RESULT - MATCH DRAWN
Sri Lanka 193 all out (Dimuth Karunaratne 97) & 221-6 (Udara Jayasundara 63)
BLACKCAPS 399-8 declared (Ben Smith 81, Bharat Popli 79)
Both the President’s XI and Sri Lanka will draw positives from their Four Day warm-up match in Queenstown, which ended in a draw.
Having been dismissed for just 193 in the first-innings, Sri Lanka faced a deficit of 206, after the home side piled on 399-7 declared.
Sri Lanka though would make a better first of their second effort with the bat, reaching 221-6 before the match was declared a draw.
The President’s XI middle-order put the hosts well and truly in front, with number six Shawn Hicks making an unbeaten 79. He and Tim Johnston put on 124 for the eighth wicket, before the latter was eventually dismissed for 62.
The home side declared at this point, just one shy of the 400 mark. They did however have an opportunity to place Sri Lanka under pressure with the ball and push on for the win.
The tourists top order would prove more difficult this time around though, with Udara Jayasundera (63) and Kithuruwan Vithanage (61) putting on 108 for the second wicket.
Skipper Angelo Mathews continued his sides’ good work with an unbeaten 54, but began losing partners late in the piece. His steady hand would guide them to a small lead though, before the match was called and both sides settled for a draw.
It was a strong showing from the President’s XI, who were in control for much of the game. Sri Lanka though will be better for having had their first hit out in New Zealand conditions, with their top order having spent valuable time at the crease.
Sri Lanka play their first Test against the BLACKCAPS on Thursday at University Oval.
DAY TWO
BLACKCAPS 288-7 (Ben Smith 81, Bharat Popli 79), Sri Lanka 193 all out (Dimuth Karunaratne 97)
The President’s XI have moved into pole position on day two of their four-day warm-up match against Sir Lanka at Queenstown Event Centre.
The home side have a 95 run advantage, having limited Sri Lanka to 193 in the first innings and moving themselves to 288-7 by stumps on day two.
Tim Johnston (4-43) and Neil Wagner (3-31) starred with the ball, while openers Bharat Popli (79) and Ben Smith (81) put on 179 for the first wicket in reply.
Having resumed at 97-5 Sri Lanka had to scrap their way to a score close to 200, with opener Dimuth Karunaratne (93) the only batsmen to make a considerable contribution.
Blair Tickner and Ryan McCone assisted Neil Wagner and Tim Johnston in ending the tourists’ innings, cleaning up the tail.
Smith and Popli then set about capitalising on the small total set, seeing out over 38 overs before losing a wicket. Smith, who has been impressed in the Plunket Shield so far this season, was particularly punishing through the off side and brought up 50 off 59 balls.
Popli was also in fine form, playing a crucial hand in guiding the President’s XI to within 14 of Sri Lanka’s total before the first wicket fell.
The visitors did fight back though, taking quick wickets and running through the middle order.
They still have a massive challenge on their hands, haven given up a reasonable lead and in need of three more wickets before getting the opportunity to set a target.
The home side certainly hold the advantage at this stage.
DAY ONE
Sri Lanka 97-5 (Tim Johnston 3-9, Neil Wagner 2-23)
After a long delay, the President’s XI have got off to a strong start against Sri Lanka in Queenstown on day one of the tourists’ four day warm-up match.
Only 40 overs were managed at Queenstown Event Centre, with rain delaying the start of play until 4pm. Once things were underway though, Neil Wagner and Tim Johnston gave Sri Lanka a torrid start to their tour, reducing them to 97-5.
Wagner, who was recently named in the BLACKCAPS squad of 12 for the upcoming ANZ Test Series, was first in the wickets column when he had Ajantha Mendis (13) caught in the 11th over.
His opening partner Dimuth Karunaratne played a steady hand for Sri Lanka, but lost partners regularly at the other end, with Johnston taking three wickets in the pace of four overs.
The 25-year-old off spinner knocked over the castles of both Udara Sayundera and Kithuruwan Vithanag, before capturing key batsman Dinesh Chandimal for a golden duck.
Wagner added the finishing touches late in the day with the crucial wicket of captain Angelo Mathews, seeing Sri Lanka go five down without 100 on the board.
Karunaratne (49*) will resume tomorrow with Milinda Sarawaranda (1*) in desperate need of a big partnership.
