Zimbabwe succumbed to a brilliant all round display by Tillekeratne Dilshan in the fourth match of the ICC World Cup in Palekelle on Thursday losing by 144 runs as the Sri Lankan opener blazed a century and then claimed a career best four wickets for just four runs with his occasional off spin.
Dilshan hammered his runs from just 131 balls and shared a World Cup record opening stand with fellow centurion Upul Tharanga who crafted a marginally more sedate 133 from 141 deliveries with 17 fours. Zimbabwes decision to bowl first surprised many observers but with at attack comprising four spinners, captain Elton Chigumbura felt he had no option given the amount of dew which forms on the outfield after sunset in this picturesque, mountain city.
In order for them to grip the ball and be most effective we needed to use the dry conditions in the first innings but the plan didnt work and they batted extremely well, Chigumbura said afterwards. Tinashe Panyangaras selection as a second frontline fast bowler alongside Chris Mpofu backfired immediately when his first over cost 18 runs and the home side were off to a flying start.
Indeed, with 77 runs on the board after just 10 overs and rapid progress maintained by the openers for much of the innings, Sri Lanka seemed set for an even larger total until the spinners regained some control towards the end and stemmed the scoring rate. Mpofu collected four quick wickets in the final overs when the slog was on to finish with figures of 4-62 from his seven overs.
A target of 328 for victory was always likely to be a challenge too far for Zimbabwe although Brendan Taylors brilliant 80 from just 72 balls during an opening stand of 116 with the composed and organised Reggie Chakabva (35 from 61 balls) briefly gave the underdogs hope.
Taylors shot selection and execution was as good as any seen from an opening batsman during the tournament so far but when he was dismissed, caught pulling a slower ball to mid wicket, the rest of the batting suffered an all-too-familiar collapse.
It was especially disappointing to lose in that way after such a good start, said batting coach Grant Flower. Brendan batted beautifully but we needed more contributions to sustain the run chase. It didnt happen and were all very upset about that.
Zimbabwes last chance of gaining entry into the quarter finals now rests with an upset victory against Pakistan in their penultimate match against Pakistan at the same venue on Monday and an overwhelming win against Kenya in their final match in Kolkata on March 20.
Post published in: Cricket