Sri Lanka come out on top

10 October 2008

Ajantha Mendis ripped through Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka enjoyed a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the opening match of the Twenty20 quadrangular series in Canada.

In a match reduced to 17 overs a side because of rain, Zimbabwe were put into bat after losing the toss but found runs hard to come by as they struggled to 106 for eight.

Stuart Matsikenyeri (one) fell cheaply but fellow opener Hamilton Masakadza added some respectability to the scorecard with 22 before he also departed.

A unbeaten knock of 45 from Tatenda Taibu then formed the backbone to Zimbabwe’s innings but the wickets tumbled at the other end as Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis claimed 3-15 to halt their progress.

Sri Lanka’s openers fared much better than their Zimbabwe counterparts with Mahela Udawatte (25) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (33) putting on a first-wicket stand of 36 before the former was caught behind the stumps by Taibu off Elton Chigumbura.

Dilshan took up the run chase and made 33 before eventually falling to Ray Price.

Two run-outs in as many balls (Thilina Kandamby and Mahela Jayawardene) raised Zimbabwe’s hopes but the damage had already been done as Chamara Kapugedera and Farveez Maharoof steered Sri Lanka to 107 for five and two points.