Zimbabwe recorded an easy 6-wicket win against depleted Sri Lanka to win the first ODI of the five-match series at the Galle International Stadium a short while ago today (30).
Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 316/5 and Zimbabwe made 322/4 with 14 deliveries to spare.
Zimbabwe, ranked ninth in ICC World ODIs, recorded the highest run-chase in Sri Lanka in 296 ODIs as they took the honour of claiming a memorable win at Galle, where One Day cricket was restored after 17 long years.
The architect of Zimbabwe's win was Solomon Mire, who hit his maiden ODI hundred with an entertaining knock of 96-ball 112, which also had 12 boundaries.
The visitors lost two quick wickets, but Mire and Sean Williams stayed on to add 161 runs for the third wicket to put them on the winning path.
Williams hit 65 off 69 with seven fours and followed man-of-the-match Mire as the fourth Zimbabwe wicket at 220 when the game as in its 35th over.
However Sikandar Raza took charge from then to take Zimbabwe, who also beat Sri Lanka in Sri Lank for the first time.
Raza remained unbeaten on 67 as his knock came just in 56 balls inclusive of seven fours and a six while forming an unbroken partnership of 102 runs for the fifth wicket with Malcolm Waller, who was also not out after hitting 40 off 29 balls inclusive of four boundaries.
Asela Gunaratne claimed two important wickets -- of Mire and Williams while Lasith Malinga and Akila Dananjaya picked a scalp each.
Sri Lanka had three half centurions to help them out reach a commanding total of 316, which was eventually unguarded.
Opener Danushka Gunathilaka made 60 off 77 balls inclusive of five boundaries and a six while Kusal Mendis top scored with 86 off 80 deliveries inclusive of eight fours and a six.
Upul Tharanga joined in to remain unbeaten on 79 off 73 deliveries with eight fours and a six.
Skipper Angelo Mathews smashed 43 off 30 balls with six fours and a six and Asela Gunaratne hit a 26-ball 28 inclusive of four boundaries.
Tendai Chatara picked two wickets while Sean Williams, Graeme Cremer and Solomon Mire claimed a wicket each.
The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Sunday (2).
Sri Lanka 316 for 5 wickets (50) (Niroshan Dickwella 10, Danushka Gunathilaka 60, Kusal Mendis 86, Upul Tharanga 79, Angelo Mathews 43, Asela Gunaratne 28, Tendai Chatara 2/49)
Zimbabwe 322 for 4 wickets (47.4) (Solomon Mire 112, Sean Williams 65, Sikandar Raza 67n.o, Malcolm Waller 40n.o, Asela Gunaratne 2/45)
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has interdicted Colombo Fort Magistrate Kosala Senadheera.
Mr. Ali Sabri Rahim, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Puttalam District whom an open warrant had been issued, attended a public ceremony at Al Aksha National School in Kalpitiya today (16) as the special guest of honor.
The Supreme Court today refused interim relief in an application filed by President’s Counsel Senaka Walgampaya seeking an Order from the Supreme Court compelling the President to appoint judges to fill the existing vacancies in the Court Of Appeal.
Gazette on new speed limit regulations to be issued within two weeks
Cabinet has approved a proposed amendment to the Constitution that a referendum would be required to extend the Presidential and Parliamentary term beyond five years.
Two underworld criminals wanted for multiple crimes, including murder, were brought from Dubai to Sri Lanka, today (12).
Leave Comments