Zimbabwe complete first series win over Sri Lanka
Ruffin RemadCorrespondent
Posted - 2017-07-10T18:06:04+06:00
Updated - 2017-07-10T18:25:28+06:00
Zimbabwe have sealed their first ever series victory over Sri Lanka in their ODI history. They have beaten the hosts by three wickets in the fifth ODI at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota.
Zimbabwe won the toss in the decider and elected to bowl. Sri Lanka lost three early wickets at the start, 3 for 31 in 8.2 overs. The hosts were struggling against the Zimbabwean bowlers.
Opener
Follow google news channel to get news of BDCricTime. made 52 runs off 86 balls with 5 fours. His departure left Sri Lanka wobbling.
, who opened the bowling was economical and took wickets at crucial moments.
Sri Lanka were eight wickets down for 153 runs in 41.1 overs. Asela Gunaratne took the responsibility and saved his side from being bowled out for a low total. He made unbroken 50-run partnership for the ninth wicket with
, who made 31-ball 18*.
Gunaratne's 59* runs off 81 deliveries with 4 fours helped Sri Lanka post 203/8 in 50 overs. Raza was the pick of the bowlers for his 3 for 21 in ten overs. Skipper Graeme Cremer took 2 for 23.
In reply, Zimbabwe openers Hamilton Masakadza and Solomon Mire gave the side a flying start. The pair put on 92-run stand in 14.2 overs. Mire hammered 32-ball 43 runs hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes. Masakadza top-scored with 73 runs from 86 balls with 9 fours and a six. Tarisai Musakanda made 37 off 49.
With Masakadza's dismissal, Zimbabwe were 137/2 in 24 overs. Suddenly a collapse started. They were brought down to 175/7 in 34.4 overs. Off-spinner Akila Dhananjaya took four wickets. Lasith Malinga struck twice.
Heroes with the ball, Raza and Cremer kept calm and took the side over the line. Raza made run-a-ball unbeaten 27 with 1 four and 2 sixes. Raza hit
for a six in the 39th over to seal Zimbabwe's first ever series win over Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe won the series by 3-2.
This was Zimbabwe's first away series win against any opposition. Last time they won an away series in 2009 against Kenya. Their previous away series victory against a full-member nation was against
in 2001.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 203/8 in 50 overs
(Gunaratne 59*, Gunathilaka 52; Raza 2/21, Cremer 2/23)
Zimbabwe 204/7 in 38.1 overs
(H Masakadza 73, Mire.43; Dhananjaya 4/47, Malinga 2/44)
Zimbabwe win by 3 wickets
Man of the Match:
Sikandar Raza (2/21 and 27*)
Man of the series: Hamilton Masakadza
-Ruffin, Correspondent, bdcrictime.com