Sri Lanka open World Cup campaign in style

Sarwan hits ton in warm up match.

Hosts Sri Lanka started their World Cup campaign in a sizzling fashion after defeating the Netherlands by 156 runs in the warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup.

Sri Lanka posted a blistering 351 for five with opener Tillakaratne Dilshan scoring a vital 78 while Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva and Chamara Kapugedera posted half-centuries.

The hosts then bowled out the minnows for a paltry 195 with Dilhara Fernando tearing through their batting line-up taking four for 43.

Sarwan shines

West Indies gained confidence after defeating Kenya by 61 runs. West Indies reached 253 for eight with Ramnaresh Sarwan guiding his team to victory with a spectacular century before being run-out for 123.

In reply Kenya were only able to post 192 before falling victim to the bowling pair of Kemar Roach (three for 23) and Andre Russell (four for 43).

Canada batsmen falter

Hosts Bangladesh posted a nine-wicket victory over Canada. After being sent in to bat, Canada were restricted to a meagre 112. None of the Canadian batsmen proved successful with captain Ashish Bagai scoring the highest 30.

In reply Bangladesh reached the target with ease after losing just one wicket courtesy opener Tamim Iqbal (69) and Imrul Kayes (39*).

South Africa stand tall

South Africa posted an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe after chasing down the 153-run target. Zimbabwe batsmen fell prey to  Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir (three for 35). In reply Hashim Amla (45), Graeme Smith (41) and Jacques Kallis (49*) gave South Africa a strong start which ultimately led to victory with the loss of just two wickets in 24 overs.

New Zealand post victory

New Zealand defeated Ireland by 32 runs in an edgy battle. After posting a mammoth total of 311, with Martin Guptill scoring an ecstatic 130, New Zealand bowled out Ireland for 279. Ireland opener William Porterfield (72) gave New Zealand a scare but to no avail as Kyle Mills caused most of the damage to the Ireland batting line-up with three for 52 to wrap up a well-contested match.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 13^th, 2011.