| 0.0 : Hello and a warm welcome to the first Test between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe last played a Test in 2018 against Bangladesh which they lost by a huge margin. They are playing their first Test since suspension and they would want to start the new decade with a win. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were defeated by Pakistan in Pakistan and comprehensively defeated by India as well. They would look to start the series in a dominating fashion. Will they be able to do it? Join us in a while. |
| Toss - Zimbabwe won the toss and they choose to bat first. |
| The players are out there for their respective National Anthems. |
| We are all set to begin! Kevin Kasuza and Prince Masvaure make their way out to the middle to start the innings. Suranga Lakmal will start with the ball for the visitors. |
| 0.1 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Good length ball on off, Masvaure defends it to the cover region. |
| 0.2 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Full delivery on middle, Masvaure pushes it to mid off. |
| 0.3 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, On middle, pushed to mid-wicket. |
| 0.4 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, FOUR! Nicely whipped! Good length ball on middle, Masvaure whips it to the fine leg region for the first boundary of the game. |
| 0.5 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, On middle, whipped to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 0.6 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Length ball outside off, left alone by the batter. |
| Kasun Rajitha will bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Rajitha starts with a length ball outside off, Masvaure leaves it alone. |
| 1.2 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, The batsman has played it to the point region. |
| 1.3 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Rajitha bowls a length ball on off, Masvaure pushes it to mid off for nothing. |
| 1.4 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Fullish ball on middle, Masvaure defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 1.5 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Full delivery on middle, Masvaure drives it crisply towards the bowler but Rajitha gets hit boot behind it. Saved a certain boundary. |
| 1.6 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Fullish delivery outside off, moving away from the batter. Masvaure shoulders arms to it. |
| 2.1 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Full delivery on middle, Kasuza defends it back to the bowler. |
| 2.2 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Outside off, left alone by Kasuza. |
| 2.3 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Good length ball on off, Kasuza lunges forward and then defends it to the cover region. |
| 2.4 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Well left! Full delivery swinging away. It invites Kasuza into the drive but the batter is not interested as he shoulders arms. |
| 2.5 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Full one on off, Kasuza goes on his front foot and defends it out to mid off. |
| 2.6 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Good length ball outside off, Kasuza lets it go to the keeper. |
| 3.1 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Low full toss on off, Masvaure pushes it to the cover fielder. |
| 3.2 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Masvaure ducks under it. |
| 3.3 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Outside off, Prince shoulders arms to this one. |
| 3.4 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Good length ball angling into the batsman, Masvaure makes a good leave to the keeper. |
| 3.5 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, This time, Rajitha dishes a full length ball outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to it. |
| 3.6 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Good length ball down the leg side, Prince looks to flick but misses. |
| 4.1 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Short ball outside off, Kasuza lets it through to the keeper. |
| 4.2 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Length ball on off, Kevin prods forward and defends it to mid off. |
| 4.3 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Fullish delivery outside off, Kasuza has no problems in leaving it alone. |
| 4.4 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, On off, Kasuza blocks it to the cover fielder. |
| 4.5 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Lakmal goes full on the fourth stump line, Kasuza shoulders arms to it. |
| 4.6 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Kasuza solidly defends this good length ball to mid off. 4 maidens in a row. |
| 5.1 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Rajitha comes around the wicket and bowls a good length ball on middle, Prince looks to defend but it takes the inside half of his bat and the ball goes towards square leg. |
| 5.2 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Short ball around middle and leg, Masvaure ducks under it. |
| 5.3 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Back of a length ball on middle, Masvaure flicks it to square leg for a single. 1st run after the first over. |
| 5.4 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Good length ball outside off, Kevin lets the ball go to the keeper. |
| 5.5 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Length ball on middle, Kasuza looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards point. No harm done. |
| 5.6 : K Rajitha to K Kasuza, Just short! Full delivery on off, Kasuza looks to defend off the front foot but it takes the outside edge and goes towards third slip where the fielder collects it on the bounce. |
| 6.1 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, PLAY AND A MISS! Good length ball outside off, Prince looks to punch it off the back foot but misses it altogether. |
| 6.2 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Length ball outside off, Masvaure lets it go to the keeper. |
| 6.3 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Outside off, left alone by the batter. |
| 6.4 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Fullish ball on middle, Prince tucks it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 6.5 : S Lakmal to K Kasuza, Finally Kazusa gets off the mark. Although, it is an unconvincing manner. Full delivery on off, Kazusa looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes through the gully region for a boundary. |
| 6.6 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Length ball on middle, Kasuza defends it out to the bowler. |
| 7.1 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Length ball down the leg side, Masvaure shoulders arms to this one. |
| 7.2 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Full delivery angling into the batsman, Masvaure watches the ball closely and then leaves it alone to the keeper. |
| 7.3 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Good length ball on off, Masvaure looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. There is a midl appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. |
| 7.4 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, BOUNCER! It is bowled down the leg side, Prince ducks under it. |
| 7.5 : K Rajitha to P Masvaure, Good length ball outside off, Masvaure punches it through the point region and before the fielder can come after it and clean it up, the batters take a couple. |
| 7.6 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Full delivery on middle, Prince pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 8.1 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Length ball outside off, Prince shoulders arms to this one. |
| 8.2 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Length ball outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to it. |
| 8.3 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Back of a length ball on middle, Kevin rocks on his back foot to the bowler. |
| 8.4 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Good length delivery on middle, Prince works it to the leg side for a single. |
| 8.5 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Full delivery on off, Masvaure pushes it to defend. |
| 8.6 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Good length ball outside off, Prince shoulders arms to this one. |
| First change! Lasith Embuldeniya is into the attack. |
