Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, 4th ODI Report: Bowlers, Ervine Lead Zimbabwe To A Stunning Win

Jul 8, 2017 at 6:37 PM

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Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, 4th ODI Report: Bowlers, Ervine Lead Zimbabwe To A Stunning Win

Zimbabwe produced a spectacular all-round performance to score a memorable series levelling win over Sri Lanka at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Hambantota.

Backed by the ‘come from behind’ bowling performance and a superb batting show from Craig Ervine, the visitors have now dragged the decider to the final match of the five match series which is now tied 2-2.

It was a nerve testing game for the Zimbabweans. At first, they faced a very straightforward assault from the hosts who chose to bat after winning the toss.

Later, rains caused an interruption when they were just getting their rhythm right in the chase. After the rain break there were moments of anxiety, which at one point of time, indicated that the batting side was slowing giving up to the Lankan bowlers before things were eventually finished off in style by Ervine.

The opening duo of Niroshan Dickwella (116 from 118 balls) and Danushka Gunathilaka (87 from 101 balls) toyed with the bowling attack, adding a record breaking 209 between them. This was the second consecutive occasion the two individuals scored a 200+ stand for the opening wicket. A 350 plus total seemed on cards.

But, the Zimbabweans surprised the opposition greatly. Lead by Malcolm Waller (2/44) and Chris Mpofu (2/61), the bowling side pulled things back in such a fashion that Sri Lanka could reach only 300/6 after 50 overs despite being 209/0 after 35 overs. Handy contributions from Tendai Chatara (1/32) and Sikandar Raza (1/56) also helped the comeback. In all, only 91 runs could be added and 5 wicket were lost in the process.

The chase began on a wonderful note. Hamilton Masakadza (28 from 36 balls) and Solomon Mire (43 from 30) kickstarted the proceedings with a 67 runs stand in just 9.4 overs for the opening wicket. The good start was quickly undone as both the openers were removed in short successions.

Musakanda (30 from 23) gave a boost to the run rate but coule only functional contribution before losing his wicket. Zimbabwe were 139/3 after 21 overs when the rains arrived and halted game. The efforts made by the top three proved vital as the chasing side was well ahead of the DLS total and potentially in a winning position.

But, the Zimbabwean were made to earn the win as the downpour soon stopped and the match to 31 overs. The revised target was of 219 and only 80 were needed from 60 balls with seven wickets in hand.

The equation seemed simple but Zimbabwe suffered a major setback. Just two overs after the resumption, Chameera removed Williams and another two overs later Sikandar Raza was sent back to the pavilion by Wanindu.

But, Sri Lankan bowlers were not able to replicate Zimbabwe’s success in the final overs earlier in the day as Craig Ervine battled it out and took his team home with 4 wicket in hand and 10 balls to spare.

Brief Scores:

Sri Lanka: 300/6 (Niroshan Dickwella 116; M Waller 2/44)

Zimbabwe: 219/6 (C Ervine 69; Wanindu Hasaranga 3/40)

Man of the Match: Craig Ervine

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