Tharindu and Dananjaya guide Development XI to safety

SLC Development XI’S four-day game versus Surrey ended in a highscoring draw; the third such result for the visitors in as many games on tour.

Avishka Tharindu made the most of the final day’s play as he struck an enterprising unbeaten 103 off just 108 balls in an important 177-run stand with captain Nipun Dananjaya.

Dananjaya, who made 150 not out in his team’s first dig, was dismissed for 81, after which the teams shook hands and called the game to a close.

The Development XI were in a spot of bother when the pair came together, with the side five wickets down and still in arrears. However, the two batters guided the team to safety, and yet another draw, in what was their final red-ball match on tour.

The Development XI were in a spot of bother when the pair came together, with the side five wickets down and still in arrears. However, the two batters guided the team to safety, and yet another draw, in what was their final red-ball match on tour.

Earlier in the day, Dunith Wellalage claimed his second five-wicket haul in first-class cricket as Surrey’s innings was brought to a close on 556.

The visitors started well in their reply with Lasith Croospulle (49) dominating a brisk opening partnership of 66, before a cluster of wickets left Tharindu and Dananjaya to mount a rescue act.

The Development XI have just a one day break before commencing the limited overs leg of their tour. The first game will be with Surrey tomorrow (25) followed by Somerset and Gloucestershire on Friday and Sunday respectively.

SLC Development XI: 372 for 9 decl. and 290 for 6 (A Tharindu 103 no, N Dananjaya 81, L Croospulle 49)

Surrey: 556 (R Patel 126, B Geddes 104, G Atkinson 91, N Reifer 68, D Wellalage 5 for 143, A De Silva 2 for 124, N Fernando 2 for 78)