KOLKATA, Saturday - As many as four half-centuries from the Sri Lankan batsmen gave their side a strong start to the India tour in the two-day tour game.
On the opening day against Indian Board President’s XI at the Jadavpur University Campus ground in Kolkata on Saturday (November 11), Sri Lanka ended the day on 411 for 6, with Roshen Silva unbeaten on 36, keeping wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella company, who was unbeaten on a 59-ball 73.
In order to give everyone a hit-out ahead of the long series, three batsmen retired hurt after substantial time in the middle. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dimuth Karunaratne started off strong and shared a 134-run stand for the opening wicket after being asked to bat, before the latter retired out for 50. After Lahiru Thirimanne (17) missed out, skipper Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews spent quality time in the middle en route their 29 and 54 respectively before retiring out themselves.
Opener Samarawickrama top-scored with 74 (off 77 balls), with 13 fours, while useful contributions down the order came from Dilruwan Perera, who scored a quick-fire 48 off 44 balls - an innings that comprised of six fours and two sixes. Dickwella’s unbeaten half-century at a quick pace ensured Sri Lanka ended the day scoring their runs at 4.67 per over.
The Board President’s bowling attack wasn’t the strongest as it comprised of players from teams that weren’t part of the ongoing fifth round of the Ranji Trophy season. Offspinner Jalaj Saxena, who is the top wicket-taker of the current Ranji season, though, returned one wicket, while Akash Bhandari and Sandeep Warrier picked up two. All the five bowlers used on the day went for over four runs an over.
This is the only warm-up game that Sri Lanka play ahead of the first Test that begins on November 16 at the Eden Gardens.