Sri Lanka down Dutch for second time

Sri Lanka 313 for 8 (Tharanga 73, Dilshan 66, Reekers 3-54) beat Netherlands 258 (Reekers 45, Lokuarachchi 4-44) by 55 runs
Scorecard

Upul Tharanga on his way to a top score of 72 © Charly Booker

After the world-record pasting they received two days ago, this was a spirited display from Netherlands, but Sri Lanka were again barely stretched as they finally brought their tour to a close with a 55-run win at Amstelveen. Sri Lanka again impressed with the bat - if not quite in the same way as Tuesday - racking up over 300 as each of the top order enjoyed one final hit before heading home.

Whereas their record 443 was based around centuries from Sanath Jayasuriya and Tillakaratne Dilshan, today's effort was the product of a series of smaller contributions. Upul Tharanga continued his fine form at the top of the order with a run-a-ball 72, then the major stand of 93 developed between Dilshan and Russel Arnold.

The Dutch bowlers stuck to their task; Peter Borren who'd been carted for 94 in the first match was this time the pick of the attack with one for 44 off his full 10 overs. However, that meant it was the turn of someone else to take the punishment and Billy Stelling, the former Leicestershire allrounder, went for 91 in his spell.

Netherlands managed to get off to a brisk start, reaching 62 without loss after 10 overs, with Darron Reekers, who earlier took three wickets, smacking a 39-ball 45. But then they began to lose wickets at regular intervals as Dilhara Fernando collected the top three batsmen, while Kaushal Lokuarachchi was again a handful and continued to make the most of his brief outing with a four-wicket haul.

The total was boosted by some lusty late hitting from Borren and Luuk van Troost, the captain, but Sri Lanka were never in danger and Farveez Maharoof wrapped up the innings with a brace to make it seven ODI wins on the bounce. But there won't be much rest for the Sri Lankans; a Test series against South Africa starts in two weeks time.