Fringe Sri Lanka player accumulates swift century, contributing significantly to a large advantage in runs against Afghanistan A in an unofficial Test match.
In a thrilling turn of events on the cricket field, 25-year-old whirlwind Nuwanidu Fernando smashed his maiden ton for Sri Lanka A against Afghanistan A, leaving the opposition reeling on May 1, 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
The one-off unofficial Test between the two sides was an exciting spectacle, with Sri Lanka A skipper Pasindu Sooriyabandara opting to bat first.
One-off unofficial Test - Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A
With a ball-by-ball overlap, let's delve into the highlights:
- Sri Lanka A ended day one at a formidable 345-8, with opener Lahiru Udara scoring a commendable 107 and Sonal Dinusha remained not out on a solid 64, looking ominous for day two.
- On the second day, Dinusha surpassed the three-figure mark, remaining undefeated on a convincing 104, as the Sri Lanka A team was all out for a substantial 406.
- Afghanistan A were unable to keep up the pace, being bowled out for a dismal 168. Isitha Wijesundara took center stage, bagging an impressive 6-35, including the dismissal of all top five batters. Afsar Zazai top-scored for Afghanistan A with 54.
A Century Born out of Resilience
Fortunately for the home side, Sri Lanka A did not enforce the follow-on. In their second innings, Udara was unfortunately dismissed for a duck, but the other batsmen displayed resilience with their batting skills. By the end of day two, they had amassed a substantial lead at 98-1, with Kamil Mishara and Nuwanidu Fernando at the crease.
The following day, Mishara was dismissed for a commendable 53, but Fernando continued his onslaught, reaching a century off a rapid 120 balls, only to depart three balls later for an impressive 102. In the grand scheme of first-class cricket, this was his 13th century, accompanied by 11 half-centuries.
Unveiling the Enigma – Nuwanidu Fernando
This remarkable knock was his first century for Sri Lanka A, over the span of eleven matches, averaging a modest 17.05 runs with a high score of 86 prior to this game.
Interestingly, Fernando, the younger brother of Sri Lanka international Vishwa, has already donned the national colors in white-ball cricket, featuring in five ODIs and one T20I between 2023 and 2024. He scored an impressive 50 on his ODI debut.
Recently, Fernando's form has been a roller coaster ride. In the recently-concluded 50-over tri-series against Afghanistan A and Ireland A, he managed a single half-century and four single-digit scores. However, in March, he delivered a stellar performance, scoring 45 & 100* for Kandy against Colombo in the National Super League 4-Day Tournament.
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- In the one-off unofficial Test between Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A, Nuwanidu Fernando, the younger brother of Sri Lanka international Vishwa, scored a spectacular century on May 1, 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
- Despite a challenging performance in the recently-concluded 50-over tri-series against Afghanistan A and Ireland A, Fernando displayed his resilience in this game, scoring his first century for Sri Lanka A off a rapid 120 balls.
- With this impressive knock, the 25-year-old Nuwanidu Fernando, currently averaging 17.05 runs with a high score of 86 in eleven matches for Sri Lanka A, has added another remarkable achievement to his cricket journey, also being a part of the ODI and T20I teams for Sri Lanka.
