Sri Lanka A Dominate as Australia A Face Uphill Battle in Darwin

Sri Lanka A Dominate as Australia A Face Uphill Battle in Darwin

Sri Lanka A have placed themselves firmly in control of the second four-day match against Australia A in Darwin, piling up a commanding first-innings total of 485 for 6 declared before reducing the hosts to 76 for 1 by stumps on day two.

Led by a composed century from Pavan Rathnayake and strong contributions throughout the order, Sri Lanka A capitalised fully on Australian captain Jason Sangha’s decision to bowl first on a placid Marrara Cricket Ground surface.

Rathnayake, who resumed on 43 overnight, crafted a patient 122 off 223 deliveries, becoming the second centurion of the innings after Nuwanidu Fernando’s 102 on day one. He shared a vital 170-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Sonal Dinusha, who added 88 of his own in a measured knock that spanned 191 balls.

Their stand frustrated the home side across 53 overs before Rathnayake fell to left-arm spinner Zanden Jeh, clipping a catch to Oliver Peake at short midwicket. Dinusha continued alongside Sohan de Livera, who added a brisk unbeaten 50 before the declaration.

Jeh, a 22-year-old left-arm spinner from Queensland, emerged as the most effective of Australia A's eight bowlers. He finished with figures of 3 for 132 in just his second game at this level, showcasing promise in a role that selectors are eager to strengthen.

Faced with a daunting deficit of 409 runs, Australia A lost opener Nathan McSweeney early in their reply. McSweeney, who had impressed with 94 in the series opener, was bowled for 12 by offspinner Nishan Peiris, beaten between bat and pad.

At the close of play, Jake Weatherald (45*) and Kurtis Patterson (19*) had added a steady 44-run partnership, but the hosts still face a major challenge to save the match — and the series — with just two days remaining.

With the first match drawn, Sri Lanka A now have a strong chance to seal the series if they can press home their advantage in the coming sessions.

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