Cricket: Sri Lanka A edge out series

Colin Munro. Photo / Richard Robinson

Sri Lanka A have won the deciding one day match against New Zealand A by three wickets to take the series 2-1.

Having won the toss and opted to bat first, New Zealand had seven players make scores of 25 or more and were led by Colin Munro with 50.

Munro and Luke Ronchi (31) had their side in a strong position at 166 for four, before both fell in the space of three runs. Fortunately the lower-order wagged for New Zealand, with Andrew Ellis (46*), Daryl Mitchell (25) and Ronnie Hira (30) all making solid contributions to ensure a competitive total.

Ramith Rambukwella caused the visitors the most problems with the ball and finished with figures of four for 30 from tens overs.

In reply Sri Lanka were once again led by their opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne (70). The home side also had a number of batsmen make starts, but wickets at important moments meant that New Zealand were still a chance for much of the innings.

In the end middle-order batsman Ashin Priyanjan took control for Sri Lanka, making an unbeaten 47 and seeing his side home with nine balls in hand.

Adam Milne maintained his good form with the ball, taking two wickets for 44 runs from 10 overs. Andrew Ellis also had two scalps, while an impressive effort in the field brought about two run outs.

Sri Lanka A 278-7 (48.3 overs) v New Zealand A 274-8 (50 overs)