shot-button
Olympic 2024 Olympic 2024
Home > Sports News > Cricket News > Article > Sri Lanka start World Cup campaign with a huge win

Sri Lanka start World Cup campaign with a huge win

Updated on: 20 February,2011 11:43 PM IST  | 
Agencies |

Sri Lanka, runners-up in 2007, started their World Cup campaign in style with a massive 210-run win over Canada in a Group A match here on Sunday.

Sri Lanka start World Cup campaign with a huge win

Sri Lanka, runners-up in 2007, started their World Cup campaign in style with a massive 210-run win over Canada in a Group A match here on Sunday.


For the 1996 World Cup champions, it was a nice warm-up at the newly built Mahinda Rajapakse Stadium, ahead of their crucial encounter against Pakistan on February 26 in Colombo.


Sri Lanka, firm favourites were ruthless in their approach after they decided to bat first.


Mahela Jayawardene (100) hit the fastest World Cup century by a Sri Lankan and skipper Kumar Sangakkara (92) narrowly missed out on a well-deserved ton as the hosts piled up 332 for seven in 50 overs. Jayawardene was also adjudged as the Man of the Match.
Sri Lankan bowlers were clinical in their approach and skittled out the Canadians for 122 runs in 36.5 overs. Pacers Thisara Perera and Nuwan Kulasekara wrecked the top-order with three wickets each while legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, playing his last tournament, got two.

Rizwan Cheema (37), captain Ashish Bagai (22) and Harvir Baidwan (16 not out) were the only Canadian batsmen, who got to double figures.

Earlier, Canada, who were bowled out for 36 by Sri Lanka in the 2003 edition, did well to keep the openers Tillekaratne Dilshan (50) and Upul Tharanga (19) quiet till the 19th over.

But after their departure, Sangakkara and Jayawardene added 179 for the third wicket. Sangakkara's 87-ball stay had seven fours and a six while Jayawardene's century came off 81 balls. Both were dismissed by off-spinner John Davison while medium pacer Baidwan picked up two wickets.

Perera (11) and Chamara Kapugedera (2) departed in quick succession before Angelo Mathews made a quick-fire 21 off 16 balls and Thilan Samaraweera scored 18 off 10.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK