Kathmandu- Kurunegala XI took a lead of 289 runs against Nepal on the second day of the first three day match being played in Sir lanka.
On a day that belonged to Kurunegala XI, Kurunegala exposed weakness in Nepal’s batting straightaway picking the wickets of Nepal openers Subash Khakurel and Naresh Budhayer on quick session. Both batsman fell to Shalika karunanayeke.Subash got out for four runs whereas Naresh was out for a duck.
Nepal soon lost Anil Mandal and Rajesh Pulami in the space of 3 overs to leave Nepal 38/4 in 9.1 overs. Skipper Paras Khadka took innings away playing some good strokes. But, Nepal kept losing wickets. There wasn’t any significant partnership in the whole innings. The highest partnership was of 49 runs between Paras and Sompal kami for the 8th wicket. Paras finally got out in the 40th over to Madawa Warnapura. He top scored for Nepal with 59 off 110 balls. Sompal scored 49 runs off 95 balls. Nepal were all out for 187 runs in the 56.1 overs giving 160 runs lead to Kurunegala XI. Mohamed Siraz took three wickets for Kurunegala XI.
Nepal bowlers started the 2nd innings quite handsomely as they piled some pressure on Kurunegala XI batsman picking the first three wickets for 28 runs. But Gayan Maneeshan who scored 60 runs in the first innings took the momentum again back to Kurunegala with two good partnership for the 4th and fifth wicket. At the end of the day, Kurunegala were on 129/6 with a healthy lead of 289 runs. Sagar Pun took two wickets for Nepal whereas Rajesh Pulami, Paras Khadka, Sompal Kami and Karan KC got one each.
They have not declared yet. They are likely to declare in the very first innings tomorrow. It will be a big test for Nepal weather they can save this match or not.
