Trio guide Sri Lanka ‘A’ to victory against Lions

Dimuth Karunaratne, along with Bhanuka Rajapakse and skipper Thilina Kandamby, guided Sri Lanka ‘A’ to secure the much needed win in the five match limited over series against the England Lions with a fine knock of 94 enabling the home side to record a six wicket win in the third match played at the Welagedera Stadium in Kurunegala.

The Sri Lanka ‘A’ was in a must win situation after the England Lions had taken a 2-0 lead having recorded convincing wins in the matches played at the Rangiri Dmabulla Stadium.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ was set another challenging score after England Lions skipper James Taylor won the toss and, electing to take first lease of the wicket, seeing his team make a formidable score of 258 for 9. The visitors’ score came on the back off a knock of 119 made by Jos Buttler who steered his side single-handedly and his 130 ball inning comprised 11 boundaries and a six. Sri Lanka ‘A’ in their run chase underwent an early setback losing their first wicket in the very first ball of the innings. They lost their second with the score on 22 before Dimuth came to his side’s rescue.

Dimuth who made 94 with six boundaries and a six was supported by Bhanuka Rajapakse and skipper Thilina Kandamby. With Bhanuka he added 132 runs for the third wicket before they were separated with the dismissal of Bhanuka.

Bhanuka made a quick fire 72 in only 73 balls which had 11 boundaries. Dimuth put on another valuable 82 runs stand for the four th wicket skipper Kandamby which brought the side to the brink of victory.

Dimuth’s dismissal with the score at 236 saw the home left with just 22 runs from 38 balls which they achieved with 15 balls to spare with Kandamby making an unbeaten 55.

The two sides will play their four th match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 3 and the fifth and final game will be played at the same venue on February 6.

England Lions 258 for 9 in 50 overs (Jos Buttler 119, Johnny Bairstow 31, Alex Hales 27, Craig Kieswetter 24: Seekkuge Prasanna 3 for 32, Dhanushka Gunatileke 2 for 46)

Sri Lanka ‘A’ 263 for 4 in 47.3 overs (Dimuth Karunaratne 94, Bhanuka Rajapakse 72, Thilina Kandamby 55 n.o., Kusal Janith 18 n.o.)-