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Sri Lanka race to second successive win
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Jayasuriya: Helped to lead his side to victory. |
BY : SYED WASEEM AFZAL.
Andy Flower notched up a tremendous century but
vital half-centuries from Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan
Atapattu steered Sri Lanka to a facile 7 wicket victory over
Zimbabwe in the second match of the Coca-Cola Champions Trophy
After winning the toss and putting Zimbabwe in to bat, Zimbabwe's new opening pair of
Douglas Marillier and Mark Vermeulen lasted together for six overs and added just
12 runs before Vermeulen playing in his first international was out to a blinder taken
by Jayasuriya, he scored 22 . While Stuart Carlisle after facing just one delivery was
run out due to misunderstanding at the crease with Mark Vermeulen.
Zimbabwe's top order was back in the pavilion by the 24th over when Guy Whittall gave a
low return catch to Muthiah Murlitharan.
Andy Flower and Viljoen, however, came together to rescue their team from a precariuos
stiuation. Veteran Andy Flower made up for the absence of Neil Johnson, Murray Goodwin
and Alistair Campbell who is serving a one-match ban. He smashed an impressive
unbeaten 120 off 141 balls, studded with eight fours and a six. This was his second one-day
hundred. Flower found an able foil an Dirk Viljoen, who smashed an unbeaten 63 in a
fifth-wicket stand of 153 after Zimbabwe were in trouble at 72 for 4.
Viljoen clubbed three sixes and a boundary as Zimbabwe mustered 86 runs in the last 10 overs
of the innings.
Zimbabwe were bogged down in the middle overs bowled by the spinners. Zoysa was most impressive
as his quota of 10 overs yielded just 30 runs for 1 wicket. Muraitharan and Weeraratne took
a wicket each.
Marvan Atapattu led the charge for Sri Lanka as the solid right-hander hit a brilliant
90 and shared a second-wicket stand of 157 with captain Sanath Jayasuriya (78) as the
Sri Lankans raced to Zimbabwe's modest total of 225 for 4 with 3 overs to spare.
Attapatu came to the crease with the score on 2, after the dismissal of Avishka Gunawardena
clean bowled by rival captain Heath Streak with the fifth delivery of the innings.
Jayasuriya when on 40 was dropped by Mluleki Nkala at mid-off off seamer Bryan Strang
and Atapattu playing on 65 got his second life when Viljoen dropped an easy return catch.
Jayasuriya looked well set for a ton but his innngs of 78 came to an end
when he pulled straight to Stuart Carlisle at square leg off Paul Strang.
Next in, Jayawardene joined Atapattu and the runs coming thick and fast but
a misunderstanding between the two denied Atapattu of a deserved century.
Sangakkara replaced Attapattu and along with Jayawardene carried Sri Lanka
home with 7 wickets in hand. Jayawardene and Sangakkara remained unbeaten on 25* and 15* runs
respectively. Heath Streak and Paul Strang were the only successful bowlers with one wicket
apiece.
India will take on Zimbabwe on Sunday with both sides looking to register a win
and also to stay in contention for the final.
Click here for full Scorecard.
Sunday, October 22, 2000.
source : UAEcricket.com.
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