Zimbabwe ‘A’ crushed Sri Lanka ‘A’ by 8 wickets to win a berth in the final of the ‘A Team Tri-Series’ limited overs tournament after their thumping success at Harare today (19).
Chasing a weak total of 82, after Sri Lanka fumbled against a strong bowling performance by right-arm fast bowler Elton Chigumbura who captured six wickets, Zimbabwe reached the winning target with 31.2 overs to spare.
Opener Vusi Sibanda made an unbeaten 43 and Craig Ervine remained at 21 not out as Zimbabwe lost two wickets while chasing the target.
Fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep claimed both wickets.
Put in to bat first Sri Lanka plunged to the lowest total of the tournament after a 25-run opening stand which came as the best of all partnerships from the visitors.
All-rounder Sachithra Serasinghe top scored with 17 while Chigumbura ripped through the Sri Lankan batting line up to claim 6 for 24.
Fast bowlers Brian Vitori and Tendai Chatara took two wickets each.
Zimbabwe will take on unbeaten South Africa in the final which will be played this Saturday (21) at Harare.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ 81 all out (26) (Udara Jayasundera 15, Sachithra Serasinghe 17, Elton Chigumbura 6/24, Brian Vitori 2/19, Tendai Chatara 2/27)
Zimbabwe ‘A’ 82 for 2 wickets (18.4) (Vusi Sibanda 43n.o., Craig Ervine 21n.o., Nuwan Pradeep 2/31)
