Five-wicket hauls from Martins Chris and Bruce, backed up by a strong batting performance from Matthew Sinclair and Peter Fulton took New Zealand A to a three-wicket win against Sri Lanka A at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy.
Avishka Gunawardane won the toss, chose to bat, and led from the front with 75 as Sri Lanka A managed 284 in their first innings. The mediumpace of Chris Martin, who bowled 22 overs and scalped 5 for 74, broke the back of the Sri Lanka innings, with only Upul Tharanga managing to chip in with 51 in the middle order.
Sri Lanka A then fought back hard, restricting New Zealand A to 233 despite 117 from from Sinclair. The wickets were spread about among the bowlers and Gayan Wijekoon, the left-arm mediumpacer, was the pick of the lot with 3 for 34.
The two Martins then combined magnificently - Christ picked up 4 for 38 while Bruce, the left-arm spinner, managed 5 for 74 as Sri Lanka A were shot out for 211, leaving a target of 263. Despite a shaky start - New Zealand A were 9 for 2 at one stage - the target was overhauled, thanks mainly to 101 from Peter Fulton.