Sri Lanka A win despite Buttler ton

Wednesday, 1 February 2012 00:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Jos Buttler's second century in three matches was not enough to prevent England Lions from suffering a six-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka A in the third one-day international in Kurunegala.

The tourists, who held a two-match lead in the series following back-to-back wins in Dambulla, posted a total of 258 for nine thanks to Buttler’s belligerent 119, were defeated by their hosts with 15 balls to spare.

James Taylor’s side could have wrapped up the five-match series with victory, but Buttler’s 130-ball knock – which contained 11 fours and a six – was overshadowed as Sri Lanka A claimed victory.

Dimuth Karunaratne and Bhanuka Rajapaksa contributed 94 and 72 respectively for Sri Lanka, while skipper Thilina Kandamby - who has 38 ODI caps to his name - finished unbeaten on 55.

The Lions made a poor start after winning the toss, losing Joe Root to the third delivery of the match. The Yorkshire opener was stumped off leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna, who then dismissed Taylor in his third over.

Somerset batsman Buttler - who struck an electrifying unbeaten 102 in the opening game - took centre stage thereafter, sharing a stand of 41 with Alex Hales, who made it to 27 before being run out.

A partnership of 56 with Craig Kieswetter followed before his west country team-mate became Prasanna’s third victim, before he added 67 with Jonny Bairstow - the only other batsman to pass 30. Having brought up his century from 103 deliveries, Buttler finally fell in the 48th over, caught by Karunaratne off seamer Dhanushka Gunathilleke as the Lions’ innings lost momentum.