Batsman Vishaul Singh’s career-best 161, and offspinner Rahkeem Cornwall’s 6 for 91 led West Indies A’s 333-run rout of Sri Lanka A in the second four-day game at the Pallekele International Stadium. West Indies A levelled the three-match series with the win.
West Indies A were put in to bat by Sri Lanka A captain Dimuth Karunaratne, and discarded Test opener Rajendra Chandrika, who had not scored in double figures in his last four innings, roared back into form with 84. Chandrika overcame a niggle, which forced him to retire hurt on 51, on the first day and returned on the second day to continue his innings.
In Chandrika’s absence, Vishaul and Jahmar Hamilton, who missed his fourth first-class century when he was run out on 99, powered them to 331 for 5 at the end of the opening day.
Chandrika joined Vishaul, who resumed on 81, on the second morning, and added 54 more for the sixth wicket. Vishaul batted on after the partnership ended, and was the ninth man dismissed, with West Indies A having amassed 509. Offspinner Charith Asalanka took 4 for 104 for Sri Lanka A.
In reply, Sri Lanka A were reduced to 37 for 4. Karunaratne (68) led a fightback through a fifth-wicket stand of 97 with Niroshan Dickwella, who top-scored with 88. However, only other batsman, Asela Gunaratne (46), got into double figures as Sri Lanka A folded for 245. Cornwall finished with 6 for 91 his fourth five-wicket haul in as many matches.
Having taken a 264-run lead, West Indies A declared their second innings at 216 for 3 in 41 overs, courtesy half-centuries from Chandrika (68), Brooks (53 not out) and Hamilton (56 not out). Brooks slammed three fours and two sixes, and Hamilton slapped five fours and four sixes in his 30-ball knock as West Indies A plundered their last 80 runs off 51 balls.
Set 481 to win, Sri Lanka A lost both their openers with the score on seven, and thereafter slid continuously. Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay’s career-best 47 at No. 9 only delayed the inevitable as Sri Lanka A were shot out for 147. Delorn Johnson, Kemar Roach, Gudakesh Motie and Keon Joseph took two wickets each. Cornwall added one more to his first-innings six, and now has 52 wickets in his last 13 innings.
The final game begins from October 18 in Dambulla. (ESPNcricinfo)
