Zimbabwe thrash Sri Lanka

SANJAY GOEL
Correspondent | Friday November 19, 2010 00:00

Left-handed opening batsman, Tarisai Mahlunge, hit a glorious 59 with six fours to lead the Zimbabwean run chase of 151. Blessing Mugumwa made 27 off 46 balls with two fours as Reginald Nehonde (19*) and Brighton Mugochi (12*) took the Zimbabwean team to victory in the 24th over.

The Sri Lankans had themselves to blame, dropping Mahlunge four times as the elegant batsman tried to come to terms with the slower track. Tuesday night's rain and cloudy conditions had left a lot of moisture on the park making fielding difficult.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat but Zimbabwe struck early as Najaz Nawaz was clean bowled by Nehonde for one in the second over. Dinesh Perera and Shanawaz Jabir went into a shell as only 35 runs were scored off the first nine overs. Zimbabwe's fielding was at its best and a treat to watch.

After Jabir was caught off captain Hega Isheunesu for 10, Mahesh Manjula joined Perera. The left  and right hand combination kept the fielding side on its toes as the two batsmen pushed singles and twos. With the score at 97, a direct throw by Mugochi got rid of Manjula.

Innocent Chando, the Zimbabwean off-spinner, made the most of the slow wicket. Put into the attack in the 21st over, he bowled with momentum and got rid of Mirshad (4), captain Shanaz Raheem (4) and Dinesh Perera (50) to reduce Sri Lanka to 129-6. Sri Lanka then lost the initiative gained in the third wicket stand.

A few big hits from Namal Bandara in a show of batting power play and some extras took the Sri Lankan score to 151 all out. This was a modest score under difficult batting conditions. Chando (28-2) and Nehonde (21-2) were the pick of Zimbabwean bowlers. Chando was named man of the match for his five-wicket haul.

Zimbabwe now heads the group with five points from three matches followed by India with four points from two games.

Match summary:Sri Lanka: 151 all out (29.5 overs)Zimbabwe: 152-3 (23.5 overs)Zimbabwe won by seven wickets.Man of the match: Innocent Chando (Zimbabwe).