Batsmen hit form
Sri Lanka wins one-day match by 24 runs
Posted: Tuesday January 05, 1999 02:59 PM
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De Silva (above) and skipper Arjuna Ranatunga settled into a rhythm, putting together a 71-run partnership Lawrence Griffiths/Allsport |
ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) -- Sri Lanka turned in an improved performance to beat Australia A by 24 runs in a limited-overs cricket match at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.
The reigning World Cup champions lost two games in the space of a day against the same opposition to open its tour two days ago in Perth, but looked a different side Tuesday.
A greatly improved batting performance allowed Sri Lanka to sail to a total of 227-7 before bowling the home side out for 203.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat in stifling conditions.
Aravinda De Silva top-scored with 55, and the not out batsmen were Hashan Tillekaratne on 29 and Upul Chandana five.
Sri Lanka got off to a strong start, openers Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana putting on 62.
Medium pacer Ian Harvey then struck with his first ball of the day to have Marvan Atapattu caught by Damien Martyn for 10. The dangerous Jayasuriya went on to make 46 before he was bowled by Harvey, putting the tourists at 105-3 after 22 overs.
De Silva and skipper Arjuna Ranatunga settled into a rhythm, putting together a 71-run partnership off 94 balls before Ranatunga lofted a shot to Greg Blewett running to mid-off from the bowling of Brad Young.
Harvey led the bowling for Australia A with 3-35 off 10 overs.
Damien Martyn led Australia A's batting with 59 runs while Muttiah Muralitharan took 2-43 and Upul Chandana 4-41 for Sri Lanka in 10 overs and Chaminda Vaas 2-40 in nine.
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