By Srian Obeyesekere

Opening batsman Lasith Croosepulle torched New Zealand A for a majestic 103 off 76 balls to what was the defining line in his international career for the big mainstream call up as Sri Lanka A won the second unofficial.ODI by 44 runs on the DLS following bad light stoppage of the game with the touring team on 153 for 3 wickets after 28 overs chasing the DLS 202 DLS target at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.

Sri Lanka A made 368 with Sonal Dinusha 93 and skipper Sahan Arachchige 74 in what was back to back half centuries in continuing the run assault on the Kiwis.

The win gave Sri Lanka the series following back to back wins with one to go in the 3-match series.

Indeed, Croosepulle hit the bulls eye to reaching the ultimate line of ascendancy in his international career as the 27-year old left hander soared in stature in the gallop for higher national recognition sword edged by 13 fours and six sixes in stirring the dust right upfront racing to his century in only 69 balls and reaching the mark in absolute warrior fashion heaving Rohit Gulati for a six.

Chief scores:

Sri Lanka A won by 44 on DLS 28 overs

Sri Lanka A 368/9 (50 Overs)
Lasith Croospulle 103, Sonal Dinusha 93, Sahan Arachchige 74, Tim Pringle 3/58, Adithya Ashok 2/60.

New Zealand A 158/3 (T 203) 28 Overs
Curtis Heaphy 53, D. Phillips 34, Tim Robinson 27, Milan Rathnayake 1/26, Dilshan Madushanka 1/37