Naik stars in massive Leicestershire win

Leicestershire 341 and 297 for 8 dec beat Sri Lanka 176 and 239 by 223 runs
Scorecard

Leicestershire completed a massive 223-run win over Sri Lanka A on the fourth day at Grace Road, Jigar Naik's offspinners bringing him four wickets as several bowlers contributed to the county's win. Lahiru Thirimanne's gritty 70 was the only bright point for the Sri Lankans, with most of their middle order making starts but failing to build a significant innings.

Sri Lanka A had lost opener Malinda Warnapura to the first ball of their second innings on the third afternoon, but entered the fourth day in the reasonably stable position of 71 for 1. Things went downhill very quickly on day four, however, Bhanuka Rajapaksa falling to Wayne White's first ball of the day.

What followed was a regular chipping away at their line-up, rather than a dramatic collapse, but once Thirimanne fell to Nadeem Malik to reduce Sri Lanka A to 159 for 5 just after lunch, Leicestershire were very much favourites for the win. Naik bowled Roshen Silva for a 58-ball 17, and Alex Wyatt then removed Kosala Kulasekara and Seekkuge Prasanna with consecutive deliveries to reduce the Sri Lankas to 210 for 8 at tea.

Naik continued his good work after the interval, trapping Shaminda Eranga lbw and then having Tharanga Lakshitha caught by White to end the match. Sri Lanka A will now face Durham at Chester-le-Street in another four-day game, starting on July 27.