Sri Lanka A-Shaheens 2nd four-dayer ends in draw

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka ‘A’ second four-dayer ended in a tame draw with Sonal Dinusha and Pavan Rathnayake completing their hundreds for tourists on the final day here at the Pindi Stadium Thursday.

Dinusha returned unbeaten on 116 and Rathnayake remained 100 not out as Sri Lanka ‘A’, resuming their second innings at 157-4, declared their second innings at 260-4 to set Shaheens a target of 284 in 60 overs. When the match ended, Shaheens were 156-3 in 45 overs. Dinusha, who had scored 85 not in the first innings, had started the day at 51 and added another 65 runs on the final day to finish at 116 not out. His fourth first-class century in the 41st match came off 141 balls and included nine fours. Overall, he faced 184 balls and hit 10 fours.

Rathnayake had started this morning at 64 and finished on 100 not out, his seventh first-class century in 38 matches. He faced 198 balls and hit eight fours. The two batters had come together when Sri Lanka ‘A’ were tottering at 46-4. Their 214 runs unbeaten fifth-wicket stand came off 369 balls and not only steered the ship to safety but also allowed Sri Lanka ‘A’ to set the home team a stiff 284 runs target in 60 overs.

When the match was called off, Shaheens had recovered from 67-3 to 156-3. Mohammad Suleman was the top-scorer with 66 not out, while Haider Ali scored 43 not out off 68 balls as the two batters put on 89 runs for the unfinished fourth wicket. Ali Zaryab contributed 31. The two sides will now feature in a three-match 50-over series to be played at the Pindi Stadium on November 25, 27 and 29.

Scores in brief: Sri Lanka ‘A’ 310 all-out, 79 overs (Sonal Dinusha 85 not out, Wanuja Sahan 63, Isitha Wijesundara 51, Pavan Rathnayake 35, Ahan Wickramsinghe 30, Dinura Kalupahana 30; Khurram Shahzad 6-30, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 2-100) and 260-4d, 76 overs (Sonal Dinusha 116 not out, Pavan Rathnayake 100 not out; Ahmed Bashir 2-65). Pakistan Shaheens 287 all out, 98 overs (Abdul Faseeh 59, Mohammad Suleman 40, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 39, Haider Ali 35, Ali Zaryab 32, Hussain Talat 25; Wanuja Sahan 5-74) and 156-3, 45 overs (Mohammad Suleman 66 not out, Haider Ali 43 not out, Ali Zaryab 31).