Cricket: Tharanga on Caribbean ODI high for Sri Lanka

KINGSTON, July 2, 2013 (AFP) - Upul Tharanga plundered the highest individual score in a One-Day International in the Caribbean as Sri Lanka amassed 348 for one batting first against India in the third match of the Tri-Nation Series at Sabina Park on Tuesday.









India did not help their cause in the field.

Jayawardene was missed at short-third man by Murali Vijay when on 25, while a couple of half-chances also went by and the fielding became increasing ragged as Sri Lanka cashed in to the tune of 180 runs off the last 16 overs of the innings.

Having lost a nail-biter to the hosts two days earlier, the World Cup and Champions Trophy holders face a daunting task when they make their reply as both teams strive for their first points of the competition before the scene shifts to the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad for the remaining three matches and the final, beginning on Friday when the West Indies entertain India. Making the most of improved batting conditions, the left-hander smashed his way to an unbeaten 174 off 159 deliveries with 19 fours and three sixes, featuring in a 213-run opening stand with the experienced Mahela Jayawardene.

The former captain compiled his 16th ODI century and third against India before becoming the only casualty of the innings,