Related Links : World Cup 2007 : Scorecard
Sri Lanka started their World Cup campaign with a professional 159-run win over Scotland in the warm-up match at the Three Ws Oval in Bridgetown. The foundation for a thumping win was laid by a century opening stand between Sanath Jayasuriya and the emerging star of Sri Lankan Cricket – Upul Tharanga. For Jayasuriya it was yet another all round show. The Scots went down without a fight in their chase of almost 300.
The Lankans had posted 294 for 6 after their skipper Mahela Jayawardene had won the toss to take first strike. Jayasuriya scored a blistering 77 from 62 balls with 4 fours and 5 sixes. Upul Tharanga was slightly watchful with his 70 coming in 114 balls. The other batsman to strike a rich form was wicket keeper, Kumar Sangakkara dazzling with a near run-a-ball 81. Sangakkara’s knock had come with the help of 5 fours and a six. Farveez Maharoof finished the innings in style with a power packed 28 from 14 balls with a couple of fours and sixes. The experienced 37-year-old Paul Hoffman was successful in restricting the Lankans with miserly figures of 1 for 41 in his 10 overs.
In their chase, Scotland were bundled out in 41.2 overs for a paltry 135. Wickets were shared by all the seven bowlers used by Mahela. The top scorer for Scotland was former England test cricketer, Gavin Hamilton, who made 25. Hamilton was also a star performer for Scotland in the 1999 World Cup. Scotland also had another former England International in Dougie Brown in their line up.