Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-05-03 12:21:00
By: M. Shamil Amit
Colombo, Jan. 18 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka made mincemeat of Zimbabwe as they outclassed them to record a comprehensive nine-wicket win in the third and deciding T20 encounter played at the R. Premadasa Stadium today to clinch the series 2-1.
Sri Lanka, in pursuit of an easy run chase of 83 runs, needed just 65 balls, 10.5 overs to be precise, to race to the target with ease, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis together giving the side a flying start of 64 runs in just 42 balls.
It was skipper Wanindu Hasaranga, along with Angelo Mathews and Maheesh Theekshana, who laid the foundation for the win, with the trio sharing eight wickets between them to bowl out Zimbabwe for a low score of 82 runs.
The deciding match of the three-match T20 series was expected to be a closely contested game due to the fact that the previous two ended in thrilling finishes.
But it was not to be, as it turned out to be a one-sided affair. Sri Lanka came into the game with two changes, missing out on Charith Asalanka due to an illness and Kusal Perera being left out, with all-rounders Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva replacing them, while Zimbabwe had Ryan Burl in place of Tony Munyonga.
The approach of the Sri Lankan team was completely different in contrast to the first two matches, as after skipper Hasaranga won the toss and opted to field, the bowlers wrecked the middle- and late-order batting of Zimbabwe.
This was after the visitors lost their first wicket in the second ball of the first over, and then opener Brian Bennett looked to have things under control with his calypso-style batting, which unfortunately turned out to be a short stint.
Mathews made amends as he gave the host side the opening with two wickets, which included Bennett, who made 29 in 12 balls. From there on, they lost wickets at regular intervals, and at the halfway stage of the innings, Zimbabwe was struggling at 73 for 6.
Hasaranga, who had taken one of the six, took control as he ran through the Zimbabwe batting to take three more wickets to skittle them for just 82 runs. (Pix: Pradeep Dilrukshana)
Zimbabwe
Sri Lanka
Wiraj Thursday, 18 January 2024 11:28 PM
Well done team. This is the league you should be playing, not in the big boys league.
Jude Friday, 19 January 2024 04:14 AM
Afghans no pushover!!!
Sambo Friday, 19 January 2024 07:50 AM
Don't forget we were bowled out for 50.
Thimal Samarajeewa Friday, 19 January 2024 12:53 PM
yes Afghanistan is a much stronger team. India bowled out SL for 50 and also south Africa for 55 by the same bowler Mohamed Shiraz. So it is not a very big issue.
Ashan Friday, 19 January 2024 11:24 AM
Nice way to get back on what you lost wiping the poor squad. Someone please define "League" is playing with an opponent with the equal caliber/tier to SL cricket.
NV Jen Friday, 19 January 2024 04:31 PM
What outclassing? Both teams are of the same class.
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
US authorities are currently reviewing the manifest of every cargo aboard MV
On March 26, a couple arriving from Thailand was arrested with 88 live animal
According to villagers from Naula-Moragolla out of 105 families 80 can afford
Is the situation in Sri Lanka so grim that locals harbour hope that they coul