| 9.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Embuldeniya starts with a floated ball on middle, Kevin defends it out. |
| 9.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Very full delivery on middle, Kevin digs it out safely. |
| 9.3 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated on middle, pushed to mid off. |
| 9.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Loopy delivery on off, Kasuza prods forward and defends it out. |
| 9.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, On middle, blocked out. |
| 9.6 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Flighted ball on middle, defended towards mid off. |
| 10.1 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Good length ball outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to it. |
| 10.2 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Back of a length ball on middle, Prince stands tall and blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 10.3 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Fullish ball outside off, Masvaure lets it go to the keeper. |
| 10.4 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Good length ball outside off, Masvaure makes another leave. |
| 10.5 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, On off, Prince prods forward and then defends it to cover. |
| 10.6 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, On off, pushed towards mid off. |
| 11.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Full delivery on middle, Kevin pushes it down to mid on. |
| 11.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Looped up ball on middle, defended back to the bowler. |
| 11.3 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Flatter one on off, Kasuza defends it out to cover. |
| 11.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, FOUR! Nicely played! Fullish delivery on middle, Kazusa stands and drives it straight past the bowler and into the long on fence. |
| There is some issue with the ball and Dimuth Karunaratne is having a discussion with the umpire. |
| 11.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket. |
| 11.6 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, On middle, defended back to the bowler. |
| Lahiru Kumara is into the attack. |
| 12.1 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Short ball outside off, Masvaure rocks on his back foot and punches it through the cover region for a couple. |
| 12.2 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Length ball on middle, Prince defends it back to the bowler. |
| 12.3 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Good length ball on the pads, Masvaure works it to square leg. |
| 12.4 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Short of a length ball on middle and leg, Kazusa tucks it to backward square leg for a single. |
| 12.5 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Good length ball on middle, Kasuza works it to the leg side for a single. |
| 12.6 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Full delivery on middle and leg, Kazusa defends it to mid on off the front foot. |
| Drinks! It has been a sedate start from the Zimbabweans. The openers have played out the first hour safely and are looking solid. Sri Lanka have not bowled badly but they would have been happier if they had picked up a wicket or so. An interesting passage of play awaits. |
| 13.1 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Flatter delivery on middle, worked to mid-wicket. |
| 13.2 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Loopy delivery on off, Masvaure comes down the track and pushes it down to long on for a single. |
| 13.3 : L Embuldeniya to K Kasuza, Floated on middle, driven to long off for another run. |
| 13.4 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Short of a length ball outisde off, Prince moves in his crease and punches it through covers. The outfield is slow which makes it stop before the ropes. Lakmal chases after it and cleans it up. Three taken. |
| 13.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated on off, blocked out solidly. |
| 13.6 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Full on middle, Kazusa defends it back to the bowler. |
| 14.1 : L Kumara to P Masvaure, Good length ball on off, Masvaure looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes towards gully. The fielder collects it on the bounce. |
| 14.2 : L Kumara to P Masvaure, Fuller one on off, pushed to mid off. |
| 14.3 : L Kumara to Masvaure, FOUR! Short of a length ball outside off, Masvaure stands tall and plays it uppishly over the gully fielder for a boundary. |
| 14.4 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Good length ball on off, defended to cover off the back foot. |
| 14.5 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Short of a length ball on off, Masvaure guides it to gully where Oshada makes a good diving stop. |
| 14.6 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Full delivery on middle, Masvaure defends it to cover. |
| 15.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Fullish delivery on middle, defended back to Lasith. |
| 15.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Flatter one outside off, Kevin cuts it but straight to the point fielder. |
| 15.3 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated on off, defended out to cover. |
| 15.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Loopy delivery on off, Kevin prods forward and defends it out. |
| 15.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Full on middle, Kasuza pushes it to the cover fielder. |
| 15.6 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Outside off, driven to cover for nothing. |
| 16.1 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Good length ball on middle, Prince tucks it to square leg. |
| 16.2 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Fullish on off, Masvaure pushes it down to mid off. |
| 16.3 : Kumara to Masvaure, OUCH! That must have hurt! Short ball around middle, Masvaure looks to defend but it brushes the shoulder and hits the helmet. Kumara asks Prince whether he is fine. |
| Time for the mandatory concussion test. The physio is out to check on him and he is going to continue. Good signs. |
| 16.4 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Short of a length ball on off, Prince stands tall and defends it to the off side. |
| 16.5 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Short ball around off, Masvaure sways away from it. |
| 16.6 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Full one on middle and leg, Masvaure is solid in defense and does so towards mid on. |
| 17.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated down the leg side, Kasuza looks to flick but misses. |
| 17.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated on off, pushed to cover. |
| 17.3 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Flat one on off, Kevin pushes it to cover-point and collects a single. |
| 17.4 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, On middle, Masvaure defends it back to the bowler off the back foot. |
| 17.5 : L Embuldeniya to P Masvaure, Full delivery on middle, Masvaure pushes it down to long on for a single. |
| 17.6 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Loopy one on off, pushed to mid off for a single. |
| 18.1 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Short ball down the leg side, Kevin works it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 18.2 : L Kumara to P Masvaure, Full delivery on middle, Prince pushes it to mid off. |
| 18.3 : L Kumara to P Masvaure, On off, Masvaure solidly drives it down to mid off. |
| 18.4 : L Kumara to Masvaure, EDGY FOUR! Excellent delivery but Masvaure is very lucky there. Yorker on the leg stump line, Masvaure just gets his bat down in time and the ball goes off the inside edge and into the fine leg fence. |
| 18.5 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Short delivery on off, punched to point off the back foot. |
| 18.6 : L Kumara to P Masvaure, FOUR! Short of a length ball outside off, Masvaure punches it off the back foot through the point region. Dhananjaya de Silva chases after it and makes a sliding stop. The replays show that his fingers had touched the ropes. A boundary signaled. |
| 19.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 19.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Loopy delivery down the leg side, Kasuza looks to sweep but misses it. |
| 19.3 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Play and a miss! Floated ball outside off, Kasuza looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it. |
