Despite promises of a good show, the Zimbabweans were never in the game and could only manage a paltry 100 against a target of 182 set by the hosts.
In fact, the difference in class was there in evidence as to while Sri Lanka’s top scorer Kumah Sangakara hit a magnificent 44 runs, Zimbabwe’s highest run getter Hamilton Hasakadza could not even manage half of that and was way off on 20 runs.
Sri Lanka, who lost the toss and were sent into bat, owed their total of 182-4 to Kumar Sangakkara who hit 44 runs and was well supported by Jeevan Mendis 43 not out and the two shared a 94-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Sangakara was only last week crowned the ICC player of the year and against Zimbabwe proved his worth with a six and two boundaries.
Tillakaratne Dilshan hit five boundaries for 39 runs before he was dismissded by Brendan Taylor. Skipper Mahela Jayawardene was run out on 13 while Dilshan Munaweera made 17 for a total of 182.
In response, Zimbabwe's scorecard made poor reading. Opening batsman Hamilton Masakadza top-scored with 20, but after that things went downhill, with only three other batsmen creeping into double figures.
Elton Chigumbura hit 19 runs with the other notable contributions coming Graeme Crème on 17 and Vusi Sibanda on 11. Their total of 100 was way off target.
In fact, Zimbabwe had no answer for spinner Ajantha Mendis, who demolished their batting line-up, claiming six wickets for eight runs, the best ever bowling figures in an international 20-over game.
Mendis was duly named man of the match. While Sri Lanka are one foot into the Super Eight stage, Zimbabwe now have a daunting task of qualifying as they have an even tougher assignment against the world second ranked twenty 20 team South Africa Thursday.
The World Twenty 20 which is running until October is Sri Lanka’s biggest sporting event taking place just three years after the end of a bloody civil war.
Post published in: Sport