Easy victory for Sri Lanka over West Indies A

Sri Lanka returned to form with an emphatic victory over West Indies A at Hove as they prepare for the start of the one-day series. Though the game was billed as a day/nighter, Sussex saved on their electricity, with the sun still present as the winning runs were hit.

The Sri Lankans may have been entitled to have felt jaded after Monday's snatch and grab by England at Old Trafford. But it was the West Indies team, who landed not a week ago, who looked the weary tourists.

Charitha Buddika (4-30) and Upul Chandana (3-7) were the destroyers, as West Indies mustered just 77 after choosing to bat. Five batsman scored ducks, as Buddika's movement, then Chandana's turn bamboozled batsman after batsman. Devon Smith's duck set the tone, while Donovan Pagon fell victim to poor running, and Dwayne Bravo was trapped in front to leave the West Indies reeling on 27 for three.

Daren Ganga and Runako Morton tried in vain to keep the innings together, Ganga falling for ten. Morton made a patient 20 before becoming he was adjudged leg before. Wickets continued to tumble through poor running and generous umpiring, the Caribbean's second team losing their last four wickets for four runs.

Dihan Gunawardene had his woodwork rearranged by the always impressive Marlon Black as Sri Lanka got off to the worst possible start. Such a target was never going to pose a serious threat however, and Sanath Jayasuria (23 not out) and Kumar Sangakarra (35) punished already beaten bowlers. Jayasuria lofted a couple of impressive sixes, while Sangakarra's knock was classy. Aside from a first-ball duck for Mahela Jayawardene, the reply ran smoothly, with Sri Lanka using just 13 of their 50 overs to ease to victory.