Order Restored: SL Thump Zimbabwe
Friday, April 23 2004
A severely under strength Zimbabwe crashed back to earth after Sri Lanka skittled then slaughtered their tender opponents in Bulawayo.
Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu won the toss, inserting the Zimbabweans on a lively track. His decision was immediately vindicated as Vusi Sibanda, Brendan Taylor, Dion Ebrahim (16) and Elton Chigumbara fell to Chaminda Vaas within the first 9 overs.
Tatenda Taibu again held firm, making 35 before he was unfortunately run out by 12th man Rangana Herath. Prosper Utseya held firm in the lower order as Muttiah Muralitharan tore apart the remainder of the batting.
Currently under an ever-present chucking cloud, Murali kept his controversial doosra under wraps, relying on prestigious turn and subtle variations to dwarf the inexperienced Zimbabwean lower order.
Sanath Jayasuriya claimed a token wicket (1/22) as Vaas dominated with 4/38 and Murali 4/32.
In swift reply, Sri Lanka chased down the 137 in the 21st over.
Promising seamer Tinashe Panyangara claimed his 2nd ODI wicket as Jayasuirya fell on 31.
Saman Jayantha relished his chance at the top of the order, slamming 74* in his return match while his captain was undefeated on 21.
Final Score:
Zimbabwe 136 (T Taibu 35; M Muralitharan 4/32, C Vaas 4/38)
Sri Lanka 1/139 (S Jayantha 74*)
Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets.
Posted by Andre
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