| 19.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, On middle, defended out by Kazusa. |
| 19.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Looped up ball on off, Kazusa looks to drive but it goes off the inside edge and it goes towards mid off who collects it on the bounce. |
| 19.6 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 20.1 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Full toss on middle, Masvaure tucks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 20.2 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Full delivery on middle, Masvaure defends it out. |
| 20.3 : L Kumara to P Masvaure, Low full toss outside off, Prince looks to drive but it takes the faintest of outside edges and goes into the mitts of the keeper. |
| 20.4 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Good length ball on middle, Prince tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 20.5 : L Kumara to K Kasuza, Fullish delivery on the pads, Kevin works it through mid-wicket for another couple. The fielder hares after it from mid off and cleans it up. |
| 20.6 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Short of a length ball on off, Kasuza punches it to point. |
| 21.1 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Floated on middle, defended back to the bowler. |
| 21.2 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Loopy delivery on middle, defended out solidly. |
| 21.3 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Full on off, pushed to covers for a single. 50-run stand is up between the two. |
| 21.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated on middle, Kevin drives it down to long on for a single. |
| 21.5 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Flighted ball on the pads, Masvaure sweeps it to fine leg for a couple. |
| 21.6 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Flatter delivery outside off, Masvaure punches it to the cover-point region for a single. |
| Kasun Rajitha comes back on. 4-2-3-0 are his figures so far. |
| 22.1 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Fullish delivery outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to it. |
| 22.2 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Full on middle, defended out. |
| 22.3 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Edgy! Lucky! Full delivery outside off, Masvaure looks to drive but it takes the inside edge and goes just past the off stump. The ball rolls to short fine leg. |
| 22.4 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Outside off, left alone. |
| 22.5 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, FOUR! Masvaure is looking really good out there. Short delivery outside off, Prince stands tall and punches it through the point region for a boundary. |
| 22.6 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Full delivery outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to it. |
| 23.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Loopy delivery on off, Kasuza defends it to the cover fielder. |
| 23.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated on middle, pushed to cover off the front foot. |
| 23.3 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, On middle, Kasuza prods forward and defends it out. |
| 23.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 23.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated on middle, Kasuza pushes it to extra cover. |
| 23.6 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Kevin works it to the leg side for nothing. |
| 24.1 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Full delivery around off, Masvaure drives it to deep cover for a single. |
| 24.2 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Good length ball on the pads, Kasuza works it to deep square leg and picks up a couple before the fielder from fine leg can come across and clean it up. |
| 24.3 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Good length ball on middle, Kevin solidly defends it out to mid on. |
| 24.4 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Fullish delivery on off, Kevin prods forward and blocks it to cover. |
| 24.5 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Good length ball outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to it. |
| 24.6 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Doesn't carry! Full delivery on the pads, Kasuza whips it but uppishly. Luckily for him, it lands just short of the mid-wicket fielder. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva comes on for the first time today. |
| 25.1 : de Silva to Masvaure, Floated on middle, Masvaure defends it back to the bowler. |
| 25.2 : de Silva to Masvaure, Looped up ball on middle, Masvaure looks to defend but it hits the thigh pad and rolls to the point region. |
| 25.3 : de Silva to Masvaure, Flatter one on middle, Masvaure works it to square leg. |
| 25.4 : de Silva to Masvaure, On middle, blocked out. |
| 25.5 : de Silva to Masvaure, Full on off, Masvaure drives it to mid off. |
| 25.6 : de Silva to Masvaure, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 26.1 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Good length ball on middle, Kasuza defends it out. |
| 26.2 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Full delivery outside off, left alone by Kasuza. |
| 26.3 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, On a length on middle and leg, Kevin solidly defends it towards mid on. |
| 26.4 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Fullish delivery outside off, angling into the batsman. Kasuza makes a good leave to this one. |
| 26.5 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Outside off, Kevin shoulders arms to it. |
| 26.6 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Back of a length ball on the pads, Kasuza tucks it to square leg for a single. With that, it is LUNCH ON DAY 1. |
| An excellent session for the hosts. The openers have done a terrific job staying not out and surviving the burst by the Sri Lankan bowlers. Kevin Masuza and Prince Masvaure have played and defended everything which has been thrown at them. They have stitched up an unbeaten 62-run stand and would be looking to build after the break. The run rate might be just over 2 but the hosts' won't mind one bit. There were a few edges here and there but none went to hand and Zimbabwe will go as the happier |
| Sri Lankan bowlers toiled hard and bowled well but were not rewarded with a wicket. Kasun Rajitha and Suranga Lakmal were excellent at the start but would be slightly disappointed with how things panned out in the first session. Embuldeniya was good too with his lines and lengths. They would look to pick quick wickets after the break and restrict Zimbabwe. So, what to look forward to after the break? Will the Zimbabwean openers continue to dominate or will the Lankan Lions make a comeback in thi |
| ... Day 1, Session 2 ... |
| The second session is all set to get underway!!! Kevin Kasuza and Prince Masvaure make their way out to the middle. They are followed by the Sri Lankan players. Lasith Embuldeniya will begin after the break. |
| 27.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated on middle, defended back to the bowler. |
| 27.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Looped up on off, Kasuza defends it out to the cover fielder. |
| 27.3 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated on off, Kevin is solid in defense and does so towards the off side. |
| 27.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated on middle, blocked solidly. |
| 27.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, FOUR! This is excellent batting from Kasuza. Floated on middle, Kasuza bends on his knees and sweeps it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. |
| 27.6 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, On middle, Kevin defends it to the bowler. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva will bowl from the other end. |
| 28.1 : de Silva to Masvaure, Floated on middle, Masvaure defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 28.2 : de Silva to Masvaure, Loopy delivery on off, Prince blocks it to cover. |
| 28.3 : de Silva to Masvaure, On off, defended out by the batsman. |
| 28.4 : de Silva to P Masvaure, Full delivery outside off, Masvaure drives it to mid off for nothing. |
| 28.5 : de Silva to Masvaure, Fuller one on middle, Prince pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 28.6 : de Silva to Masvaure, Looped up ball outside off, Masvaure drives it towards cover. |
| Kasun Rajitha is back on. 7-2-11-0, his figures so far. |
