Vandort guides Sri Lanka home

Sri Lankans 166 for 7 dec and 262 for 4 (Vandort 90*) beat Derbyshire 219 and 208 for 4 dec (Birt 83) by six wickets
Scorecard

Michael Vandort guided the Sri Lankans to a morale-boosting six-wicket win over Derbyshire as the batting finally began to find its feet in the English spring. His unbeaten 90 meant the target was reached with relative ease after Derbyshire had declared following a delayed start.

Vandort, who is fighting for one of the opening slots with Upul Tharanga and Jehan Mubarak, took his chance with both hands. Tharanga played his part in an opening stand of 60, but it was Vandort who caught the eye with some powerful driving.

Kumar Sangakkara spent a useful 90 minutes in the middle, adding 96 with Vandort, before Derbyshire's spinners brought them back into the match. Andy Gray had Sangakkara stumped and Ant Botha claimed two wickets, including Tillekeratne Dilshan who continues to be short of runs.

However, Chamara Kapugedera continued his promising start to the tour with a sprightly 44. He is unlikely to feature in the Tests, this trip is all about gaining experience, but if he continues to impress, and his more senior colleagues don't find form, he could yet mount a late bid for inclusion in the first Test.

Kapugedera calmly accompanied Vandort until victory was complete as the Sri Lankans claimed their first win on tour. However, they will have to up their game when they face England A, at Worcester, starting on Thursday.