Sri Lanka too quick for Scotland

Lasith Malinga was too quick for Scotland's batsmen en route to figures of 5-30 in Sri Lanka's 183-run victory at the Grange

Scotland followed their record one-day international total with one of their lowest as they were outclassed by Sri Lanka in Edinburgh.

The hosts were bowled out for 101 after the World Cup finalists had scored 284 for seven in the final match of their UK tour.

Scotland had staged an astonishing comeback yesterday, overhauling Ireland’s 321 with nine balls to spare, but they could not deal with Sri Lanka’s fast bowling.

Four batsmen made ducks, including Richie Berrington, who struck six sixes to rejuvenate Scotland in their first match of the tri-series.

Scotland at one stage were in danger of falling below their lowest score of 68, which came against West Indies in 1999.

But Majid Haq, who also took two wickets, averted the unwanted record by top-scoring with 34, although the final total was their second lowest in ODIs.

Pace bowler Lasith Malinga was the star for Sri Lanka, claiming 5-30 after a sparkling batting display when he struck an unbeaten 32 from 15 balls.

Scotland, whose captain Gordon Drummond again elected to field on a glorious day at the Grange, had restricted Sri Lanka well until a late rally from Malinga and Jeevan Mendis.

Sri Lanka, who lost both their Test and one-day series against England, left out former skipper Kumar Sangakkara but named a strong team with opener Mahela Jayawardene setting a furious early pace by reaching a half-century in 38 balls.

He should not have got that far - Drummond dropped a good chance on 38 - but Scotland did not have to wait too long until Jayawardene swept Haq straight to Kyle Coetzer after hitting seven fours and a six.

Sri Lanka’s run-rate had already slowed before their main man fell and captain Tillakaratne Dilshan was soon caught behind off Josh Davey.

Majid Haq's 34 ensured Scotland avoided their worst one-day international total, although 101 proved their second-lowest

Haq claimed opener Dimuth Karunaratne, who sent the ball high into the hands of Callum MacLeod on the boundary to depart for 60.

Preston Mommsen then removed Thilina Kandamby and Dinesh Chandimal, the latter courtesy of a return catch.

MacLeod impressively took another two catches on the boundary to see off Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera, with none of the middle order able to get over 25.

Sri Lanka, whose match with Ireland on Monday was rained off, eased over 250 in the 48th over before Malinga took control.

He hit two sixes out of the ground, but his intervention with the bat proved academic when he wiped out Scotland’s top order.

Malinga was simply too fast for the hosts and took two wickets in the fifth over. Fraser Watts spooned to Jayawardene before MacLeod was bowled without scoring. Coetzer followed in Malinga’s next over to leave Scotland 23 for three.

Dhammika Prasad trapped Davey lbw and bowled Berrington with his next delivery, while Perera had Gregor Maiden lbw.

Number eight Haq dug in, hitting five fours off 61 balls before he was caught behind off Prasad.

Malinga, appropriately, had the final word as he had Gordon Goudie taken by Mendis to wrap up the innings in the 33rd over.