| 29.1 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Full delivery on middle, Kasuza defends it to mid on. |
| 29.2 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Fullish on off, Kevin is solid in his defense and does so towards the bowler. |
| 29.3 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Length ball on middle and leg, Kasuza whips it to square leg. |
| 29.4 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Length ball on off, Kasuza pushes it to cover off the back foot. |
| 29.5 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Full delivery on the pads, Kasuza flicks it to fine leg and crosses over for a single. |
| 29.6 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Outside off, left alone by Masvaure. |
| 30.1 : de Silva to Kasuza, Flatter one on middle, Kasuza pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 30.2 : de Silva to Kasuza, Loopy delivery on the pads, worked to mid-wicket. |
| 30.3 : de Silva to Kasuza, Floated on middle, Kevin defends it back to the bowler. |
| 30.4 : de Silva to Kasuza, On middle, Kasuza defends it back to the bowler off the back foot. |
| 30.5 : de Silva to Kasuza, Loopy delivery on off, Kasuza goes on his front foot and defends it out. |
| 30.6 : de Silva to Kasuza, Flatter one on off, blocked solidly by Kasuza. |
| 31.1 : K Rajitha to P Masvaure, Fullish delivery outside off, Masvaure drives but finds the cover fielder. |
| 31.2 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, On a length on off, Masvaure stands tall and defends it to the off side. |
| 31.3 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Fullish ball on off, Masvaure blocks it towards mid off. |
| 31.4 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Good length ball on the pads, worked to square leg. |
| 31.5 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Good length ball on middle, Masvaure looks to flick but gets hit in the thigh pad. No harm done. |
| 31.6 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Full delivery on middle, Masvaure squeezes it to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 32.1 : de Silva to Kasuza, Floated on off, Kevin lunges and defends it to point. |
| 32.2 : de Silva to Kasuza, Flatter one on middle, Kasuza works it to short leg. |
| 32.3 : de Silva to Kasuza, Floated on off, Kasuza drives it to mid off and takes off for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. |
| 32.4 : de Silva to Masvaure, Looped up ball on off, Masvaure defends it to cover. |
| 32.5 : de Silva to Masvaure, Fuller one on middle, Maswaure pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 32.6 : de Silva to Masvaure, On off, driven to mid off. |
| 33.1 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Good length ball on off, Kevin drives it to mid off for nothing. |
| 33.2 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle. Kasuza ducks under it. |
| 33.3 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Good length ball on off, Kasuza looks to defend but gets an outside edge and the ball goes towards point. |
| 33.4 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Short of a length ball on off, punched off the back foot to the cover fielder. |
| 33.5 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Superb fielding! Short ball on off, Kasuza punches it off the back foot towards cover. The fielder dives and saves some runs for his side. |
| 33.6 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 34.1 : de Silva to Masvaure, Flatter one on off, Masvaure defends it out to cover. |
| 34.2 : de Silva to Masvaure, Looped up ball on off, blocked to the cover fielder. |
| 34.3 : de Silva to Masvaure, Floated ball on off, Masvaure is solid in his defense. |
| 34.4 : de Silva to Masvaure, The batsman drives this through the covers. |
| 34.5 : de Silva to Masvaure, Floated one outside off, Masvaure pushes it to cover. |
| 34.6 : de Silva to Masvaure, Loopy one on off, driven down to long off for a single. |
| Suranga Lakmal is back into the attack. 6-3-11-0, his figures so far. |
| 35.1 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, FOUR! Nicely played! Short of a length delivery outside off, Masvaure cuts it through the point region for a boundary. |
| 35.2 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Short of a length ball on off, pushed towards cover off the back foot. |
| 35.3 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, BEATEN! Excellent delivery from Lakmal! Full delivery outside off angling into the batsman. Masvaure looks to drive but the ball sneaks between his bat and pad. The balls to the keeper. |
| 35.4 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Better from Masvaure! Full delivery outside off, Masvaure does not throw his bat at this one as he leaves this one alone. |
| 35.5 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Good length ball on off, Masvaure defends it to the cover fielder. |
| 35.6 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Full delivery on middle, Masvaure defends it back to the bowler. |
| 36.1 : de Silva to Kasuza, Floated one on middle, Kasuza defends it out. |
| 36.2 : de Silva to Kasuza, Looped up ball on middle, Kasuza blocks it to short leg. |
| 36.3 : de Silva to Kasuza, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 36.4 : de Silva to Kasuza, Flatter one on middle,played back to the bowler. |
| 36.5 : de Silva to Kasuza, Flighted on middle, Kasuza defends it back to the bowler. |
| 36.6 : de Silva to Kasuza, On middle, solidly blocked. |
| 37.1 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Full delivery on off, Masvaure gets on his front foot and defends it to the leg side. |
| 37.2 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, BEATEN! Short of a length ball outside off, Masvaure looks to defend off the back foot but fails to get any bat on it. |
| 37.3 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Full delivery on middle, Prince defends it towards mid on for nothing. |
| 37.4 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Short of a length delivery outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to it. |
| 37.5 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Fullish ball outside the off stump line, Masvaure lets the ball go to the keeper. |
| 37.6 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, On a length on off, Masvaure pushes it to deep point for a single. |
| 38.1 : de Silva to Masvaure, Shorter delivery on off, Masvaure pushes it to deep cover for a single. Moves to 49 with this. |
| 38.2 : de Silva to Kasuza, Loopy delivery on middle, Kevin prods forward and defends it out. |
| 38.3 : de Silva to Kasuza, Full on middle, defended back to the bowler. |
| 38.4 : de Silva to Kasuza, FOUR! Smashed! Short of a length delivery outside off, Kasuza stands tall and punches it through thr cover region for a boundary. |
| 38.5 : de Silva to Kasuza, Looped up ball on middle, Kasuza defends it to short leg. |
| 38.6 : de Silva to Kasuza, Flatter one on middle, Kasuza punches it to mid-wicket off the back foot. |
| 39.1 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Short of a length ball on off, tapped to gully. |
| 39.2 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, FIFTY! Maiden Test fifty for Prince Masvaure! Brilliant innings from so far and he would look to continue and score a ton here. Good length delivery outside off, Masvaure pushes it to deep cover for a single. |
| 39.3 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Good length ball outside off, Kasuza lets the ball go to the keeper. |
| 39.4 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Lakmal goes full and outside off, Kevin does not have any problems in leaving this ball alone. |
| 39.5 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Kasuza looks to defend but misses to get any bat on it. |
| 39.6 : S Lakmal to K Kasuza, Back of a length delivery on off, Kasuza guides it to gully off the back foot. |
| 40.1 : de Silva to Masvaure, Floated on off, Masvaure defends it to point. |
| 40.2 : de Silva to Masvaure, Fullish delivery on off, Masvaure drives it to covder. |
| 40.3 : de Silva to Masvaure, Looped up ball on middle, flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 40.4 : de Silva to Masvaure, Floated on middle, Masvaure looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and the ball goes to mid-wicket. |
| 40.5 : de Silva to Masvaure, Loopy delivery on middle, Masvaure flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a isngle. |
