That's it from our coverage of the first tour match between England A and Sri Lanka from Chelmsford. Ninaad Dixit here signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Omkar Iyer and scorer/analyst Ashok Dayma. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world.
A shocking start to the tour for Sri Lanka, going down against England A in a shambolic manner in the first tour game. The visitors will look to make a strong comeback in the 2nd tour game to be played on Sunday, September 13 at Beckenham before the 3 match T20I series begins.
1:17 AM IST, 8:47 PM Local Time: England A do short work of Sri Lanka in the warm-up fixture with a clinical and commanding 9-wicket victory in Chelmsford! A fantastic bowling performance was topped up by the top order as they hosts sealed the win with 76 balls to spare.
England A won the toss and elected to bowl first. Luke Wood (4/27), Will Jacks (2/13), Sonny Baker (2/23) and Jafer Chohan (2/25) did light work of the Lankan batters with only Tharindu Ratnayake (48 off 37) and skipper Kamindu Mendis (29 off 22) managing to score into double digits.
Tom Banton and Aneurin Donald started off in attacking manner smashing 59 runs in 3.2 overs before Donald was dismissed by Dunith Wellalage, Lahiru Udara taking a good catch in the deep. Donald smashed 31 off just 8 balls with 3 fours and as many sixes.
Banton was then joined by the experienced Jacks - the duo smashing the Lankan seamers and spinners alike to all parts of and beyond the park. Banton finished unbeaten on 56 off 24 with 7 fours and 3 sixes, Jacks hit 3 sixes and a four in his 30 not out off 12 deliveries - an unbeaten 59 run stand for the 2nd wicket taking them home in just 7.2 overs. Dunith Wellalage (1/25 off 2) the only successful bowler for Sri Lanka.