By Srian Obeyesekere

Sri Lanka A ran up 325 against South Africa A on the opening day of the first unofficial Test match with opening batsman Lasith Croospulle stroking a solid 119-ball 98, and all-rounder Ramesh Mendis an equally ominous 78 off 89 balls respectively yesterday at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium.

Croospulle, who struck 4 sixes and 11 boundaries was unfortunate to fall two runs short of a century when he was trapped leg before wicket by leg spinner Senuran Muthusamy who went on to claim 7 wickets for 132. Mendis’ 89-ball-knock contained 12 boundaries.

The hosts having opted to take first lease on winning the toss, got off to a good start with Croospulle adding 66 for the first wicket together with Lahiru Udara, who was included in place of the indisposed Nishan Madushka who was inflicted by a viral fever. Udara made 42 off 61 balls hitting 7 boundaries.

CHIEF SCORES:

Sri Lanka ‘A’ 325 (83 Overs) (Lasith Croosepulle 98, Ramesh Mendis 78, Lahiru Udara 42, Nuwanindu Fernando 10, Kamindu Mendis 28, Nipun Dhananjaya 13, Lasith Embuldeniya 15, Milan Ratnayake 23*, Kwena Maphaka 2/43, Senuran Muthusamy 7/ 122)