MORATUWA, Sri Lanka – Bad light ended play prematurely forcing a draw in the 3rd and final “Test” between West Indies “A” and Sri Lanka “A” at the Tyronne Fernando Stadium.
It was Sri Lanka “A” that had the edge, chasing 218 runs for victory with fewer than 40 overs left in the day’s play to get under 60 runs. However, the umpires decided the light wasn’t good enough for play to continue.
West Indies “A” started the fourth and final day on 183 for three with Jonathan Carter unbeaten on 69. He would only add nine runs to his overnight score before falling to Tharindu Kaushal for 78.
Kaushal would go on to take five for 78.
Andre Fletcher, who started the day on 44, got to a patient 66 from 154 balls, hitting six boundaries.
However, once Chaturanga de Silva accounted for Fletcher, West Indies “A” folded easily. The last seven wickets fell for just 51 runs. Silva finished with four for 57. Sri Lanka “A” needed 218 runs to win the series 2-0.
Shannon Gabriel gave the visitors the ideal start, removing both Sri Lankan openers in his first three overs.
However, an unbeaten 57 from Lahiru Thirimanne steadied the hosts in their chase. Ashan Priyanjan was also solid in his knock, hitting 36 from 47 balls. His knock included six boundaries. He would eventually be one of two of Davendra Bishoo’s victims.
Kithuruwan Vithanage was at the crease on 20 not out when bad light ended play prematurely.
Sri Lanka A won the series 1-0 after winning the first “Test”.
West Indies A 282-6 and 234 (Jonathan Carter 78, Andre Fletcher 66, Assad Fudadin 39, Kraigg Brathwaite 32; Tharindu Kaushal 5-78, Chaturanga de Silva 4-57). Sri Lanka A 248-6 and 166-5 (Lahiru Thirimanne 57*, Ashan Priyanjan 36, Kithuruwan Vithanage 20*, Niroshan Dickwella 11; Shannon Gabriel 2-36, Davendra Bishoo 2-71). Match drawn. (PR)
