Hemantha bags five, as Sri Lanka ‘A’ level series
A five wicket haul by spinner Dushan Hemantha paved the way for Sri Lanka ‘A’ to record a convincing 86-run win over England Lions as Sri Lanka A leveled the three match unofficial ODI series 1-1at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.
England were nicely placed at 164 for 2 in the 28th over, chasing 316 to clinch the series with a match to go but Sri Lankan spinners struck taking three quick wickets as the Lions were reeling at 172 for 5 in the 31st over.
The visitors never recovered thereon as spinners Dunith Wellalage who did the early damage and Hemantha ran through the innings with some fantastic spells of spin bowling. The Lions were eventually bowled out for 229 in the 40th over with Hemantha claiming 5 for 43 and Wellalage taking 2 for 62.
Tom Prest (67), James Rew (42) and Jack Haynes (36) looked to steady the Lions ship but Sri Lankan bowling was too hot to handle.
Unlike in the previous game, Sri Lanka batting prospered in the must-win game. Sri Lanka hit a formidable 315 on the back of three half centuries from Lasith Croospulle (73), Nuwanidu Fernando (57) and Angelo Mathews (50). Skipper Sadeera Samarawickrama and Suminda Lakshan too made useful contributions with the bat.
The third and final match will be played on Tuesday at the same venue.
| Results: | |
| Sri Lanka ‘A’ 315 for 7 in 50 overs (Lasith Croospulle 73, Nuwanidu Fernando 57, Angelo Mathews 50, Sadeera Samarawickrama 40, Suminda Lakshan 35, Dunith Wellalage 15 n.o.: Mason Crane 3/55, Jacob Bethell 2/55) England Lions 229 in 39.1 overs (Tom Prest 67, James Rew 42, Jack Haynes 36, Tom Hartley 23, Jacob Bethell 19, Brydon Carse 17: Dushan Hemantha 5/43, Dunith Wellalage 2/62) |