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SL Complete Tour Match Victory

Monday, June 28 2004

Tillekaratne Dilshan has played himself into form before the opening Test match against Australia on Thursday, guiding Sri Lanka to a comfortable 5-wicket win against the Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI at Marrara Oval.

Slumping to 1/6 overnight the tourists opened the day in circumspect fashion before losing acting captain Mahela Jayawardene LBW for 26. Thilan Samaraweera's noted patice was again a strong point of his innings in making 32 before he was well run out.

Dilshan played a largely steadying role in the middle order, crafting an unbeaten 66 to ensure the remaining batsmen were allowed to play their natural game. Russel Arnold looked positive in making 34, yet Romesh Kaluwitharana continues to struggle with his form and looks likely to sit out the first Test match.

Upul Chandana joined Dilshan with just 4 runs needed, finishing unbeaten on 3.

In an uplifting sign for the Australian side, Glenn McGrath looked polished despite only claiming 1 wicket with his nagging accuracy. Ian Redpath was the best of the Northern Territory bowlers in claiming 2 wickets.

Final Scores:

Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI 419 (J Langer 151, R Bowden 75, D Treumer 65, M Brown 44; L Malinga 6/90)

Sri Lanka 7 dec. 378 (K Sangakarra 203*, S Jayasuriya 64; A Dent 2/51)

Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI 9 dec. 145 (R Herath 4/45)

Sri Lanka 5/187 (T Dilshan 66*)

Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets.

Posted by Andre