By T. Chapman June 1, 2018
Windies opener and President’s XI skipper posted 60 runs but it wasn’t enough to stop the charge of Sri Lanka on day two of their warm-up match at the Brian Lara Cricket Ground in Tarouba.
At the close of play on day two, Sri Lanka, who posted 428 all out, had the President’s XI side struggling at 223-7, with 205 runs needed.
An impressive batting display by Sri Lanka’s skipper, Dinesh Chandimal had made the headlines on day one, scoring 108, but on day two, the spotlight would turn to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella, who stroked 74 before Jomel Warrican had him caught by John Campbell.
Dickwella’s half-century, along with cameos of 30 from Akila Dananjaya and Lahiru Gamage, 22, allowed the Sri Lankans to push the advantage with enough time to make things tough for the Caribbean side.
Wickets were extremly slow to come by for the West Indies but Left-arm orthodox spinner Warrican proved most effective for the President’s XI, as he bagged 4-81. Antiguan, Rahkeem Cornwall, had figures of 3-124 while Raymon Reifer chipped in with 2-75. Miguel Cummins bagged 1-70.
In reply, the President’s XI are 223-7. With a 98-run opening stand, Campbell was the first wicket to fall for a well-played 62.
Powell, was soon to follow after a stroke filled innings of 60. He was run out by Angelo Matthews for 60.
Dananjaya was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, bagging 3-43. Lahiru Kumara, 2-37, and Dilruwan Perera, 1-48, doing the damage.
Play resumes tomorrow with Cornwall and Warrican.
