Sorry Zimbabwe fall to Sri Lanka

12 January 2009

Nuwan Kulasekera ripped through Zimbabwe's top order with three wickets

Nuwan Kulasekara and Ajantha Mendis claimed three wickets apiece as Sri Lanka inflicted a crushing 130-run defeat on Zimbabwe in the triangular series.

Chasing a modest target of 211 for victory, Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 80 in Mirpur.

Stuart Matsikenyeri's 15 was the highest score for Zimbabwe, with no other player able to reach double figures.

Kulasekara rattled through the top order, removing Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza and Tatenda Taibu to leave Zimbabwe struggling on 27 for three.

Mendis then accounted for Matsikenyeri in the 18th over with a delivery which hit middle and leg stumps, before mopping up the tail as Zimbabwe crumbled.

Muttiah Muralitharan also picked up two wickets for Sri Lanka, who also struggled with the bat earlier on.

Fast bowler Edward Rainsford claimed three wickets as Zimbabwe restricted their opponents to 210 for six.

Rainsford dismissed Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Chamara Kapugedera as Sri Lanka squandered a decent start and crashed to 97 for five.

An unbeaten 52 from 21-year-old Angelo Mathews rescued Sri Lanka from a humiliating total.

Opener Upul Tharanga (42) provided some stability to the Sri Lanka innings and added 51 runs in quick time for the first wicket with Sanath Jayasuriya, who made 222.

Jayasuriya, however, was caught off Elton Chigumbura and Rainsford, whose first spell of three overs cost 18, returned to wreak havoc.

Mathews resurrected Sri Lanka's innings, adding 69 for the sixth wicket with Jehan Mubarak (31) before a late flourish of 28 off 27 deliveries from Thilan Thushara helped Sri Lanka pass 200.

Sri Lanka’s next match in the series is against tournament hosts Bangladesh in Mirpur on Wednesday.