Openers help Sri Lanka 'A' level series

Sri Lanka 'A' openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Dhanushka Gunatileke laid the foundation to help the side level the five match ODI series at two each against England Lions with a four wicket win in the fourth match played at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

Sri Lanka 'A' chasing a modest score of 205 was given a flying start by Dimuth and Dhanushka who together added 84 runs. The duo were unfortunate to be dismissed in the 40's.

Though they underwent some anxious moments at the latter part of the innings the Lankans were well on target with their run rate. Just passing the 30th over they were on top with the score on 150 for 3 before reaching the target with just under eight overs to spare.

Earlier in the day the England Lions invited to take first lease of the wicket too was given a sound start by openers Samit Patel and Alex Hales who put on 85 runs but faltered there after.

At the half way stage the visitors were tottering on 139 for 6 but recovered through Chris Woakes to make a respectable score of 204. The Sri Lanka 'A' win has now set up an interesting tussle with the deciding game scheduled to be played January 6 at the same venue.

England Lions 204 in 42.1 overs (Alex Hales 62, Samith Patel 50, Chris Woakes 28, Malinga Bandara 3 for 41, Seekkuge Prasanna 3 for 43, Dhanushka Gunatileke 2 for 43)

Sri Lanka 'A' 206 for 6 in 42.1 overs (Dimuth Karunaratne 45, Dhanushka Gunatileke 41, Ashan Priyanjan 37, Thilina Kandamby 20, Bhanuka Rajapakse 15, Kusal Janith 16 n.o., Samit Patel 2 for 45)- MSA