BLACKCAPS tour opener drawn as Sri Lanka XI digs in

A determined Sri Lankan batting line-up held out against the BLACKCAPS to secure a draw on the final day of the New Zealanders’ opening tour match in Colombo.

Despite being unable to take the final few Sri Lankan Development XI wickets for a win, the BLACKCAPS will be pleased overall with solid workouts with both bat and ball – and the chance to acclimatise to local conditions.

Resuming on day three at 437/7, the BLACKCAPS added a further 56 runs, with captain Daniel Vettori scoring 106, and Jeetan Patel 39, before being dismissed for 493 – a lead of 334.

The Sri Lankan side made a strong start to their second innings with an opening partnership of 74, but then lost three wickets in the space of six overs, with Jacob Oram and Vettori doing the damage.

Nadeera Nawela then anchored a middle order fightback, including a partnership of 43 for the sixth wicket, and an unbroken stand of 57 for the seventh. His innings of 64 not out saw the Sri Lanka XI through to 257/6 at the close of play, still 77 runs in arrears.

Best of the BLACKCAPS bowlers was Oram with 3/32 off 12 overs. Vettori took 2/69, and Patel 1/74.

The BLACKCAPS play another three-day tour match against a Sri Lankan XI at NCC ground in Colombo, starting on Wednesday [12 August].

The first Test of the series starts on Tuesday 18 August at Galle.

ENDS

Summary:
Sri Lanka Development XI 159 & 257/6 (Naweela 64, Paranavitana 51; Oram 3/32)
New Zealand 493

Full scorecard at:
www.blackcaps.co.nz/content/scorecard/slc_dev_v_blackcaps_9aug.aspx