443-9: Carnage in Amsterdam

Following their 5-0 thrashing of a despondent England side, Sri Lanka exacted further punishment on European opposition by smashing a weak Netherlands attack around Amstelveen en route to a limited-overs international record total of 443 for nine off 50 overs.

The charge was led again by Sanath Jayasuriya, entering ominous form ahead of next year’s World Cup. Fattened on some loose English bowling over recent weeks, a hop over the channel gave Jayasuriya the chance to stock up for the long flight home with a gluttonous, help-yourself buffet put on by the minnow’s bowling. His 104-ball 157 contained 25 boundaries (although just the solitary maximum), and paved the way for an equally devastating knock from Tillakaratne Dilshan, who finished unbeaten on 117 from 79. Cameos from captain Mahela Jayawardene (34 from 24), Kumar Sangakkara (46 from 43) and Farveez Maharoof (31 from 25) ensured that Sri Lankan passed the previous ODI best of 438, set by South Africa in the Johannesburg classic in March, in the final over.

To their credit the Dutch put up stiff resistance, and kept up with the run-rate in the initial overs, before settling for match practice, finishing all out for 248 . Losing key man Bas Zuiderent in the second over was not an ideal start, but Dan Reekers and Essex’s Ryan ten Doeschate (both 39) steadied the ship. The veteran Tim de Leede, who had earlier seen his single over disappear for 18, struck a rapid 51, and 16-year-old Alex Kervezee made 47: he promises much for the Caribbean come next year, and indeed for many years to come. Dilhara Fernando took three top order wickets for 39, whilst legspinners Malinga Bandara (2 for 52) and Kaushal Lokuarachchi (3 for 41) mopped up the tail.

The second one-day international takes place on Thursday (July 6), again at Amstelveen.

Sri Lanka 443-9 (50 overs)
ST Jayasuriya 157, TM Dilshan 117*
RN ten Doeschate 2-51, WF Stelling 2-77

Sri Lanka won by 195 runs

Netherlands 248 all out (48.3)
TBM de Leede 51, AN Kervezee 47
CRD Fernando 3-39, KS Lokuarachchi 3-41

Cricket Web Man of the Match: ST Jayasuriya