Perera’s masterclass leaves West Indies Academy chasing the game in Hambantota
Key Points(5)
- Sri Lanka Emerging Players seized complete control of the second unofficial Test on Tuesday, turning the match into a one-sided battle of patience and endurance as their batsmen dismantled the West Indies Academy attack.
- Leading the charge was a magnificent century from Pulindu Perera, whose aggressive 145 powered Sri Lanka to a massive 430 for four at the close of the second day at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.
- The dominant batting display gave the hosts a commanding first-innings advantage of 199 runs after they had dismissed the Academy for 231.
- Opening partnership sets the tone Resuming the day on 37 without loss, Sri Lanka immediately put the pressure back on the visitors.
- Perera and Ravindu Rasantha attacked with confidence, rotating the strike and finding boundaries regularly as the opening pair raced to a 168-run partnership.
Sri Lanka Emerging Players seized complete control of the second unofficial Test on Tuesday, turning the match into a one-sided battle of patience and endurance as their batsmen dismantled the West Indies Academy attack.
Leading the charge was a magnificent century from Pulindu Perera, whose aggressive 145 powered Sri Lanka to a massive 430 for four at the close of the second day at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.
The dominant batting display gave the hosts a commanding first-innings advantage of 199 runs after they had dismissed the Academy for 231.
Opening partnership sets the tone
Resuming the day on 37 without loss, Sri Lanka immediately put the pressure back on the visitors.
Perera and Ravindu Rasantha attacked with confidence, rotating the strike and finding boundaries regularly as the opening pair raced to a 168-run partnership.
The scoring rate stayed above four runs per over, leaving the Academy bowlers searching for answers.
Their breakthrough finally arrived when pacer Raneico Smith removed Rasantha, who was caught after making a patient 60 from 126 deliveries.
However, the wicket did little to slow Sri Lanka’s momentum.
Perera continues the assault
The arrival of Asitha Wanninayake only strengthened Sri Lanka’s position.
Together with Perera, he built a second-wicket partnership worth 94 runs, carrying the hosts beyond the Academy’s first-innings total and firmly shifting the match in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Perera eventually fell after a marathon innings that showcased both aggression and control.
The left-arm spin of Giovonte DePeiza ended his stay at the crease, but not before the opener had faced 188 balls, struck 14 fours and one six, and produced a match-defining 145.
At 262 for two, Sri Lanka were already in a position of strength.
Middle order keeps the pressure on
The punishment continued even after Perera’s departure.
Wanninayake and Sahan Kosala added another 76 runs, frustrating the Academy’s attempts to create any meaningful comeback.
The visitors eventually found success through leg-spinner Zishan Motara, who dismissed both batsmen in quick succession.
Wanninayake was trapped lbw for 60 from 102 balls, while Kosala fell for 38, leaving Sri Lanka at 359 for four.
But the breakthrough came too late to change the momentum.
Sri Lanka finish the day in complete control
With the Academy attack running out of options, Anjala Bandara and Sharujan Shanmuganathan ensured Sri Lanka ended the day without further damage.
The pair added an unbeaten 71-run partnership, extending the advantage and leaving the hosts firmly in command heading into the penultimate day.
Bandara closed unbeaten on 48, while Shanmuganathan remained not out on 33.
Motara was the Academy’s most successful bowler with figures of 2-101, but the damage had already been done.
Sri Lanka’s Emerging Players had turned a competitive contest into a test of survival, and the West Indies Academy now face a steep challenge to recover.
