A dominant Sri Lanka came to within a freak run-out of whitewashing Zimbabwe in the final of the Tri-nations tournament at Harare Sports Club here on Wednesday.
The Sri Lankans scored a leisurely 203-1 in 34.4 overs to win with ease in reply to Zimbabwe’s effort of 199 all out in 49 overs.
The run-out stood between Sri Lanka bowling out the entire Zimbabwe team and then overtaking their target score without the loss of a single wicket. Although Zimbabwe’s Brendan Taylor was named man of the series, it was Tillikeratne Dilshan who stole the day.
He was named man of the match after amassing 108 not out, both for his score and for his captaincy, with his 100 coming up in 97 balls and including 13 fours.
It was Dilshan’s seventh ODI century and his first against Zimbabwe.
The home team prodded their way to 15-1 in 7 overs and to 40-2 in 15. By comparison, Sri Lanka were 46-0 in seven and 88-0 in 15.
Tatenda Taibu was initially a culprit with only four runs from his first 22 balls faced, but he redeemed himself by becoming easily Zimbabwe’s top scorer with 71.
Brief scores: Zimbabwe: 199 in 49 overs (Taibu 91, Lamb 37; Fernando 3/36, A. Mendis 2/44, J. Mendis 2-36) lost to Sri Lanka: 203/1 in 34.4 overs (Dilshan 108, Tharanga 72). — AFP