Sri Lanka ’A’ Team led by new skipper Pasindu Sooriyabandara is expected to adopt a positive approach in their one and only four day game against Afghanistan ‘A’ which commences today at P. Sara Oval Stadium.
After successful five match unofficial ODI series between two teams Sri Lanka ‘A’ team won the series 3-2 while both teams will field new look sides in this four day game . Two different venues ODI’s at Hambantota Mahinda Rajapaksa International cricket stadium while this four day game is at P. Sara Oval grounds and Sri Lanka is expected to strengthen the team with more seniors.
Sri Lanka ’A’ skipper Pasindu Sooriyabandara
In fact best batsman award of the recently concluded NSL four day tournament jointly won by Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Oshada Fernando having more than 800 runs while these two players were added to the Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad and Sooriyabandara scored 83 and 70 in two games against Afghanistan ‘A’ in the third and fifth ODI ‘s in good touch with the bat while Oshada Fernando the experienced test player who is in good form strengthen the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team.
Nuwanindu Fernando , Ahan Wickramasinghe and wicket keeper Vishad Randika also in the team as batsmen while Milan Ratnayake and Nisala Tharaka who are among the wickets at NSL four day tournament will open the attack . Nishan Pieris the off spinner and Wanuja Sahan the leg spinner who was named the best bowler of the NSL tournament and all rounder Sonal Dinusha will strengthen spin department.
Nuwanindu Fernando also can bowl off spin. Oshada Fernando and Lahiru Udara will open the batting and they have big responsibility to lay good foundation at this four day game.
Meanwhile Afghanistan ‘A’ packed with new players came to this four day game while Janet Ihsanullah, Mohammed Ibrahim , Ijaz Ahmed , Khalid Ahmed Nasimullah Pacha, Imaran Mir, Abdullah Khail, Abdul Hadi and Rahmanulla Zadran are included in this four day game squad and they came to join the team this week and had successful training sessions at P. Sara Oval Stadium.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ team Manager Vinodan John said the team had successful training sessions at P. Sara Oval grounds and hope to put up a good display . Sri Lanka team has to play more test matches against England, South Africa , New Zealand and selectors are more focused on these players for the National test team. Ashain Daniel, Chamika Gunasekara and Pawan Ratnayake also in the four day squad and fighting to enter the final eleven.
