Vandort saves Lankan blushes

A composed 90 from opener Michael Vandort piloted Sri Lanka to a welcome six-wicket win over Derbyshire at the County Ground following a sporting declaration from Graeme Welch.

The tourists were set 262 to win in 60 overs, and achieved their ask with eleven balls to spare on the back of Vandort’s unbeaten four-hour knock. Upul Tharanga (38) and Kumar Sangakkara (48) added breezy middle-order contributions, and despite failures for Jehan Mubarak and Tillakaratne Dilsham, a rapid 44* from Chamara Kapugedera ended the game as the contest.

Ant Botha was the pick of the Derby bowlers, with two for 65, whilst Anthony Gray and Mo Sheikh took a wicket apiece. Sri Lanka visit Worcester to face England ‘A’ side filled with fringe players hungry to make an impression ahead of the Test series.

Derbyshire 219
SD Stubbings 43, CR Taylor 34
M Muralitharan 3-47, SL Malinga 3-59

Sri Lanka 166-7 dec
CK Kapugedera 45, MF Maharoof 44
KJ Dean 2-32, T Lungley 2-59

Derbyshire 208-4 dec
TR Birt 83, CR Taylor 53
TM Dilshan 1-22, SL Malinga 1-43

Sri Lanka 262-4
MG Vandort 90*, KC Sangakkara 48
AG Botha 2-65, MA Sheikh 1-41

Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets