By Srian Obeyesekere

Opening batsman Nishan Madushka underlined his potential as a hit in instant cricket when he hammered a cameo unbeaten century as Sri Lanka A won on a canter against South Africa A by 7 wickets the second unofficial ODI to level the 3-match series at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Madushka struck 107 off 85 balls inclusive of 13 boundaries and 2 sixes as the 23-year old discovery showcased he was a batsman capable of delivering in any format. His whirlwind century once again raised his stocks having arrived on the big stage with a magical bang. He was quick to ascend from becoming the fastest Sri Lankan batsman to 1000 domestic runs from 5 innings to a string of centuries including a double century against the England Lion’s and a maiden test century against Ireland which he went on to convert to a magical double century.

This time around, Madushka was on song in the fast scoring business in lifting Sri Lanka A from 74 for 3 after 12.1 overs to 178 without further loss in an unfinished 104-run fifth wicket partnership off 101 balls with Sahan Arachchige 50 off 55 with 6 boundaries in finishing it off in 29 overs in overhauling the Proteas 175 off 43 overs.

Arachige capped an all-round performance picking up 2 wickets for 18.

Pacer Dilshan Madushanka was the pick of the Lankan bowlers claiming 4 wickets for 33 from 9 overs.

Gerald Cortzee 77 off 89 with 6 boundaries and two sixes, and Tristan Stubbs 59 off 88 with 3 sixes and a boundary propped up South Africa A.

CHIEF SCORES:

South Africa A 175 (43.2 Overs)

(Gerald Cortzee 77, Tristan Stubbs 59, Matthew Breetz 14, Dilshan Madushanka 4/33, Sahan Arachchige 2/18, Jsnith Liyanage 2/32, Pramod Madushan 1/13, Dunith Wellalage 1/33)

Sri Lanka A 178/3 (29 Overs)

(Nishan Madushka n.o. 107, Sahan Arachchige n.o. 50, Lizaad Williams 1/25, Tshepo Morkel 1/25, Bayer Swanepoel 1/29)