Sri Lanka defeat Netherlands

COLOMBO: Hosts Sri Lanka demonstrate far too physically powerful for minnows Netherlands, reorganization a devastating 156-run conquest in a morale-boosting World Cup warm-up match on Saturday.

Sri Lanka, runners-up at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, scored 351-5 off their selected 50 overs even without productive run-getters Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, who did not bat.

The Netherlands, who have not beaten an ICC full member country in their earlier three World Cup look, were bowled out for 195 in the 48th over at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo.

The emphasize of their innings was a hostility 76 by Tom de Grooth, who broken one six and 10 fours in his 96-ball knock. He added 80 for the fifth wicket with Bas Zuiderent (38) and 62 for the seventh with Atse Buurman (25).

Fast bowler Dilhara Fernando over with 4-43 for Sri Lanka, while seamer Thisara Perera and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath bagged two wickets apiece.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (78), Thilan Samaraweera (60), Chamara Silva (54) and Chamara Kapugedera (50 not out) previous made the most of a mediocre Dutch attack, each scoring a half-century after the hosts elected to bat.

Openers Dilshan and Upul Tharanga (47) put Sri Lanka on course for a big total with a 117-run stand before Silva and Kapugedera added 94 for the fifth wicket to help their team set a inflexible target.

Paceman Mudassar Bukhari was the most winning Dutch bowler with 2-52 off 10 overs, while seamer Bernard Loots conceded 83 runs off nine overs and fast bowler Ryan ten Doeschate gave away 75 off nine overs.

The Netherlands also conceded 21 runs in wides.

Sri Lanka are in Group A with protecting champions Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya, while Group B comprises India, South Africa, England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Four teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

The World Cup opens in Dhaka on February 19 with a match between India and Bangladesh.