| 40.6 : de Silva to Masvaure, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 41.1 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, DROPPED! Short of a length ball on middle, Kasuza looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes towards mid-wicket. The fielder comes ahead and dives but fails to hold onto it. Had to take thast chance, Sri Lanka. Zimbabawe are going really strong at the moment. |
| 41.2 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Length ball on middle, Kasuza defends it to cover. |
| 41.3 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Full delivery outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to this one. |
| 41.4 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, On middle, driven back to the bowler. |
| 41.5 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Fuller one on off, pushed to deep cover. |
| 41.6 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Back of a length ball on off, Masvaure pushes it to mid off. |
| 42.1 : de Silva to Masvaure, Full delivery on middle, pushed to mid off. |
| 42.2 : de Silva to Masvaure, On off, punched to cover. |
| 42.3 : de Silva to Masvaure, Floated outside off, Masvaure defends it to point off the back foot. |
| 42.4 : de Silva to Masvaure, On middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 42.5 : de Silva to Masvaure, Flighted ball outside off, pushed to cover off the back foot. |
| 42.6 : de Silva to Masvaure, Looped up ball on off, Masvaure defends it to the off side. |
| Drinks! Lahiru Kumara is back on. 5-1-23-0 are his figures so far. |
| 43.1 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Full delivery outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to this one. |
| 43.2 : L Kumara to Kasuza, On middle, Kasuza drives it to mid on for nothing. |
| 43.3 : L Kumara to Kasuza, PLAY AND A MISS! Back of a length delivery outside off, Kasuza looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it. |
| 43.4 : L Kumara to Kasuza, BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Kasuza ducks under it. |
| 43.5 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Fuller one on middle, pushed down to mid on for another dot ball. |
| 43.6 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Full toss on middle, Kasuza misses out as he plays it towards mid on. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is back on. 9-4-21-0, his figures so far. |
| 44.1 : L Embuldeniya to P Masvaure, Floated ball on off, Masvaure looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and the ball rolls to short third man. A single taken. |
| 44.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, SIX! Excellent use of the feet from Kasuza! Loopy delivery on off, Kasuza comes down the track and hammers it over the long off region for a biggie. First one of the game. |
| 44.3 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Full delivery on middle, driven back to the bowler. |
| 44.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Flighted ball on middle, Kasuza comes down the track and drives it past the bowler. The mid off fielder comes across and cleans it up. |
| 44.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 44.6 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Floated on middle, Kevin tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 45.1 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Short delivery around middle, Masvaure sways away from it. |
| 45.2 : Kumara to Masvaure, Good length delivery on the pads, Masvaure looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Kumara puts in an appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 45.3 : L Kumara to Masvaure, BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Masvaure sways away from it. |
| 45.4 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Back of a length ball on middle, Masvaure stands tall and defends it solidly onto the pitch. |
| 45.5 : L Kumara to Masvaure, FOUR! That's extremely well played from Masvaure! Short delivery on off, Prince upper cuts it over the gully fielder for a boundary. |
| 45.6 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Full delivery on middle and leg, Prince works it to mid-wicket. |
| 46.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, FOUR! Floated ball on middle and leg, Kasuza bends on his knee and sweeps it towards the deep square leg region for a boundary. |
| 46.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Flatter one on middle, Kasuza pulls it to mid-wicket. |
| 46.3 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Loopy one on middle, played back to the bowler. |
| 46.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 46.5 : L Embuldeniya to K Kasuza, Flatter one on off, pushed to point off the back foot. |
| 46.6 : L Embuldeniya to K Kasuza, Floated on off, driven down to long off for a single. |
| 47.1 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Back of a length on middle, Kasuza defends it off the back foot to mid-wicket. |
| 47.2 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Full delivery on off, Kevin drives but finds the mid off fielder. |
| 47.3 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Short of a length ball, Kasuza works it nicely comfortably to short leg. |
| 47.4 : L Kumara to Kasuza, BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Kasuza ducks under it. The keeper jumps and collects it. |
| 47.5 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Short ball around middle, ducked under. |
| 47.6 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Short ball outside off, left alone by Kasuza. |
| 48.1 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Loopy delivery on the pads, Masvaure defends it back to the bowler. |
| 48.2 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Loopy delivery on middle, Prince dances down the track and whips it to mid-wicket. |
| 48.3 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Very full delivery on middle, Prince digs it out. |
| 48.4 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, On middle, defended out onto the pitch. |
| 48.5 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Floated one outside off, Masvaure uses his feet and plays it towards mid off. |
| 48.6 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Flatter delivery on the pads, Masvaure looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pads. |
| 49.1 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Short ball down the leg side, Kasuza shoulders arms to it. |
| 49.2 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Short ball around middle, Kasuza ducks under it. |
| 49.3 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Back of a length ball on middle, Kevin pushes it to cover. |
| 49.4 : L Kumara to Kasuza, On a length on middle, Kasuza pushes it to mid on. |
| 49.5 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Kumara bends his back and digs out a short one on middle, Kasuza hops and defends it onto the pitch. |
| 49.6 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Full delivery on middle, driven to mid on. |
| 50.1 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, OUT! CAUGHT! Finally, finally we have seen a wicket! Brilliant from Dimuth Karunaratne the skipper. Sri Lanka needed that wicket. Floated on off, Masvaure danxces down and looks to lift it over mid off but does not get the elevation. Dimuth moves to his left, tumbles and takes a good catch. Masvaure waits as he thinks that it is not a clean catch. But the Sri Lankan skipper claims it and the umpire sends the batter in his way. |
| 0.0 : Craig Ervine is the new man in. |
| 50.2 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Floated on middle, Ervine defends it back to the bowler. |
| 50.3 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, On off, pushed down to mid on. |
| 50.4 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Flatter one on middle,, Ervine defends it back to the bowler. |
| 50.5 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Short one on middle, Ervine punches it to mid-wicket. |
| 50.6 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Loopy delivery on middle, Craig defends it out onto the pitch. A successful over comes to an end. |
| 51.1 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Good length ball on middle, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket. |
| 51.2 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Full delivery on middle,Kasuza drives it straight back where the bowler makes a half stop. The ball rolls towards mid off and the batters take a single. |
| 51.3 : L Kumara to Ervine, Short ball outside off, Ervine sways away from it. |
| 51.4 : L Kumara to Ervine, Fullish ball outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to it. |
