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Jayawardene boosts Sri Lanka against Kiwis

Mahela Jayawardene hit a half-century to help Sri Lanka post a competitive 203-3 from 43.4 overs against New Zealand in a rain-hit tri-series match on Friday.

Former captain Jayawardene (59 not out) and Chamara Silva (41 not out) put on 72 for the unfinished fourth wicket when rain stopped play in the 44th over after the hosts were put in to bat in the day-night game.

Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan did the bulk of scoring in the initial overs, racing to 44 off 52 balls before being bowled by seamer Scott Styris. He hit eight fours, including four in a row off paceman Kyle Mills.

Styris got his second wicket when he removed skipper Kumar Sangakkara, who fell to a diving catch by Nathan MCcullum in the covers after hitting four boundaries in his 59-ball 40.

Jayawardene continued to gather runs comfortably and completed his half-century when he lofted off-spinner McCullum for a four. He also hit a six off the same bowler, swinging over mid-wicket.

The match is being held on the reserve day after heavy rain washed out play on Thursday.

New Zealand, India and Sri Lanka each had one win in two matches before this game. The top two teams after the double-leg preliminary round will qualify for the final on August 28.

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