Sri Lanka A set tough run chase

ESPNcricinfo staff

July 22, 2011


Sri Lanka 176 and 71 for 1 need 392 more runs to beat Leicestershire 341 and 297 for 8 dec
Scorecard

Sri Lanka A face a huge final-day run chase after being set 463 by Leicestershire although started briskly to reach 71 for 1 despite losing a wicket to the first ball of their second innings.

Leicestershire built their lead at a steady pace with useful contributions throughout the order. Greg Smith hit 67 and took his second-wicket stand with James Taylor to 102 before Sri Lanka staged a mini fightback.

Four wickets fell for 37, including two to offspinner Sachithra Senanayake, but Leicestershire's advantage was always substantial. It was further extended by Wayne White (57) and Tom New (62) as they added 129 in 28 overs to take the game away from the visitors.

Sri Lanka didn't get the solid start they needed to the chase as Malinda Warnapura was caught behind first ball off Nadeem Malik but Lahiru Thirimanne, who was part of the recent Test side that toured England, and Bhanuka Rajapaksascore freely during a truncated final session.