Tharanga helps SL coast to win 10 Oct 2006 By: Sean Bennett

Sri Lanka made it two from two in this years ICC Champions Trophy, coasting to victory over Zimbabwe. Upul Tharanga was the star of the show again, with his second century in two games.

Following Zimbabwe?s capitulation to the West Indies in the previous game, many expected a one-sided affair. However, Zimbabwe quickly removed Jaysuria, ran out for 9, and Jayawardene, caught behind off Ireland having scored 4, to leave Sri Lanka slightly shocked at 49-2.

However, Tharanga (110), who?d already hit a big straight 6 off Mupariwa, and new partner Kumar Sangakkara (80 off 86) consolidated and then accelerated. Their stand of 165 put Sri Lanka in control.

Tharanga?s fine innings had to end sometime. He was bowled by Matsikinyeri and Sangakkara followed soon after to trigger a short Sri Lankan collapse as they searched for runs in the late overs. Old head Marvan Atapattu?s unbeaten 33 off 30 balls held them together and pushed Sri Lanka to 285-7.

Zimbabwe?s reply began in a way they?ve become accustomed to in recent years. Badly. Their top order collapsed to opening bowlers Lasith Malinga and Ruchinda Perera.

Though Brendan Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza battled bravely and scored 30s, it was a lost cause. Once both got out in the space of three balls, it was game over. Utseya and Mupariwa made patient 20s, opting to just pad Muralitharan away. It was only a matter of time, though, and Murali and Malinga wrapped up the tail.

Sri Lanka 285-7
Upul Tharanga 110, Kumar Sangakkara 80
Tafadzwa Kamungozi 2-55, Stuart Matsikinyeri 1-15

Sri Lanka won by 144 runs

Zimbabwe 141 all out
Hamilton Masakadza 30, Brendan Taylor 30
Lasith Malinga 3-25, Muttiah Muralithan 2-20

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