| 51.5 : L Kumara to Ervine, Fullish on off, driven to mid off for nothing. |
| 51.6 : L Kumara to Ervine, Length ball outside off, Craig does not fiddle with it as he leaves this one alone. |
| 52.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Flatter one outside off, Kasuza lets it go to the keeper. |
| 52.2 : L Embuldeniya to K Kasuza, Full delivery on middle, Kasuza drives it towards mid on and takes a single. |
| 52.3 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Ervine is off the mark. Floated on the pads, Ervine whips it towards fine leg for a couple. 100 up for the hosts. |
| 52.4 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Flatter one on middle, Ervine works it to square leg. |
| 52.5 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Loopy delivery on middle, Ervine defends it out. |
| 52.6 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Looped up ball on middle, pushed to mid on. |
| 53.1 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Full delivery on middle, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket. |
| 53.2 : L Kumara to Kasuza, LEG BYE! Good length ball on the pads, Kevin looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls to square leg for a leg bye. |
| 53.3 : L Kumara to Ervine, Short ball outside off, Ervine looks to punch off the back foot but takes the inside half of the bat and the ball goes towards the leg side. |
| 53.4 : L Kumara to Ervine, Full delivery outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to it. |
| 53.5 : L Kumara to Ervine, Short of a length ball on middle, Ervine hops and defends it out solidly. |
| 53.6 : L Kumara to Ervine, Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it to mid off. |
| 54.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Loopy delivery on middle, Kasuza defends it off the front foot to the bowler. |
| 54.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Flatter one on middle, punched to mid-wicket. |
| 54.3 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Loopy one on middle, Kevin danxces down and flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 54.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, On middle, defended back to the bowler. |
| 54.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, BEATEN! Some spin there! Floated ball outside off, Kasuza looks to drive but gets beaten duw to the spin on it. |
| 54.6 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Kasun Rajitha comes back on. 10-4-12-0 are his figures. |
| 55.1 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Good length ball on off, Ervine defends it to cover. |
| 55.2 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Fuller one on off, Ervine gets on his front foot and defends it out to the bowler. |
| 55.3 : Rajitha to Ervine, An LBW shout turned down. Good length ball on middle, which straightens after pitching. Ervine looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The Sri Lankan players put in an appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Looked very close but probably going too high. |
| 55.4 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Good length ball outside off, Ervine lets it go to the keeper. |
| 55.5 : K Rajitha to Ervine,The batsman has driven that ball straight back. |
| 55.6 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Driven towards the mid on region. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva is back on. |
| 56.1 : de Silva to Ervine, Flatter one on middle, pushed down to long on for a single. |
| 56.2 : de Silva to K Kasuza, Flatter one outside off, Kasuza punches it to cover. |
| 56.3 : de Silva to Kasuza, Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Kasuza solidly defends it out. |
| 56.4 : de Silva to Kasuza, Short ball outside off, Kevin punches it through the cover region for a couole. |
| 56.5 : de Silva to Kasuza, Floated on middle, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket. |
| 56.6 : de Silva to K Kasuza, Loopy delivery on middle, Kevin plays it down to long on for a single. TEA ON DAY 1. |
| It has been an exhilarating session of Test match cricket. From the scorecard, it might look like that the session belonged to Zimbabwe but Sri Lanka bowled extremely well in this session. They bowled 30 overs and gave away just 46 runs at a run rate of just around 1.5. Lasith Embuldeniya was the pick of the bowlers and was rewarded with the wicket of Prince Masvoure. Lasith Kumara bowled his heart out but was unlucky to not finish with a wicket. |
| Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have gone about their business smoothly, although they would have been happier if they had not lost the wicket of Masvoure. Kevin Kasuza has looked good so far and is inching towards his fifty. Ervine has joined him out in the middle and is looking solid. It has been slow going for them and they would look to attack a bit more and get to as many runs as possible before Stumps. In the final session of Day 1, Sri Lanka would hope that they get further wickets and not l |
| ... Day 1, Session 3 ... |
| We are back for the final session of the day. Craig Ervine and Kevin Kasuza are making their way out to the middle. The Sri Lankan players follow them out to the field. Kasun Rajitha will start the proceedings with the ball. |
| 57.1 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Good length ball on off, Kasuza guides it to gully. |
| 57.2 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Length ball on off, defended to the cover fielder. |
| 57.3 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Kevin ducks under it. |
| 57.4 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, BEATEN! Nicely bowled! Full delivery outside off, Kasuza looks to drive without moving his feet. Misses the ball completely. |
| 57.5 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, On a length on middle, defended back to the bowler. |
| 57.6 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, PLAY AND A MISS! This is not needed! Why play these shots? Good length ball outside off, Kasuza looks to drive but misses it altogether. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva will bowl from the other end. |
| 58.1 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated on middle, Ervine pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 58.2 : de Silva to Ervine, Flatter one on middle, whipped to square leg. |
| 58.3 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated on off, Craig lunges and blocks it out. |
| 58.4 : de Silva to Ervine, Shorter one on middle, Ervine flicks it to mid-wicket where the fielder makes a half stop and the ball rolls to mid on. The batters take a single. |
| 58.5 : de Silva to Kasuza, Miscommunication but safe! Full delivery on middle, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket and he wants the single but is sent back. The fielder has ashy at the keeper's end but the batter was well in. |
| 58.6 : de Silva to K Kasuza, Driven towards the mid on region. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 59.1 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, FIFTY! That too on debut! Full delivery on the pads, Kasuza flicks it through mid-wicket for three. Excellent innings from the opener and he will be looking to get to ton here. |
| 59.2 : K Rajitha to Ervine, On middle, Ervine solidly defends it out. |
| 59.3 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Overthrow! Good length ball on the pads, Ervine looks to flick but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls to the leg side and the batters take a single. |
| 59.4 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Fullish delivery outside off, Kasusa shoulders arms to this one. |
| 59.5 : K Rajitha to K Kasuza, Good length ball on off, Kasuza looks to defend but it takes the outside edge of the bat and it rolls to the point region. |
| 59.6 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Outside off,left alone. |
| 60.1 : de Silva to Ervine, On middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 60.2 : de Silva to Ervine, Looped up on middle, Ervine prods and defends it out. |
| 60.3 : de Silva to Ervine, Full on middle,pushed down to mid on. |
| 60.4 : de Silva to Ervine, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 60.5 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated on middle, Ervine pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 60.6 : Silva to Ervine, SIX! Ervine is not afraid to take on the spinners and he has done just that. Floated on middle, Ervine hammers it over the long on region for a maximum. |
