Gunathilaka smashes 65-ball hundred as Sri Lanka A raze England Lions | Sunday Observer

Gunathilaka smashes 65-ball hundred as Sri Lanka A raze England Lions

5 March, 2017
Sri Lanka A opener Danushka Gunathilaka lofts down the ground in his unbeaten knock of 121 against England Lions in the second unofficial ODI at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday.
Sri Lanka A opener Danushka Gunathilaka lofts down the ground in his unbeaten knock of 121 against England Lions in the second unofficial ODI at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday.

An unbroken double century opening stand between Kusal Perera and Danushka Gunathilaka who smashed a hundred off 65 balls saw Sri Lanka A beat England Lions by ten wickets on the Duckworth/Lewis rule in the second unofficial ODI played at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday and take 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

England Lions winning the toss and batting first were dismissed for 217 in 42.5 overs their batting crumbling to the left-arm spin of Sri Lanka A skipper Milinda Siriwardana who finished with figures of 4 for 40.

Sri Lanka A openers made short work of the target of 218 and were well on course to overhaul it when bad light forced the match to end early with the score on 201 for no loss off 28.5 overs. Sri Lanka A was well ahead of the required total under the D/L rule and was declared winners.

The Lankan run chase was spearheaded by 25-year-old left-hander Gunathilaka who outshone his more aggressive partner Kusal Perera who was prepared to play second fiddle in the partnership.

Gunathilaka was severe on the England Lions bowlers as he helped himself to 12 fours and six sixes in his unbeaten score of 121 off 88 balls.

A subdued Perera’s contribution was 70 not out off 84 balls with one six and nine fours.

England Lions looked headed for a challenging total at one stage when they were 167-4 in 30 overs when Siriwardana got into the act by dismissing Joe Clarke for 26 by bowling him. His dismissal sparked off a collapse and England Lions lost their last six wickets for 50 runs in 73 balls.

Liam Livingstone who has been England Lions prolific scorer on the tour once again came up with a fine knock scoring 94 off 104 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes) being the last wicket to fall.

The third unofficial ODI is scheduled at the Welegedara Stadium Kurunegala on March 6.

Scores: England Lions 217 in 42.5 overs (B Duckett 59, L Livingstone 94, J Clarke 26, L Madushanka 2/34, Thisara Perera 2/17, M Siriwardana 4/40)

Sri Lanka A 201 for no loss in 28.5 overs (Kusal Perera 70 n.o., Danushka Gunathilaka 121 n.o.) 

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