By Srian Obeyesekere

Middle order batsman Pavan Rathnayake struck a career best 122 with half centuries from Sonal Dinusha 88 and Sohan de Livera unbeaten on 50 to put Sri Lanka A in a commanding position against Australia A at stumps by the second day of the second unofficial test match at Darwin’s Marrara Oval yesterday.

The Lankans continued to grind down the Australian attack following the upfront century by Nuwanidu Fernando the previous day. Australia had lost one wicket for 76 with Nishan Peiris clean bowling Nathan McSweeney for 12 with Jake Weatherald unbeaten on 45 off 60 balls and Kurtis Patterson on 19 off 46 with 3 boundaries.

Rathnayake struck 16 boundaries off 223 balls in combining in a 170-run fifth wicket partnership together with Sonal Dinusha whose 171 ball dourl innings contained 4 boundaries.

Livera’s 68 ball unbeaten knock was filled with 3 boundaries and a six. The second and final test, vital for both sides for a series triumph with the first test drawn, hosts Australia have been pushed on the back foot by the Lankan batsmens absolute domination of play.

Chief Scores
Sri Lanka A 484/6 decl. 151 Overs
Pavan Rathnayake 122, Nuwanidu Fernando 102, Sonal Dinusha 88, Kamil Mishara 81, Sohan de Livera n.o. 50, Zanden Jeh 3/132

Australia A 76/1 21 Overs
Jake Weatherald n.o. 45, Kurtis Patterson n.o. 19, Nishan Peiris 1/18.