Chamara(163) helps Board XI pile up 376/5

Thushan JAYASURIYA

Sri Lanka Board President's XI were in a strong position at the end of the first day's play of the three day cricket match against England XI which began at SSC Grounds yesterday. Taking the first lease of the wicket, Sri Lanka Board XI piled up a massive score of 376 for five with the help of right hander Chamara Silva who hit a mighty 163 runs including 25 hits to the ropes and one over it well supported by Thilina Kandamby who contributed 64 runs. A valuable partnership of 151 runs for the third wicket by Chamara Silva and Thilina Kandamby paved the way for Sri Lankans to score such a massive total.

Angelo Perera (61 n.o.) and Thilina Kandamby(64) propped up the the side after the dismissal of Chamara Silva.

Any way, they were able to lift the Sri Lankan’s scorecard by another 125 runs.Left hander Kusal Janith Perera also cracked 35 runs. England XI team seemed to be bit frightened with the patience batting of Sri Lankan Batsmen. But , they were able to bag five wickets at close of the day's play.

Stuart Broad was the most successful among the bowlers with three for 55. The match will resume today at 10.00 AM

Sri Lanka Board XI : 376 for 5 (Chamara Silva 163, Thilina Kandamby 64, Angelo Perera 61n.o., Kusal Janith Perera 35, Stuart Broad 3 for 55)