Oshada Fernando's aggressive century helped Sri Lanka A recover on day two of the first Test against South Africa A, as they reached 232 for four at stumps at the Kimberley Oval on Monday.
Fernando's knock of 122 from 146 balls, featuring 21 boundaries, played a key role in reducing the deficit to 140 runs after South Africa A were earlier bowled out for 372. Matthew Breetzke extended his overnight score from 112 to 129 (213 balls, 11 fours), but the hosts fell short of building a bigger total from their strong day-one position of 294 for four.
Resuming the day, South Africa A lost Patrick Kruger early for 20 before Breetzke’s departure at 336 triggered a collapse. The lower order provided little resistance, with only Rivaldo Moonsamy (34) reaching double figures, as the innings ended in 108.2 overs.
Eshan Malinga was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka A, picking up four wickets for 65 runs.
In response, South Africa A claimed two quick wickets, with Lahiru Udara bowled by Migael Pretorius for 12 and Nuwanidu Fernando caught off Prenelan Subrayen for 8. However, a crucial 153-run partnership between Oshada Fernando and captain Pasindu Sooriyabandara (61 off 110 balls, 6 fours) brought the visitors back into the contest.
Late in the day, Neil Brand (1/29) and Kruger (1/17) struck to dismiss both key batsmen, leaving South Africa A with a slight advantage heading into day three.
South Africa A Four-Day Squad Against Sri Lanka A:
Neil Brand (captain), Marques Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tshepang Dithole, Jean du Plessis, Patrick Kruger, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Mihlali Mpongwana, Migael Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Lutho Sipamla, Prenelan Subrayen, Beyers Swanepoel, Codi Yusuf.
South Africa A Tour Against Sri Lanka A:
Four-Day Matches:
- 08-11 September, 10:00: South Africa A vs Sri Lanka A – Kimberley Oval, Kimberley
- 15-18 September, 10:00: South Africa A vs Sri Lanka A – Willowmoore Park, Benoni