Sri Lanka beat Patrons XI by 142 runs in three-day practice match

Sri Lanka wrapped up their three-day practice match against PCB Patrons XI with a convincing 142-run victory at Islamabad Club after bowling out the hosts for just 111 on the final day.

Set a target of 254, Patrons XI failed to mount a serious challenge in their second innings, handing the visitors a comprehensive win in their preparations.

Tayyab Arif offered some resistance with 32 runs, while Abdullah Fazal managed 21. However, the rest of the batting line-up struggled to cope with Sri Lanka's bowling attack.

Keesara Nuwanththa led the visitors' bowling effort with four wickets, while Eshan Malinga chipped in with three to complete the victory.

How did Sri Lanka set up their victory on the final day?

Sri Lanka resumed the third morning at 121/6 in their second innings, holding an overall lead of 193 runs.

The visitors added another 60 runs before losing their remaining four wickets, taking their total to 181 and setting Patrons XI a target of 254.

Milan Rathnayake played an important role in extending Sri Lanka's advantage, finishing with 40 runs. Anjala Bandara contributed 34, while Keesara Nuwanththa added 30 to strengthen the visitors' position.

For Patrons XI, Ubaid Shah and Shoaib Akhtar Junior claimed three wickets apiece, while Saqib Khan picked up two.

What happened during the first two days?

Sri Lanka had declared their first innings at 223/7 before restricting Patrons XI to 151/8 in 47 overs, securing a 72-run first-innings lead.

Azan Awais was the standout performer for the hosts, scoring a fighting 50 off 85 deliveries with nine boundaries. Tayyab Arif contributed 30, while Mohammad Taha added 29.

Sri Lanka's second innings featured an early collapse, with the visitors slipping to 39/4. However, partnerships involving Sonal Dinusha, Anjala Bandara and Milan Rathnayake helped them recover and establish a commanding position.

The visitors eventually converted that advantage into a 142-run victory on the third day.