Cricket: NZ A well beaten by Sri Lanka

Doug Bracewell scored his maiden first-class century, a rapid 104 not out off 85 balls, which included seven sixes. Photo / Getty Images.

New Zealand A were well beaten on the final day of their first-class match against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla.

Beginning the last day at 15 without loss requiring an improbable 440 to win, NZ A were dismissed for a disappointing 271.

The visitors lost seven for 68 at one point and It would have been even worse had it not been for Doug Bracewell's maiden first-class century, a rapid 104 not out off 85 balls, which included seven sixes.

It says something of the New Zealand batting that the two best stands were for the ninth and final wickets, Bracwell adding 46 with Ish Sodhi, then 93 with fellow seamer Matt Henry.

Left arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara tok four for 60, giving him seven wickets for the match.

The teams drew their opening four-day fixture and now start a three-game 50-over series on Monday at Pallekele.

Scores: Sri Lanka A 555-6 dec and 275-4 dec bt New Zealand A 391 and 271 (D. Bracewell 104 not out, A. Devcich 34, C. Cachopa 26, I. Sodhi 19, M. Henry 19; M. Pushpakumara 4-60, C. de Silva 3-55, D. Perera 3-93 by 168 runs