Sri Lanka cruise to win

Kumar Sangakkara helps Sri Lanka to a six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Harare

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Sri Lanka had little trouble capitalising on Zimbabwe’s batting capitulation, reaching their victory target in a little over 33 overs to win the first one-day international by six wickets in Harare.

The hosts lost their last seven wickets for three runs - including six successive ducks - to be bowled out for only 127 by Sri Lanka spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis.

And despite the early run out of Upul Tharanga, Sri Lanka cruised to victory with Kumar Sangakkara (46 not out) leading the way.

Zimbabwe seemed well placed at 124 for three but collapsed to be all out in only 31 of their scheduled 50 overs as Murali (4-14) and Mendis (3-26) ran riot.

It was the introduction of Murali which set the slide in irresistible motion, with wicketkeeper-batsman Tatenda Taibu powerless to stop the procession of potential partners.

Former captain Taibu finished unbeaten on 36, having shared a 41-run fourth-wicket stand with Stuart Matsikenyeri which appeared to be putting the hosts on course for a 200-plus total.

Instead, once Matsikenyeri was bowled by Murali the Sri Lanka spin twins were unstoppable.

A shellshocked Zimbabwe side got the start they needed as Tharanga was run-out after just three balls.

But a partnership of 57 between Mahela Udawatte (38) and Sangakkara settled Sri Lanka's nerves, before Elton Chigumbura removed the opener.

Spinner Ray Price bagged a couple of wickets of his own but could not match the devastation caused by Murali and Mendis and, with the scores level, Sangakkara struck the ball to the long-on boundary to bring up Sri Lanka’s victory.

The second match of the five-game series takes place at the same venue on Saturday.