A determined Sri Lanka Masters beat Indian Masters by a decisive 97 runs in the opening match of the Sheikh Zayed Cup early Monday.

After scoring 252 runs in 49.3 overs, the Marvan Atapattu-led Sri Lanka-led islanders bowled out the Sairaj Bahutule-captained Indian XI for 155 in 43.1 overs to emerge comfortable winners in the day-night game.

The three-match unofficial tournament, which has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council, is being played to inaugurate the state-of-the-art Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Pakistan Masters, the third in the fray, will play Sri Lanka Monday in another day-night encounter.

For the Sri Lanka Masters, Shantha Kalavitigoda scored a fine 69 (96 balls, 6x4s, 2x6s). Kumara Sangakkara made a fine 52 (52 balls, 5x4s). T.M. Dilshan chipped in with 43.

After former India pacer Harvinder Singh gave an early shock by having Michael Vandort caught by wicket-keeper Manvinder Singh Bisla for two, Avishka Gunaratne and Kalavitigoda joined hands to put on 113 for the second wicket. This stand gave Sri Lanka a firm grip on the innings.

For most part of their innings, the islanders looked set for a total of 300. But some restrictive bowling by the Indians towards the end checked the runs.

Medium pacers Amit Bhandari and Harvinder Singh, who have played one-day internationals for India, captured three wickets apiece.

India began their reply poorly and never recovered from the early shocks.

Haryana's Bisla was the top scorer with 30 (67 balls, 3x4s) while India discards J.P. Yadav and Sunil Joshi made 27 each.

Sri Lankans looking agile and fit threw themselves on the lush green carpet denying India crucial runs leading to frustration among the batsmen.

It was because of their brilliant fielding that the Emerald Islanders ran out as many as four Indians. They also took some breathtaking catches that tilted the scales decisively towards them.

Brief scores:
Zayed Cup, Indian Masters XI vs. Sri Lanka Masters XI
Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Sri Lanka Masters XI: 252 in 49.3 overs (Shantha Kalavitigoda 69, Kumara Sangakkara 52, T.M. Dilshan 43, Amit Bhandari 3/38, Harvinder Singh 3/39)

Indian Masters XI: 155 in 43.1 overs (Manvinder Singh Bisla 30, J.P. Yadav 27, Sunil Joshi 27, Ruchira Pereira 2/20)

Result: Sri Lanka Masters won by 97 runs.