Will Jacks made a sparkling 58* off just 31 balls to see Surrey home to victory by nine wickets against a Sri Lanka Development XI in a friendly T20 at The Kia Oval.
Afternoon rain and cloud had clung over the South London skyline until around 5pm when the gloom cleared and the sun came out to bathe The Kia Oval in evening sun. Surrey won the toss and inserted the visitors who never really got going and lost a constant stream of wickets, failing to bat out their allotted overs. Reece Topley was quick and probing with the ball first up, his three overs went for just 13 runs and he picked up an impressive three wickets, including both openers.
Captain Chris Jordan rotated his bowlers well, with Sam Curran, Dan Worrall, Dan Moriarty, Jacks and Jordan himself all getting chance to warm up for the T2o Blast match against Glamorgan this Friday. Jamie Overton also continued his excellent start to the season, coming on in the middle overs and dismissing Sri Lanka captain Lakshan who was well set on 27. Overton finishing with a brace of wickets and conceding just eight runs from his two overs.
A target of 106 was set and it was never going to trouble Surrey who have some real firepower in their line-up.
In his first appearance for Surrey of the season, Jason Roy smoked two fours before he fell caught behind off Madushan. His opening partner Will Jacks then picked up the boundary hitting baton. In just 41 minutes at the crease he blasted seven fours and three sixes to allow his side to canter to victory inside ten overs. Ollie Pope joined Jacks after the departure of Roy and he moved through the gears nicely to finish unbeaten on 31 off 20 balls, finishing the game in style with a huge six down the ground that was well held in the crowd.
An enjoyable and commanding first run out then for the home side but Surrey will know that sterner tests lie in wait as their T20 Vitality Blast campaign gets underway on Friday.
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