Sri Lanka thrash Zimbabwe

Ajantha Mendis took 4-15 to inflict more misery on the Zimbabwe batting line-up

Zimbabwe capitulated tamely once again as Sri Lanka strolled to a nine-wicket victory in the second one-day international in Harare.

The hosts crumbled to 67 all out, just two days after losing their last last seven wickets for three runs in the first game of the five-match series.

Sri Lanka made light work of the run-chase, reaching 68 for one in 17.4 overs.

Zimbabwe's batting performance was a particular disappointment after winning the toss.

Tatenda Taibu top-scored, as he did on Thursday, but this time made just 12 as one of only three Zimbabwe batsmen to reach double figures, with Stuart Matsikenyeri and Sean Williams each adding 10.

Ajantha Mendis was again in the wickets, with Taibu one of four to fall to the spinner for 15 runs, while Farveez Maharoof claimed three and Nuwan Kulasekara conceded just seven runs in as many overs.

Sri Lanka suffered an early setback in their reply, losing Mahela Udawatte when he edged Tawanda Mupariwa to Hamilton Masakadza at first slip.

That was as good as it got for Zimbabwe as Upul Tharanga (26 not out) and Kumar Sangakkara (28no) put together an unbroken 49-run stand to see Sri Lanka home.

Zimbabwe need to win Monday's third match at the same venue if they are to have any chance of overturning the 2-0 deficit.