Sri Lanka ended their preparations for ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier on a winning note as they beat USA by 198 runs in their second warmup game played today (15th June) at Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo.
After being put into bat first, Sri Lankan opening pair Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne got off to a quick start, putting on 39 runs in 6.2 overs before the former was bowled by Saurabh Netravalkar for 25 runs.
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Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis then built a massive 191-run partnership for the 2nd wicket before the former retired himself out, allowing other batters to acclimatize to the conditions.
Karunaratne was the top scorer for Sri Lanka as he made 111 runs off 100 balls with 15 fours. Mendis also brought up a brilliant century, smashing 105 runs off 91 balls with 7 fours and 6 sixes.
Charith Asalanka and skipper Dasun Shanaka contributed with blazing half-centuries coming down the order as Sri Lanka posted a massive total of 392 runs on the board in the allotted 50 overs.
In their turn with the ball, Sri Lanka started brilliantly as speedster Kasun Rajitha struck early to remove USA’s opening pair.
USA No. 3 batter Monank Patel and Shayan Jahangir showed some resistance with the bat, scoring half-centuries but Matheesha Pathirana ripped through the USA middle and lower order, setting the tone for the victory.
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Pathirana was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka as he grabbed 4 wickets for 23 runs in his 6-over spell. Rajitha and wrist-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga were also amongst the wickets as they picked up 2 wickets each.
Sri Lanka will take on UAE in their first game of the Group Stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier on the 19th of June in Bulawayo.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka – 392/5 (50) D Karunaratne 111, Kusal Mendis 105, Charith Asalanka 62*, Dasun Shanaka 61*, Pathum Nissanka 25, Saurabh Netravalkar 2/60
USA – 194 (33.2) Monank Patel 68, Shayan Jahangir 63*, Matheesha Pathirana 4/23, Kasun Rajitha 2/28, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/32
Result – Sri Lanka won by 198 runs
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