The first unofficial four-day Test between Kenya and Sri Lanka A looked to be meandering towards a probable draw at the end of a soporific third day.
Sri Lanka A have the best chance of forcing a result after overhauling the Kenyan's first innings score of 292 and then establishing a 122 run lead as they posted 414 for nine declared.
At stumps, Kenya were 31 for one, having lost wicket-keeper batsman Kennedy Otieno in the second over of the innings.
Sri Lanka, who started the day on 122 for one, made slow progress in the extended days play, as the Kenyans quickly jumped onto the defensive; bowling one side of the wicket with a well spread field.
Mindful of the need to impress the selectors - who have perched themselves high up on the media centre and not missed a ball all game - before the upcoming selection of the squad for the tour of England, the Sri Lankan batsman refused to take the necessary risks to counter such a policy.
In the morning, Ian Daniel became the second player to pass fifty, before going onto make 71 from 186 balls.
After he was bowled, Michael Vandort (75 from 171 balls) and Tillakartne Dilshan (82 from 167 balls) added 82 for the third wicket.
With Vandort disappointed to have been adjudged lbw to a short ball from leg-spinner Collins Obuya, Dilshan added a further 87 with Chamara Silva (56 from 74 balls) either side of tea.
But just when Sri Lanka A captain Upul Chandana would have been stating to ponder an evening declaration target, the home team collapsed, losing six wickets for 39 runs.
The shift in fortunes was sparked by some lackadaisical running between the wickets. Dilshan, progressing smoothly and elegantly towards his century, pushed to point and set off for a quick single. Silva failed to respond and both batsmen were left stranded at the non-striker's end.
Left-arm spinner Mohammad Sheikh grabbed two wickets: Silva was caught at extra cover and Chandana behind the wicket having already been dropped twice in the over.
Wicket-keeper Prassana Jayawardene was snaffled in the gully region and Muthumudalige Pushpakumara ran himself out, whilst Kaushalaya Weeraratne was stumped.
Prabath Nissanka (23 not out from 30 balls) saved some face with two sixes and a spirited 30 run stand for the final wicket with Ruchira Perera (10 not out) before the declaration.
© Cricinfo
| Teams | Sri Lanka. Kenya. |
| Tours | Kenya in Sri Lanka |
| Scorecard | 1st Match: Sri Lanka 'A' v Kenyans, 31 Jan-3 Feb 2002 |
| Grounds | P.Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo |
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