Colombo, Feb 12: The Sri Lankan top-order batsmen got some good practice ahead of the World Cup as they thrashed minnows Netherlands by a huge 156 run margin in a warm-upmatch at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground, here today.
The home team scored a massive 351 for five in 50 overs and then bundled out visitors for 195 in 47.3 overs.
Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara opted to bat on a flat track as home team send the 'Oranje' brigade on a leather hunt.
With skipper Sangakkara and team's best batsman Mahela Jayawardene not coming out to bat, it was Tillekratne Dilshan who started the onslaught with a run-a-ball 78 that included 12 boundaries. Dilshan added 117 runs in 17.2 overs with fellow opener Upul Tharanga (47, 54 balls, 7x4) before Tharanga was caught by wicketkeeper Wesley Barresi off Peter Seelaar's bowing.
Thilan Samaraweera who has been known more for his Test match batting then spanked the bowlers to score a quickfire 60 off 59 deliveries with the help of five boundaries and a six.
He added 50 runs for the second wicket with Dilshan before the latter was caught by Eric Szwarczynski off Adil Raja's bowling.
Samaraweera retired out as the fourth batsman in order to give others a chance to get a decent hit in the middle.
While Angelo Mathews (21) was the only batsman who struggled, the 1996 World Champions were able to cross 350-run mark due to a blistering 94-run fifth wicket stand between Chamara Silva (54, 33 balls, 7x4) and Chamara Kapugedara (50 not out, 41 balls, 4x4). The runs came off only 10.2 overs.
Among the Netherlands bowlers, Ryan ten Doeschate who has recently bagged an IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders was hit for 75 runs in nine overs. Mudassar Bukhari was the most successful bowler grabbing two for 52.
The Netherlands were never really in the hunt to chase down such a huge target. Save an 80-run fifth wicket partnership between Tom de Grooth (76, 96 balls, 10x4, 1x6)
and skipper Bas Zuiderant (38, 65 balls, 1x4), there was not much resistance from others.
As many as nine bowlers were used. Dilhara Fernando (four for 43) was the pick of the bowlers. Thisara Perrera also chipped in with two wickets.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 351/5 (T Dilshan 78, T Samaraweera 60, C Silva 54, C Kapugedera 50 not out, M Bukhari 2/52). The Netherlands 195 in 47.3 overs (T de Grooth 76, D Fernando 4/43). PTI
