KYLE Coetzer and Matthew Cross both struck centuries as Scotland claimed their first victory over an ICC full member team when they beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in a tour match in London.
Sri Lanka, currently the sixth-ranked one-day international side, are warming up for the Champions Trophy and had inflicted a 148-run loss on Scotland when they last met at the 2015 World Cup. However, openers Coetzer and Cross helped Grant Bradburn’s side past Sri Lanka’s 287 total in the match at Beckenham.
Sri Lanka chose to bat and opener Kusal Perera made a near run-a-ball 57 while Dinesh Chandimal top-scored with 79 and Chamara Kapugedera added 71. Alasdair Evans and Stuart Whittingham took three wickets apiece.
In reply, Coetzer and Cross swiftly brought up a half-century stand in the 10th over. The partnership was finally broken with 201 on the board when Coetzer was caught by Sri Lanka captain Angelo Matthews off Thisara Perera for 118.
Despite Sri Lanka picking up a couple of cheap wickets, Cross continued to drive Scotland as he finished unbeaten on 106 from 123 balls. Scotland captain Con de Lange was 19 not out as his side made 291 for three off 42.5 overs. The teams meet again tomorrow.
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