Published: Jul 18, 2017, 03:35 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 18, 2017, 06:36 PM (IST)
Sri Lanka’s Asela Gunaratne and Niroshan Dickwella contributed with big knocks down the order as they took the side to a much-wanted victory in the only Test against Zimbabwe. The Test at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo was Sri Lanka’s chance to turn the tables around against an opponents who had shocked them 2-3 defeat in the One-Day International (ODI) series. The middle-order batsmen ensured their side ended the tour on a victorious note. Sri Lanka chased 388 runs in the Test for victory, which is their highest successful run chase. Live cricket scorecard: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, One-off Test
It can be said that Zimbabwe’s dropped chances landed them in hot water as they failed to restrict Sri Lanka from building a big partnership. Niroshan Dickwella and Asela Gunaratne had already put up an unbeaten 67-run partnership before lunch. Grame Cremer produced some tough chances coming back from lunch, which could not bear any wicket. Dickwella was dropped at 63 by wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva. Williams edged a Sean Williams delivery pitched outside off-stump but Chakabva failed to take it. He was later dismissed for 81 off another Williams delivery pitched outside off-stump, where he was beaten by turn and bounce. This time, Chakabva held on to the catch.
However, Chakabva later missed another crucial stumping which could have resulted in a wicket of Gunaratne. Fighting a hamstring injury, Gunaratne showed his mettle to play the perfect partner to Dickwella. He himself scored a half-century and was batting on 54 when Chakabva’s missed stumping. Gunathilaka took the charge with Dilruwan Perera at the other end and went on to play with patience, scoring boundaries off the loose deliveries.
Zimbabwe’s fielding, which had helped the team earlier in the tour, failed miserably this time, adding up to the miseries. The tea was delayed after the umpires discussed within and with both the captains. Perera and Gunaratne took the side to an easy victory by 4 wickets.
This was Sri Lanka’s highest successful chase in Tests while the fifth highest in the history of Test cricket. Earlier, electing to bat first, Zimbabwe had put up 356 in the first innings, powered by a 160 by Craig Ervine. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 346 in the second innings. Upul Tharanga (71), Dinesh Chandimal (55), Angelo Mathews (41) and Asela Gunaratne (45) were the major contributors.
Leading by 10 runs after the second innings, Zimbabwe went on to score another 377, setting a target of 388 for the hosts to win. This time, it was Sikandar Raza who stepped up with a 127 after the top-order was removed early without much contribution. Peter Moor (40), Malcolm Waller (68) and Graeme Cremer (48) also excelled with the bat.
In the final innings, the entire Sri Lanka batting contributed to ease the team to victory. Dimuth karunaratne (27) and Tharanga (49) provided the team with a perfect start with a strong opening stand while Kusal Mendis (66) kept the momentum going. Later on it was Dickwella (81), Gunaratne (80*) and Perera (29) finished things off for the hosts.
Rangana Herath was adjudged Man of the Match for his 11 wickets while for Zimbabwe, Cremer was the most successful bowler, picking up 9 wickets.
Brief scores
Zimbabwe 356 and 377 (Sikandar Raza 127, Peter Moor 40, Malcolm Waller 68, Graeme Cremer 48; Rangana Herath 6 for 133, Dilruwan Perera 3 for 95) lost to Sri Lanka 346 and 391 for 6 (Dimuth Karunaratne 49, Kusal Mendis 60, Niroshan Dickwella 81, Asela Gunaratne 80* ; Graeme Cremer 4 for 150, Sean Williams 2 for 146) by 4 wickets