| 61.1 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Good length ball on middle, Kasuza flicks it to mid-wicket where the fielder misfields allowing the batters to take a single. |
| 61.2 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Short of a length ball on off, Ervine drives it to cover where the fielder allows the ball to go through him.The ball rolls towards deep cover and the batters take two. |
| 61.3 : K Rajitha to Ervine, On off, defended out onto the pitch. |
| 61.4 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Good length ball on middle, Ervine works it to square leg for a single. |
| 61.5 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Good length ball outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to it. |
| 61.6 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Fullish on off, Kasuza defends it to the cover fielder. |
| 62.1 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated on off, Ervine defends it to the point region. |
| 62.2 : de Silva to Ervine, SIX! Ervine is going after Dhananjaye de Silva. Full delivery on middle, Ervine thrashes it over long off for another biggie. |
| 62.3 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated on off, pushed towards mid off. |
| 62.4 : de Silva to Ervine, Loopy on middle, Ervine defends it out onto the pitch. |
| 62.5 : de Silva to Ervine, On middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 62.6 : de Silva to Ervine, Flatter one on middle, Ervine solidly blocks it out. |
| 63.1 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Short ball outside off, Kasuza punches it to point. |
| 63.2 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Kasuza ducks under it. |
| 63.3 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Full delivery on off, Kasuza drives it to cover. |
| 63.4 : K Rajitha to K Kasuza, Short of a length ball outside off, Kasuza punches it through the cover region for a couple. |
| 63.5 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Fullish delivery on off, defended to cover off the front foot. |
| 63.6 : K Rajitha to Kasuza, Shorter delivery outside off, Kevin stands tall and cuts it through point and takes two before the fielder can come across and clean it up. |
| 64.1 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated on middle, Ervine defends it back to the bowler. |
| 64.2 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated on off, pushed to cover. |
| 64.3 : de Silva to Ervine, Flatter one outside off, left alone by Ervine. |
| 64.4 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated on middle, Ervine works it to square leg. |
| 64.5 : de Silva to Ervine, On middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 64.6 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated on middle, Ervine tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| Suranga Lakmal is back into the attack. 10-4-17-0 are his figures. |
| 65.1 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Good length ball outside off, Kevin shoulders arms to this one. |
| 65.2 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Fullish delivery outside off, Kevin does not fiddle with it and lets it go to the keeper. |
| 65.3 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Length ball on off, Kasuza defends it out to the bowler. |
| 65.4 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, On a length on off, Kevin is once again solid in defense. |
| 65.5 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, On off, Kasuza blocks it out towards mid off. |
| 65.6 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Fullish outside off, Kasuza leaves it alone. |
| 66.1 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated on middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 66.2 : de Silva to Ervine, Loopy on middle, defended out onto the pitch. |
| 66.3 : de Silva to Ervine, SIX! That is an extraordinary shot from Ervine! Floated ball on off, Ervine lifts it over the extra cover region for a biggie. |
| 66.4 : de Silva to Ervine, Loopy delivery on middle, defended out. |
| 66.5 : de Silva to Ervine, On middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 66.6 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated on middle, Ervine is solid in defense. |
| 67.1 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Full delivery on middle, Kasuza defends it to the bowler. |
| 67.2 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Fullish ball outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to it. |
| 67.3 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, On middle, worked to mid-wicket. |
| 67.4 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Good length ball on off, Kasuza defends it off the back foot to cover. |
| 67.5 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Full delivery on the pads, Kevin pounches it to mid-wicket where the fielder dives and makes a stop. |
| 67.6 : S Lakmal to Kasuza, Good length ball on middle, solidly defended. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is back on. 15-6-38-1, his figures so far. |
| 68.1 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Flatter one on middle, Ervine pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 68.2 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, FOUR! Some innovation this time! Floated outside off, Ervine plays the reverse sweep to the third man region for a boundary. |
| 68.3 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Loopy delivery on the pads, Ervine flicks it it to fine leg and takes a couple. |
| 68.4 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. |
| 68.5 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Full delivery on middle, Ervine pushes it to mid on. |
| 68.6 : L Embuldeniya to C Ervine, Floated on middle, pushed to cover for a single. |
| 69.1 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Short ball around off, Ervine sways away from it. |
| 69.2 : S Lakmal to C Ervine, Good length ball on off, Ervine defends it to cover. |
| 69.3 : S Lakmal to Ervine, On a length on off, Ervine taps it to gully. |
| 69.4 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Huge appeal for LBW turned down! Full delivery on the pads, Ervine looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Lakmal puts in a huge appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. Probably going down the leg side. There was a run out appeal as well as Ervine was lazy in going back to the crease. The replays show that he was well in. |
| 69.5 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 69.6 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Full delivery on the pads, Ervine flicks it to the leg side for a single. |
| 70.1 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Floated on middle, flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 70.2 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Loopy one on off, Ervine dances down the track and then defends it to the cover fielder. |
| 70.3 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, On middle, Ervine tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 70.4 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Flighted on middle, defended out by Ervine. |
| 70.5 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Flatter delivery on off, Ervine punches it down to long on for a single. |
| 70.6 : L Embuldeniya to K Kasuza, Full delivery on middle, Kevin pushes it down to mid on for a single. |
| Lahiru Kumara is back on. 11-5-28-0 are his figures so far. |
| 71.1 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Starts with a back of a length ball on middle, Kasuza defends it out off the back foot. |
| 71.2 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Short ball outside off, Kasuza punches it through point for an easy couple. |
| 71.3 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Length ball on off, Kasuza defends it solidly to cover. |
| 71.4 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Good length delivery on off, Kasuza pushes it to cover. |
| 71.5 : L Kumara to Kasuza, BEATEN! Short of a length ball outside off, Kasuza looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it. |
| 71.6 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Short ball outside off, Kevin plays the square cut and the ball goes through point. The fielders chases after it and the batters take a couple. |
| DRINKS! Zimbabwe are having a field day out there. After the wicket of Prince Masvoure, Craig Ervine and Kevin Kasuza have looked calm and are taking the game away from Sri Lanka. They will look to add as many runs as possible. The visitors, on the other hand, would want to take quick wickets and not let the game get away from them. |
