Leicestershire beat Sri Lanka 'A' by 223 runs

LEICESTER, July 23 - Leicestershire crushed Sri Lanka 'A' by 223 runs in their four-day tour match concluded with more than a session to spare at Leicester here today.

Chasing a massive victory target of 463 runs, the tourists were bowled out for 239 runs in 72.2 overs in their second innings shortly before tea on the final day. The only bright spot in the Sri Lanka 'A' second innings was that blistering 70 by opener Lahiru Thirimanne who had one six and eight boundaries during his 200-minute stay at the wicket. He faced 126 balls.

Thirimanne added 71 runs for the second wicket with Bhanuka Rajapaksa (41 off 48 balls with one six and six boundaries) after opener Malinda Warnapura was out for a first ball 'duck'.

Earlier middle order batsman James Taylor made a magnificent 168 not out as Leicestershire made a healthy 341 all out in their first innings. Kosala Kulsekera excelled in balling with 5 for 59. But the Lankan batsmen were all at sea as they were bowled out for 176 runs in the first innings. The home team, which had a first innings lead of 165 runs, made 297 for 8 declared in their second essay to set Sri Lanka 'A' a challenging victory target.

Chief scores:

Leicestershire first innings: 341 all out (James Taylor 168 n.o, Shaminda Eranga 3 for 66, Kosala Kulasekera 5 for 59, Seekkuge Prasanna 2 for 59) and second innings 297 for 8 decl (Greg Smith 67, Wayne White 57, Tom New 62, Shaminda Eranga 2 for 52, Tharanga Lakshitha 2 for 65, Sachithra Senanayake 2 for 61).

Sri Lanka 'A' first innings: 176 all out (Malinda Warnapura 31, Kosala Kulasekera 41 n.o, Shaminda Eranga 24, Wayne White 4 for 27) and second innings 239 all out (Lahiru Thirimanne 70, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 41, Kosala Kulasekera 24, Jaigar Naik 4 for 61, Nadeem Malik 2 for 64, Wayne White 2 for 24).