By Srian Obeyesekere

Sri Lanka defeated a New Zealand XI by 32 runs running up 128 for 2 wickets in a friendly warm up match confined to 10 overs, and restricting the home team to 96:for 2 in 10 overs at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln yesterday.

Sri Lanka batted first by mutual consent where there was no toss in a 13 players a side game with Pathum Nissanka top scoring with 31 off 15’balls striking 5 boundaries and a six followed by Bhanuka Rajapaksa at No 3 scoring a quick fire 25 off 16 balls hitting 2 sixes and equal number of boundaries.

Other contractors were Wanindu Hasaranga 25′ off 16 with 2 sixes and equal number of boundaries and skipper Charith Asalanka 13 off 8 with six and boundary.

New Zealanders top scorer was Matthew Boyle whose 34 ball unbeaten 57 topped by 5 over the top and 2 boundaries however could not carry his side home.

Nuwan Thushara did well to pick up both wickets to fall clean bowling Katene Clarke for 8 and having skipper Joe Carter caught by Mahees Theekshana for 23.