Sri Lanka A v Bangladesh A, 3rd ODI, Colombo

Udawatte carries Sri Lanka A to clean sweep

Cricinfo staff

April 6, 2007

Sri Lanka A 160 for 1 (Udawatte 87*) beat Bangladesh A 222 (Nazimuddin 57) by nine wickets (D/L method)
Scorecard

A third polished bowling effort, and an effortless batting performance, enabled Sri Lanka A to complete a clean sweep of the series against Bangladesh A in Colombo. Having dismissed the tourists for 222, the hosts were set a Duckworth-Lewis reduced target of 157 from 34 overs, and cruised home with 58 balls to spare with Mahela Udawatte scoring an unbeaten 87.

Tushar Imran, the Bangladesh captain, won his third toss in a row and made the same decision as he had all series - bat. However, in the face of a disciplined attack, Bangladesh could only muster 222 for 9, Nazimuddin's 57 from 76 balls being the top score. Imran himself got a start, but failed to capitalise, falling to a run-out from Chamara Kapugedera on 44. Mahmudullah came back from his duck in the last game to remain unbeaten on 44, but received little support from the tail.

From 156 for 4, Bangladesh lost their next five wicket for 42 runs. Dilruwan Perera, the offspinner, collected 2 for 26, Upul Chandana, apart from a run-out, finished with 1 for 43 from his quota, and Kaushal Lokuarachchi continued his good form with 2 for 48.

In reply, Sri Lanka were given a good start from Udawatte, who opened got in place of the in-form Malinda Warnapura, and Dilruwan Perera (23) who added 83. After Perera fell to Farhad Reza, Udawatte and Warnapura knocked off the required runs with little fuss. Udawatte needed just 70 balls for his knock, which included 15 fours and a six, while Warnapure finished on a 40-ball 37.

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