The 2-day warmup game between Sri Lanka and New Zealand Cricket XI commenced today (04th March), at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln.
Batting first, Sri Lanka lost their Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne early in the day for 21 runs, but the opening batter Oshada Fernando and No. 3 batter Kusal Mendis built a brilliant 162-run partnership for the 2nd wicket.
Mendis put the New Zealand bowlers to the sword, smashing 95 runs off 87 balls with 16 fours and 2 sixes. Fernando, who also made a well compiled half-century, retired out soon after, allowing other batters to acclimatize to the New Zealand batting conditions.
The experienced batting pair Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal also chipped in with 30s as Sri Lanka declared their first innings at 276/4.
In reply, New Zealand Cricket XI also showcased a dominant batting display, posting 141/1 at the close of play on day one. The opening batter Jack Boyle, who top-scored for the hosts with a 73-run knock, remained unbeaten at the crease.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka – 276/4d (57.3) Kusal Mendis 95, Oshada Fernando 78, Angelo Mathews 38, Dinesh Chandimal 35, Dimuth Karunaratne 21
New Zealand Cricket XI – 141/1 (38) Jack Boyle 73*, Jakob Bhula 37*, Lahiru Kumara 1/16
Stumps – Day 1
, at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln.){kind=link}