Sri Lanka A collapse to defeat

Sri Lanka A collapsed sensationally, losing their last five wickets for three runs, and slumped to a 57-run defeat against West Indies A on the final day of the first four-day unofficial Test played at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium.

The collapse was triggered by the run out of Gayan Wijekoon, thotough a Xavier Marshall direct hit from mid-on as the batsman tried to steal a sharp single. From 255 for 5 Sri Lanka crashed to 258 all out. The lower order showed no stomach for the fight despite West Indies missing their key bowler - Tino Best.

The played truly and the West Indies bowling was not potent enough to justify such a meek surrender from the batsmen.

Sri Lanka A had begun the final day well-placed on 126-2 and needed to score 190 more runs with eight second innings wickets in hand and a whole day's play ahead of them.

But a lack of planning led to their downfall as they lost three wickets in the first session and then folded up dramatically 40 minutes after lunch.

Russel Arnold was the first to go for when he edged a wide delivery to the lone slip fielder. He made 47 in 154 minutes (7 fours) of a stand of 123 for the third wicket with Michael Vandort.

Avishka Gunawardena, who was forced to retire with his score on 16 after being hit on the right forearm by Best yesterday, returned to the crease. Five runs later Vandort, who had batted well for 70 in 206 minutes (10 fours,) was bowled by Runako Morton. In the space of 10 minutes two well-set batsmen were dismissed. Prasanna Jayawardene who top scored in the first innings with 55, continued in the same vein, but at 20 hooked Lawson and was caught on the long-leg boundary.

Gunawardena and Wijekoon put on 36 for the sixth wicket and just as when it seemed that Sri Lanka A would cruise through Wijekoon was run out rather unnecessarily and the match was lost.

Gunawardena left at the same score when he was trapped lbw by Washington for a firmly struck 74 off as many balls. He hit one six and 10 fours and as long as he was at the wicket Sri Lanka A looked well in control of the match.

Washington made a double strike when he got rid of Sajeewa Weerakoon for one in the same over to make Sri Lanka 'A' 257-8. Deonarine ended the match by capturing the last two wickets within the space of three balls.