Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by 39 runs, using the DLS Method, in Kimberley. Sri Lanka were 204 all out (with 48.3 overs) and Zimbabwe 89 (21.1 overs)

Zimbabwe skipper Matthew Schonken decided to bowl first after winning the toss and opening pacers Kohl Eksteen and Anesu Kamuriwo were red hot in their opening spell, taking three Sri Lanka wickets in the first five overs. Among the victims was the important scalp of Sri Lanka skipper Sineth Jayawardena, who offered an edge to a seaming delivery from the impressive Eksteen.

Ravishan De Silva and Rusanda Gamage then set about reconstructing the innings on a tough wicket. Pressure finally got to the pair and the 52-run stand was finally broken in the 26th over when Gamage had his middle stump uprooted by Panashe Taruvinga.

The young Chevrons faced the same difficulties early in their batting innings as Sri Lanka’s spinners got into the action early. Vishwa Lahiru was tidy and effective, conceding just three runs in his four overs, while also providing the opening breakthrough.

The game resumed with Zimbabwe chasing a revised target of 129. As expected, the young Chevrons came out with all guns blazing.

After the game, Sri Lanka skipper Jayawardena discussed his team’s fightback,

“The wicket had uneven bounce for the fast bowlers in the morning. After that, the top three batters got out. Then Ravishan and Gamage gave us some momentum and Dinura and Sharujan did the same to put on a good score for us.” (source ICC media)