Eight centurions in Sri Lanka A's unofficial Test vs South Africa 'A'

Sri Lanka 'A' produced four centurions to score a mammoth 749 for 5 declared in their first unofficial Test against South Africa 'A' which ended in a tall-scoring draw at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom today.

It was a batsmen's paradise which produced eight centurions - four by each side. South Africa had two big knocks in their first innings and they produced two more centurions in the second essay.

Earlier, the home team made 459 all out in their first innings. Electing to bat first, South Africa 'A' had an early scare when they were reduced for 43 for 3, but centuries by Ahmed Amla (106) and Arno Jacobs (131) helped South Africa 'A' to recover with a 242-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Paceman Suranga Lakmal (3 for 73) and off spinner Dilruwan Perera (3 for 48) shared the bowling honours for Sri Lanka 'A'.

In reply, Tharanga Paranavithana (159), Angelo Mathews (131), Thilina Kandamby (138) and Kaushal Silva (103 n.o) scored centuries to guide the visitors for a record total. Upul Tharanga, Kanchana Gunawardena and Dilruwan Perera too joined the run feast as all Sri Lanka batsmen who came to the middle made either a century or a fifty.

South Africa 'A' were 249 for 1 one when the match was called off in the eighth mandatory over. South African openers Heino Kuhn (100) and Andrew Puttick (102 n.o) shared a superb 183-opening partnership after Sri Lanka 'A' gained a 290-run first innings lead.

Chief scores: South Africa 'A' first innings 459 all out (Ahmed Amla 106, Arno Jacobs 131, Johann Louw 78, Suranga Lakmal 3 for 73, Dilruwan Perera 3 for 48).

Sri Lanka 'A' first innings 749 for 5 decl.

(Upul Tharanga 61, Tharanga Paranavithana 159, Kanchana Gunawardena 80, Angelo Mathews 131, Thilina Kandamby 138, Kaushal Silva 103 n.o, Dilruwan Perera 59 n.o, T. Tshabalala 2 for 228).

South Africa 'A' second innings 249 for 1 at close.

(Heino Kuhn 100, Andrew Puttick 102 n.o, Alviro Peterson 36 n.o ).

POTCHEFSSTROOM, Monday