Published: Jul 21, 2017, 12:57 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 21, 2017, 12:57 PM (IST)
Sri Lanka Board President’s XI (SLBP XI) started the only practice match on a positive note as they put up 112 for 1 before lunch against India. Playing at Colombo, SLBP XI elected to bat. They lost their first wicket early as Mohammed Shami gave India their first breakthrough. It was Kaushal Silva who was sent back within 3 overs of the hosts’ innings, with 9 runs on the board. However, SLBP XI managed not to lose wickets any further in the first session, putting a strong partnership for the first wicket.
DanushkaGunathilaka, who has been scoring runs consistently, again took the driver’s seat as he saw his opening partner Silva departing for 4 runs. He partnered with his skipper LahiruThirimanne and both brought up 50 for the hosts. Despite the fall of wicket, Gunathilaka looked extremely confident hitting the Indian bowlers all over the park, bringing memories of the damage he inflicted against the same opposition in the ICC Champions Trophy last month. His knock was paced up than usual First-Class standards as he hit 10 boundaries and took only 66 deliveries to remain unbeaten at 60 before lunch. READ: Rohit, Rahul in focus as visitors take on President’s XI
Thirimanne, on the other hand, played with patience and showed good defense. With Gunathilaka in a tremendous form, Thirimanne anchored the innings than to hit big and remained unbeaten at 40 before lunch. He hit 5 boundaries and a six in the process. Among the Indian bowlers, only Shami remained successful.
India have headed to Sri Lanka with a new coach and will play three Tests, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and one Twenty20 International (T20I) on the tour.
Brief scores:
SLBPXI 112 for 1 (DanushkaGunathilaka 60*, LahiruThirimanne 44*; Mohammed Shami 1 for 8) vs India
