Popli opens against Sri Lanka

Bay of Plenty's Bharat Popli is playing against Sri Lanaka for the Presidents XI. Photo/File

UPDATE: Bharat Popli just brought up his 50 for the NZC Presidents XI against Sri Lanka in Queenstown.

EARLIER: Bay of Plenty cricketer Bharat Popli is currently opening the batting for the New Zealand Cricket Presidents XI against the touring Sri Lankans in Queenstown.

Popli plays for the Rotorua-based Bay of Plenty Indian Sports in the Baywide cricket competition.

He recently notched up a record ninth century for the Bay of Plenty men's team and also plays Plunket Shield cricket for Northern Districts.

A short time ago the Presdients XI were 52/0, with Popli 22, chasing the Sri Lankans first innings total of 193.

Sri Lanka are playing a three-day match against the NZC Presidents XI in a warm-up to the first test against the Black Caps in Dunedin next week.