasa International Stadium.
At stumps on day three, West Indies A lead by 55 runs with just one wicket remaining in the second innings and the hosts, Sri Lanka A have set firm eyes on an emphatic win.
Resuming from 348 for 8, the Lankans added 38 runs 11.5 overs before being bowled for 386 in their first innings. Off-spinner Rakheem Cornwell picked up the two remaining wickets to end up with his best-ever figures of 8 for 108.
Skipper Dimuth Karunarathne’s excellent 132 helped the home team to get a vital 110-run first-innings lead.
The Windies in reply the experienced Kieran Powell for a golden duck in the very first over as the 19-year old right-arm fast-bowler Asitha Fernando struck with a peach of a delivery.
A few overs later, West Indies Test cap, Rajendra Chandrika was trapped LBW by Gunarathne for 5 while chinaman, Lakshan Sandakan dismissed set batsman, John Campbell for 22 as the visitors were reeling at 31 for 3.
Skipper Shamarh Brooks made a patient 95-ball 28 but became Gunarathne’s 2nd wicket when he was caught behind by Niroshan Dickwella in the 38th over.
Sandakan and off-spinner Charith Asalanka picked up regular wickets to daunt the West Indies A batting unit even though Vishaul Singh who made a fine 96 in the first innings continued his good form scoring a well-calculated 46 off 111 deliveries before falling to the pace of Fernando.
Gudakesh Motie made a fighting 34 down the order to evade the innings defeat but was the last to be out as Sandakan captured 3 wickets for 47 runs.
Sri Lanka A will look to wrap up the Windies innings as early as possible tomorrow and coast to victory.
West Indies A – 276 all out in 86.4 overs: Vishaul Singh 96, Shamarh Brooks 65, Kemar Roach 45, Kieran Powell 36, Asela Gunarathne 3/27, Asitha Fernando 2/35, Charith Asalanka 2/53.
Sri Lanka A – 386 all out in 104.5 overs: Dimuth Karunarathne 131, Kusal Janith Perera 87, Niroshan Dickwella 59, Asela Gunarathne 38, Rahkeem Cornwell 8/108.
West Indies A (2nd inn) – 165/9 in 75.5 overs: John Campbell 22, Shamarh Brooks 28, Vishaul Singh 46, Gudakesh Motie 34, Lakshan Sandakan 3/47, Asela Gunarathne 2/30, Asitha Fernando 2/16, Charith Asalanka 2/27.
