Sangakkara's 163 not out lifts Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans 304 for 5 (Sangakkara 163*, Jayasuriya 64) trail Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI 419 (Langer 151, Bowden 75, Treumer 65, Malinga 6-90) by 115 runs
Scorecard

Kumar Sangakkara ravaged a largely inexperienced Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI attack to score an unbeaten 163 at Darwin, as the Sri Lankans raced to 304 for 5 in only 72 overs. Opening the batting, Sangakkara made full use of a slow pitch, crashing 18 fours and a six in his 220-ball knock. A 134-run partnership between him and Sanath Jayasuriya set the tone after the Minister's XI racked up 419 at four an over.

But Jayasuriya's departure for 64 started a mini-collapse, triggered by Anthony Dent, who then caught Mahela Jayawardene (4) off his own bowling. Thilan Samaraweera and Tillakaratne Dilshan followed shortly after, with only Sangakkara holding firm. At 182 for 4, he found a partner in Russel Arnold, who scored only 29, but more importantly added 99 with Sangakkara. Just as the partnership began to reach threatening proportions, Simon Katich trapped him in front. Romesh Kaluwitharana then played out the rest of the day for an unbeaten 15.

Earlier, Darren Treumer scored 65 before his team succumbed to Lasith Malinga, who took two more wickets to finish with 6 for 90 in 25 overs. Malinga was devastating in his first outing in Sri Lankan colours, but had problems with extras, as did Farveez Mahroof and Dilhara Fernando. Between them, 34 extras were conceded. While one strike bowler performed well against a relatively strong batting line-up, a more renowned one had little impact. Glenn McGrath bowled 15 wicketless overs in what was more than just a practice game for him afte some lacklustre performances in Zimbabwe.

But McGrath himself was satisfied with his performance: "That second spell today, that's the best it [my action] has felt since I've been back. If I can put a few of those together I'll be happy with that. That's all I'm aiming to do at the moment."