Croospulle pilots SLC President's XI to a four-wicket win

Opener Lasith Croospulle stroked a fine knock of 116 in 84 balls with 15 fours and 5 sixes as Sri Lanka Cricket President's  XI recorded a four-wicket win over England Lions in their three-day warm-up game played at the R. Premadada Stadium yesterday.

Croospulle's magnificent century provided SLC President's XI with a great platform to reach the target of 309.

The first innings hero Nishan Madushka who scored 150 (retired) did not come in to bat in the second innings as he went to Galle to join the Sri Lanka A team in preparation for the Sri Lanka A first Test which will start on January 30. 

Lasith Croospulle and Lahiru Udara came as openers to chase the target and put on a 48 runs stand. Udara was first to be out scoring 25  in 22 balls hitting 4 boundaries and a six and was clean bowled by Sam Cook. Avishka Tharindu was out for a duck while skipper Sahan Arachchige hit 22 with 3 fours and was out to a return catch taken by Jack Carson.

Lasith Croospulle the 24 years right hander completed his half-century in 46 balls and reached his century in 73 balls in 110 minutes. However, he was out bowled by Tom Hartley when the total was at 168.  Croospulle the former Maris Stella Negombo stroke player played an anchor role to reach the winning target while Pasindu Sooriyabandara  52 in 38 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes and Dushan Hemantha who hit  23 in just 14 balls with 2 fours and a six added an unbroken 39 runs to seal the victory with four wickets in hand. Sooriyabandara the former Royalist also added valuable 73  runs sixth wicket stand with all-rounder Janith Liyanage who scored 44 in 59 balls and hit 7 fours.

Earlier England Lions continued overnight with 164 for 8 wickets made 250 all out in their second innings with Jack Haynes (51) and Jose Bohannon (50) scoring useful half centuries.

Isitha Wijesundara, skipper Sahan Arachchige and Nimesh Vimukthi took two wickets apiece for SLC President's XI.

Sri Lanka 'A' will meet England Lions in their first four day unofficial Test on January 30 at Galle International cricket stadium.

Chief scores 

England Lions 413 for 8 declared and 250 all out (Jack Haynes 51, Josh Bohannon 50, Isitha Wijesundara 2/16, Sahan Arachchige 2/50, Nimesh Vimukthi 2/46)

SLC President's XI 355 for 9 declared (Nishan Madushka 150*, Lahiru Udara 93 and 309 for 6 wickets Lasith Croospulle 116, Lahiru Udara 25, Sahan Arachchige 22, Janith Liyanage 42, Dunith Wellalage 19, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 52*, Dushan Hemantha 23*, Jack Carson 2/72)