PERTH, Australia, Jan 3 (AFP) - World Cup one-day champions Sri
Lanka crashed to a humiliating eight-wicket defeat after being
routed for a paltry 89 by Australia A in the first match of their
Australian tour here Sunday.
Sent in by the home team, Sri Lanka survived a mere 25.1 overs,
as only opener Romesh Kaluwitharana (21), captain Arjuna
Ranatunga (21 not out), Marvan Atapattu (12) and Upul Chandana
(10) reached double figures at the WACA Ground.
The Sri Lankans batted with little discipline and application,
were rusty in the field and caused the Australian batsmen few
problems.
Australian A fast bowler Shane Lee captured 4-11 off seven overs,
while Test paceman Matthew Nicholson snapped up 2-22 from seven
overs.
The home team had no trouble romping to victory in 79 minutes off
a mere 18 overs.
Sri Lanka's humiliation was complete when they were asked to play
in an exhibition game at the end of the match.
Officials arranged the second hit-out hurriedly in a bid to give
a crowd of more than 11,000 value for their money.
The Australia A side, composed of players on the fringe of
Australian senior selection, wrapped up the Sri Lankan innings in
only 132 minutes.
This match is one of three the tourists are to play against
Australia A before the start of a triangular one-day series
against Australia and England.
Sri Lanka play England on Monday, January 11 in their first match
in that competition.
Kaluwitharana gathered his runs from 22 balls and Ranatunga faced
43 deliveries.
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