Maharoof scripts Sri Lankan win in practice game Friday, October 6 2006 18:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -
Chandigarh (India):
Sri Lanka geared up for the upcoming Champions Trophy one-day tournament with a comfortable 84-run victory in a practice match.
Lower-order batsman Farveez Maharoof top-scored with an unbeaten 81 off 88 balls with three sixes and six fours as Sri Lanka posted 267-8 off 50 overs after winning the toss against Punjab Cricket Association President's team.
The tourists then restricted the local side to 183-7, with left-arm seamer Ruchira Perera grabbing two wickets here on Thursday.
Sri Lanka were struggling at 144-6 before Maharoof steadied the innings with a 90-run stand for the seventh wicket with Chaminda Vaas, who struck one six and five fours in his 46-ball 48.
Sri Lanka will clash with Bangladesh in the opening qualifying match of the Champions Trophy in Mohali on Saturday. They will then play defending champions West Indies and Zimbabwe.
The top two teams will advance to the main draw that features Australia, India, England, South Africa, New Zealand and Pakistan.