Bowlers call the tune at Hambantota

Bowlers called the tune as 22 wickets fell for 234 runs on the opening day of the second unofficial Test between Sri Lanka at the newly constructed Sooriyawewa International Stadium in Hambantota yesterday. Sri Lanka ‘A’ gained a close three-run first innings lead on an uneven track which favoured bowlers. Put into bat, Sri Lanka ‘A’ made 97 all out with opener Nadeera Nawela (28) and Jeewan Mendis (40) making chief contributions.

In reply, Pakistan ‘A’ was bowled out for 94 runs with off spinner Sachithra Senanayake following his 5 for 38 in the first unofficial Test with another tight spell of 6 for 19. Medium paceman Suranga Lakmal had 4 for 33. This is the first international match played at the new grounds in Hambantota which has already been picked as a host venue of the 2011 World Cup.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ first innings - 97 runs all out (Nadeera Nawala 28, Jeewan Mendis 40, Junaid Khan 4 for 33, Hammad Azam 4 for 19) and Second innings – 43 for 2 at close (Dinesh Chandimal 16 n,o, Kaushal Silva 10 n.o, Junaid Khan 2 for 19).

Pakistan ‘A’: 94 all out (Mohammed Rameez 16, Sachithra Senanayake 6 for 19, Suranga Lakmal 4 for 33).