COLOMBO – West Indies suffered a dent to their preparations for the World Cup when Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Thilan Samaraweera struck half-centuries to lead Sri Lanka to a four-wicket victory in their final warm-up match yesterday.
West Indies again failed to ease concerns about their bowling, as the Sri Lankans successfully chased 282 for victory with 15 balls remaining at the Premadasa Stadium.
Sulieman Benn was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with three wickets for 40 runs from his allotment of ten overs, but none of the other bowlers matched either his control or penetration, as Sangakkara, the Sri Lanka captain, led the way with 71, Dilshan supported with 62, and Samaraweera made 55.
The teams now continue their final preparations for the World Cup, which opens on Saturday, but West Indies will have to wait until Thursday next week to play their opening match against South Africa at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi.
Chris Gayle topscored with 58 that included eight fours and one six in 38 balls, and Darren Bravo struck five boundaries in 54 from 78 balls, as West Indies, choosing to bat, were dismissed for 281 in their allocation of 50 overs.
Supporting knocks came from Ramnaresh Sarwan (39), Carlton Baugh Jr (29 retired out), West Indies captain Darren Sammy (21), and Dwayne Bravo (20).(CMC)
