Minnows of international cricket Holland tested the might of Sri Lanka but couldn’t stop them from posting an imposing 292 for six in their Group D league match of the Champions Trophy cricket tournament here today. Sri Lanka were helped by a fine 101 from Marvan Atapattu who cracked his sixth one-day century after the hosts had elected to bat in their second match.

Captain Sanath Jayasuriya (36) and Atapattu gave their team a good start and the later order batsmen maintained a decent run rate throughout but it wasn't exactly a cakewalk for the former world champions. Holland had their moments of brilliance - like the stunning catch Tim de Leede took to dismiss Aravinda de Silva (23) or the brilliant return catch by captain Ronald Lefebvre that ended the innings of Chaminda Vaas - and that prevented Sri Lanka from crossing the 300-run mark.

Holland were particularly impressive during the slog overs, and did not allow the Sri Lankan batsmen to hit many boundaries or sixes. It was Atapattu who anchored the Sri Lankan innings through most of the stipulated 50 overs. Coming as an opener, he batted till the 42nd over by which time Sri Lanka had reached 234 runs. Atapattu put on 59 runs in 9.4 overs with his captain before Jayasuriya drove straight into the hands of Bas Zuiderent at short covers. Jayasuriya scored run-a-ball 36 with six boundaries.

The second wicket stand between Atapattu and Kumara Sangakkara was the most productive of the Sri Lankan innings, yielding 116r later. Immediately after reaching his century with a two, Atapattu drove uppishly straight into the hands of Luukvan Troost. Atapattu hit eight boundaries in his 118-ball knock. Mahela Jayawardene (14) and Chaminda Vaas (16) chipped in with useful scores but could not stay till the end. Umpire Dave Orchard adjudged Jayawardene leg before wicket off Lefebvre but then had doubts and referred it to the third umpire who ruled the batsman not out. But Jayawardene could not make much of the chance and was run out immediately after that to a brilliant pick and throw from Zuiderent.

Arnold made a 20-ball 22 but the Sri Lankans failed to produce the big hits in the slog overs and settled for 292. In between their bursts of inspiration, Holland disappointed with their pretty ordinary effort in the field with Edgar Schiferli dropping two easy chances towards the end of the innings. Holland also bowled as many as 18 wides which swelled the extras to 38. 

Scorecard