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Friday, Oct 06, 2006
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Convincing win for Sri Lanka

Special Correspondent

GOOD START: Farvez Maharoof (left) celebrates the dismissal of I. Malhatra with wicketkeeper Kumara Sangakkara during their practice match against Punjab.

CHANDIGARH: Sanath Jayasuriya's commitment even in a practice match highlighted the veteran all-rounder's significance in Sri Lanka's scheme of things as it prepared for the Champions Trophy with a convincing 84-run victory over Punjab at the Sector 16 Stadium here on Thursday.

Jayasuriya sprinted to cut off boundaries and bowled with the zeal that has marked his cricket from the time he made his debut in 1992. The 37-year-old's enthusiasm was infectious and augured well for Sri Lanka.

Electing to bat, Sri Lanka notched up 267 for eight in 50 overs. Jayasuriya contributed a mere 10 in the top-half collapse as Sri Lanka struggled at 112 for five. But a 90-run stand for the eighth wicket between Farveez Mahroof (81 not out, 88b, 6x4, 3x6) and Chaminda Vaas (48, 46b, 5x4, 1x6) put Sri Lanka in a position to dictate.

Punjab's reply was meek as it finished at 183 for seven in 50 overs. Ravneet Ricky's 36 was a noteworthy contribution in the top-order, but the best came from veteran Pankaj Dharmani, who hit 56 (74b, 4x4, 2x6).

PTI reports

In another practice match at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, Zimbabwe defeated GCA President's XI by 30 runs. Zimbabwe scored 236 for seven in 50 overs. In reply, GCA XI managed only 206 in 48.2 overs.

Opener Azhar Bilakhia (53) top-scored for the host while middle-order batsman Bhavik Thakar made 37. Stand-in Zimbabwean captain and off-spinner S. Matsikanyeri took four wickets for the visitors.

The scores: Sri Lanka 267 for eight in 50 overs (F. Mahroof 81 not out, C. Vaas 48) bt Punjab 183 for seven in 50 overs (P. Dharmani 56, R. Ricky 36).

Zimbabwe 236 for seven in 50 overs (R.T. Duffin 47, H. Masakadza 52, H.P. Rinke 41 n.o.) bt GCA XI 206 in 48.2 overs (Azhar Bilakhia 53, Bhavik Thakar 37, S. Matsikanyeri four for 45).

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