Vandersay impresses in drawn game

Sajeewa Jayakody

Sri Lanka Board President's XI openers Upul Tharanga and Dimuth Karunaratne warmed-up with fifties rookie leg-spinner Jiffrey Vandersay picked up yet another three wickets to secure a match bag of eight wickets on the final day of the three-day tour match, which ended in a draw at Colts grounds, Colombo yesterday.

The Pakistanis declared their second innings at 257-7, setting a 264-run victory target for the hosts, Upul Tharanga, who is not included in the original Test squad, hit a stylish half century, showing his true form ahead of the five-match ODIs series.

Tharanga scored his 50 off 53 balls hitting eight boundaries, while Dimuth Karunaratne, the man who got out for nought in the first innings, struck 54 runs from 69 balls he also hit eight fours. Both players retired out and Jehan Mubarak, who was criticized for his selection in the 15-man Test side, failed once again, to disappoint the selectors.

Resuming from the overnight score of 27-1, unbeaten opener Shan Masood made 69 runs from 122 balls. Left handed Masood, who impressed for the Pakistani A side during the recent tour of Sri Lanka,, smashed five fours and a six. Vice captain Azar Ali retired out after making a 48 runs.

A highlight of the match was the young leg spinner Jiffrey Vandersay, who completed a match-bag of eight wickets taking three scalps for 94 runs in the second innings against the Pakistan batsmen who are good at facing spin.bowling. It was a commendable effort from the 25-year -old, heralding a promising future .

Jeffrey Vandersay successfully appeals for a LBW against Pakistan cricketer Azhar Ali during the final day of the three day warm-up match between Sri Lanka Board President's XI and Pakistan at the Colts Cricket Stadium

-AFP PHOTO/

Ishara S. KODIKARA