Sri Lanka ‘A’ registered a comfortable victory over New Zealand ‘A’ in the second unofficial ODI of the three-match series played today (8th April) at Hambantota, clinching the series 2-0 with one game still to be played.
Having won the toss, the hosts produced a dominant batting display to post a massive 368/9 on the board. Opening batter Lasith Croospulle led the charge with a brilliant century, while middle-order batters Sonal Dinusha and Sahan Arachchige made valuable half-century contributions.
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Croospulle played a sensational knock of 103 runs off 76 deliveries, smashing 13 fours and 6 sixes to provide Sri Lanka ‘A’ with a flying start.
Dinusha continued the momentum with a superb innings of 93 runs off 77 balls, which included 6 fours and 4 sixes, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century. Arachchige further strengthened the total with an impressive 74 runs off 68 deliveries, striking 5 fours and 2 sixes.
For the visitors, left-arm spinner Tim Pringle was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 58 runs.
In reply, New Zealand ‘A’ were 158/3 when bad light brought an early end to proceedings. According to the DLS method, the visitors were 44 runs behind the required score, resulting in Sri Lanka ‘A’ being awarded the victory.
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With this result, Sri Lanka ‘A’ have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with one match remaining.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 368/9 (50) Lasith Croospulle 103, Sonal Dinusha 93, Sahan Arachchige 74, Nuwanidu Fernando 20, Tim Pringle 3/58, Adithya Ashok 2/60
New Zealand ‘A’ – 158/3 (28) Curtis Heaphy 53*, Milan Rathnayake 1/26
Result – Sri Lanka ‘A’ won by 44 runs (DLS Method)
 at Hambantota, clinching the series 2-0 with one game still to be played.){kind=link}