The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Brisbane

Sri Lanka's preparations for this week's first Test against Australia suffered a blow on Sunday when they lost by four wickets to Queensland at the Allan Border Field.

Chasing 142 for victory, Queensland reached the target for the loss of six wickets to bring an end to dismal few days for the tourists ahead of the first test in Brisbane starting Thursday.

Clinton Perren was 62 not out at the close, with man of the match Ashley Noffke unbeaten on 21.

Queensland had earlier bowled Sri Lanka out for 226 in their second innings and appeared to be cruising to victory when they went to tea at 36-1.

But while the Sri Lankan batsmen failed to come to terms with the grassy wicket, the pace bowlers kept them in the match.

Farveez Maharoof (3-33) took the only wicket before tea when he dismissed opener Jimmy Maher for 12 with the score on 35.