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DARWIN: Nuwanidu Fernando starred as Sri Lanka A secured a hard-fought draw against Australia A in the first four-day match held here at Marrara Oval on Wednesday.
The unofficial first Test between the two sides turned into a display of sheer batting dominance from both sides.
Sri Lanka A batted through the final day to finish their second innings on 3/280 from 81 overs.
Fernando stood tall with a composed 104 not out, steering his side to safety with support from Pavan Rathnayake (56*) and skipper Pasindu Sooriyabandara (56).
For Australia A, all-rounder Liam Scott was very economical, conceding 10 runs in 10 overs with one wicket in the second innings.
Australia A had earlier piled on a mammoth 486 in their first innings against Sri Lanka A , with runs flowing throughout the top and middle order. Nathan McSweeney stood up with vital contributions amid the Ashes looming amid Australia’s top order vows.
Nathan McSweeney and Liam Scott both scored 94, while Josh Philippe (85), Mitchell Perry (61), and Jake Weatherald (54) added to the dominance with the bat.
Sri Lankan spinner Sonal Dinusha was the pick of the bowlers with 4/97, supported by pacer Pramod Madushan (3/82).
In reply, Sri Lanka A managed 272 in their first innings, thanks largely to Dinusha’s fighting 105 not out. Liam Scott (2/27) and Henry Thornton (2/31) were the most effective bowlers for the hosts.
The second four-day match between the two sides is scheduled to begin on Sunday.
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