Sri Lanka suffer nine-wicket defeat in first warm-up match
ThePapareNews article
Sri Lanka suffered a nine-wicket defeat to England Lions in the first T20 warm-up match of their tour of England.
In the match, which concluded on the 11th at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground in Chelmsford, Sri Lanka were invited to bat after England Lions won the toss. They were bowled out for just 117 with 20 balls still remaining.
Tharindu Ratnayake, who has yet to make his T20 international debut, top-scored for the side led by Kamindu Mendis. He made 48 off 37 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes.
Kamindu Mendis contributed 29 off 22 balls with three fours and a six, but the opposition bowlers prevented every other batter from reaching double figures.
Pathum Nissanka (4), Lahiru Udara (6), Kamil Mishara (5), Pavan Rathnayake (0), Janith Liyanage (5), Dunith Wellalage (4), Dushmantha Chameera (0) and Eshan Malinga (5) all fell cheaply. Nuwan Thushara was unbeaten on 8 off 15 balls, with one four, when Sri Lanka's innings ended.
Left-arm opening bowler Luke Wood returned the best figures of the innings with 4 for 27. Will Jacks, Sonny Baker and Jafer Chohan took two wickets apiece.
England Lions chased down Sri Lanka's target in just 44 balls, losing only one wicket.
Tom Banton led the way with an unbeaten 56 off 24 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes.
Captain Will Jacks added an unbeaten 30 off 12 balls, with three sixes and a four. The pair put on an unbroken 51 off 24 balls for the second wicket.
Aneurin Donald, the only batter dismissed in the England Lions innings, scored 31 off 8 balls with three sixes and three fours. Dunith Wellalage claimed the wicket.
Brief scores
Sri Lanka – 117 all out (16.4) Kamindu Mendis 29, Tharindu Ratnayake 48, Luke Wood 4/27, Sonny Baker 2/23, Will Jacks 2/13, Jafer Chohan 2/25
England Lions – 118/1 (7.2) Tom Banton 56 not out, Aneurin Donald 31, Will Jacks 30 not out
England Lions won by 9 wickets.
Sri Lanka's second T20 warm-up match is scheduled for tomorrow (13) at the County Ground in Becknham.
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Based on ThePapare reporting