Vandort ton helps BCCSL Academy XI secure draw

A century from captain Michael Vandort helped the Sri Lankan Academy XI draw their three-dayer against India A at the the Ranasinghe Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

On the final day, Vandort, who made an unbeaten 101, found an able ally in No. 5 Nimesh Perera, who made a quickfire 74 off 91 balls with 10 fours and two sixes. The 101-run partnership between the duo was the best of the home team's innings. The Lankan team, then, made 261 for five in reply to India A's first innings score of 474 for seven. Part-time medium-pacer Akash Chopra, who claimed two late wickets, was the most successful bowler for the tourists..

Earlier, the first two days had seen the Indian batsmen thrive. Openers Akash Chopra (145), Gautam Gambhir (105), captain Hrishikesh Kanitkar (97) and wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel (51*) were all among the runs. While Chopra and Gambhir put on 252 for the first wicket, Kanitkar and Patel put on 109 for the sixth wicket as their team posted a mammoth total after electing to bat.

For the Sri Lankan Academy XI, off-spinner Ganganath Ratnayake, who claimed 3-96, was the most successful bowler.

India A now move to the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo where they play the first of three unofficial Tests against a Tillakaratne Dilshan-led Sri Lanka team from May 16-19. The two teams will also play three one-day matches. The tour ends on June 6.