Sri Lanka struggle in opener
Sri Lanka struggle in opener
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Monday, 24, Apr 2006 08:14
Sri Lanka got off to a faltering start in the first match of their tour against British Universities scoring 289 all out on the first day.
The tourists could not deal with the bowling of the students and limped to a small total despite a century from Upul Tharanga.
But the Universities were not performing so well in their reply as they finished the day on 13-2.
The stars of the Universities bowling attack who herald from the Caribbean were on sparkling form as Barbadian-born Ruel Brathwaite and Viv Richards' son Mali took three wickets apiece in overcast conditions.
Thilan Samaraweera scored just 36 runs and yet he finished top scorer behind Tharanga's 100-run innings.
Former Essex batsman Tharanga said: "It was cold, and the opening bowler bowled a very good line and length. That meant it wasn't easy, and I had to concentrate and make sure I tried to pick the right ball to hit.
"I've always been a good off-side player. But I've been working on my leg-side shots too and I managed to get a few of those today too."
Sri Lanka will face England in three Test matches and five one-day internationals in the coming weeks but they will be without captain Marvan Atapattu who is suffering from a back injury.