Lanka win thriller and Series
A match reduced to 28 overs produced the series’ most compelling game
in Harare, and the first performance by Zimbabwe to cause Sri Lanka a
headache. Hamilton Masakadza’s pleasantly carefree strokeplay took
Zimbabwe to within touching distance of their target. But in spite of
Stuart Matsikenyeri pummelling 19 from 10 deliveries, late wickets cost
Zimbabwe the match and, subsequently, the series.
Nevertheless, after the first two drubbings Zimbabwe received, at
least their supporters witnessed a contest this time. Rain and a soggy
outfield delayed the match’s start and, if anything, the reduction in
overs caught Sri Lanka unawares. Their total of 171 for 7 was far from
insurmountable, and with Masakadza timing the ball so sweetly, Zimbabwe
were odds-on to make it 2-1 when 28 were needed from the last three
overs.
Masakadza has shown his potential of late, starring in the Kenya
tri-series last month, and for the first time this series he gave
Zimbabwe the sort of confident start they so needed, sharing with Vusi
Sibanda in an opening stand worth 76. Farveez Maharoof was treated with
contempt, mowed over midwicket for two huge sixes before standing tall
to cut him away for four. With Sibanda happy to tuck singles, the
combination worked beautifully for Zimbabwe whose fifty came from 41
balls.
Thilan Thushara made the breakthrough for Sri Lanka but Masakadza
motored onwards, registering his ninth half-century from 49 balls and
carving Thushara for two crunching boundaries. However, Thushara got his
man in the same over, and Zimbabwe still needed 38.
Jayawardene wheeled Mendis back into the attack, whose first four
overs had proved expensive, and he immediately had Elton Chigumbura
bowled for a duck to redress the balance. Tatenda Taibu was the key for
Zimbabwe, and had moved anonymously onto 31 in an innings dominated by
the reverse-sweep, but he too fell when he was bowled by Nuwan
Kulasekara. Despite the tumble of wickets Matsikenyeri gave Zimbabwe
hope with a flat six off Mendis over midwicket, followed by four through
point. 10 were needed from the final over.
Thushara was due to take the last over, but Jayawardene tossed the
ball to Muralitharan - a decision which ultimately turned the match in
Sri Lanka’s favour, as Zimbabwe lost Matsikenyeri. With six needed off
the final delivery, Sri Lanka had tightened the noose impressively, but
only at the very last minute.
Cricinfo
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