| 72.1 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Floated on middle, Ervine defends it out. |
| 72.2 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Floated on middle, Ervine flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 72.3 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Looped up ball on middle, Ervine flicks it to square leg. |
| 72.4 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, On middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 72.5 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, On middle, Ervine sweeps it to fine leg for a couple. |
| 72.6 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Floated on middle, Ervine lunges and defends it to cover off the front foot and takes a single. |
| 73.1 : L Kumara to K Kasuza, Short delivery on middle, Ervine pulls it to mid-wicket. |
| 73.2 : L Kumara to Ervine, Short ball down the leg side, Ervine looks to pull but misses. Kumara thinks that he has edged that one and put a huge appeal for caught behind. The umpire is not interested as he shakes his head and rightly so as the replays show that there is no bat on it. |
| 73.3 : L Kumara to Ervine, On off, defended out. |
| 73.4 : L Kumara to Ervine, Short ball on off, pushed to mid off. |
| 73.5 : L Kumara to C Ervine, Short of a length ball on middle, Ervine pulls it to fine leg for a single. |
| 73.6 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Slower delivery on middle, Kasuza picks it and pushes it to mid off. |
| 74.1 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Floated on middle, Ervine prods forward and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 74.2 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Looped up on middle, Ervine flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 74.3 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 74.4 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, FOUR! Beautifully swept! Full delivery on middle, Ervine sweeps it to the deep square leg region for a boundary. |
| 74.5 : L Embuldeniya to C Ervine, Flatter one on off, pushed to the leg side and crosses over for a single. |
| 74.6 : L Embuldeniya to Kasuza, Full on middle, Kasuza works it down to long off for a single. |
| 75.1 : L Kumara to Kasuza, BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Kasuza ducks under it. |
| 75.2 : L Kumara to Kasuza, Full delivery on middle, Kasuza pushes it to mid on. |
| 75.3 : L Kumara to Kasuza, OUT! LBW! Kasuza misses out on a full toss and he has to depart after playing a good knock on his debut. Kumara bowls a full toss on middle, swinging in a little. Kasuza looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Kumara appeals and after thinking for a while, the umpire gives it out. Big, big wicket this for the Lankans. It looked like it was going over the stumps but it was dipping and might have gone onto hit the stumps. |
| Brandan Taylor comes out to the middle. |
| 75.4 : L Kumara to Taylor, Short of a length ball outside off, Taylor looks to play at first but then decides to let the ball go to the keeper. |
| 75.5 : L Kumara to Taylor, Fortunate! Short ball on off, Taylor looks to defend off the back foot but it takes the bottom edge and is almost going onto the stumps. Luckily, for him, the ball goes over the stumps. |
| 75.6 : L Kumara to Taylor, The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball but fails. |
| 76.1 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Loopy delivery on middle, Ervine pushes it down to long on for a single. |
| 76.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Floated on middle, Taylor defends it off the front foot. |
| 76.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Loopy delivery on middle, Taylor dances down and defends it to short leg. |
| 76.4 : Embuldeniya to Taylor, LBW appeal turned down! Floated ball on middle and leg, Taylor comes down the track and then looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. Embuldeniya and the rest appeal but the umpire turns him down. |
| 76.5 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 76.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, SIX! Massive! Floated on middle, Brendan Taylor comes down the track and hammers it over the bowler's head for a biggie. |
| 77.1 : L Kumara to Ervine, Short ball down the leg side, Ervine sways away from it. |
| 77.2 : L Kumara to Ervine, Back of a length ball on middle, Ervine pulls it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 77.3 : L Kumara to Taylor, Full delivery outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one. |
| 77.4 : L Kumara to Taylor, Good length ball outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one. |
| 77.5 : L Kumara to Taylor, Short of a length ball on off, Taylor pushes it to cover and crosses over for a single. |
| 77.6 : L Kumara to Ervine, Slower delivery outside off, Ervine guides it to the slip cordon. |
| 78.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Flatter one outside off, Taylor punches it to point. |
| 78.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Floated on middle, Brendan defends it back to the bowler. |
| 78.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Floated on the pads, Taylor looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. |
| 78.4 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full on middle, Taylor pushes it down to mid on. |
| 78.5 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Floated on middle, Taylor comes down and whips it uppishly towards deep mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 78.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, FOUR! Excellent batting. Taylor will not get bogged down by spinners. Full delivery on middle and leg, Taylor whips it over deep mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 79.1 : L Kumara to Ervine, Length ball on off, Ervine defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 79.2 : L Kumara to Ervine, Full delivery on off, Ervine digs it out back to the bowler. |
| 79.3 : L Kumara to Ervine, Short ball around middle, Ervine ducks under it. |
| 79.4 : L Kumara to Ervine, Full delivery on the pads, Ervine flicks it to deep mid-wicket and picks up a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up. |
| 79.5 : L Kumara to Ervine, LEG BYE! Short delivery on the pads, Ervine looks to pull but hits the thigh pad and the ball goes to fine leg for a leg bye. |
| 79.6 : L Kumara to Taylor, BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Taylor ducks under it. |
| The second new ball is now available and it has been taken immediately. Kasun Rajitha is also back into the attack. 15-5-24-0 are his figures so far. |
| 80.1 : K Rajitha to Ervine, FIFTY! It has been a good knock from the left-hander. Short of a length ball outside off, Ervine punches it through covers for a couple. |
| 80.2 : K Rajitha to Ervine, On a length on middle, Ervine pushes it off the back foot to mid on. |
| 80.3 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Fuller one on off, Ervine drives it to mid off. |
| 80.4 : K Rajitha to Ervine, FOUR! Brilliant. Not a delivery to bowl to a set batsman. Full delivery on middle, Ervine drives it straight down the ground for a boundary. |
| 80.5 : K Rajitha to Ervine, On middle, flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 80.6 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Very full delivery on middle, Ervine defends it to mid-wicket. |
| Suranga Lakmal returns. 13-6-18-0 are his figures. |
| 81.1 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Full delivery on middle, Taylor defends it to the bowler. |
| 81.2 : S Lakmal to B Taylor, Fullish on off, driven towards mid off for nothing. |
| 81.3 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Back of a length delivery outside off, Taylor lets the ball go to the keeper. |
| 81.4 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Fullish on middle, Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 81.5 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Taylor defends this full delivery on off back to the bowler. |
| 81.6 : S Lakmal to Taylor, On middle, flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 82.1 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Fullish delivery outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to it. |
| 82.2 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Full delivery on middle, Ervine pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 82.3 : K Rajitha to Ervine, BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Ervine ducks under it. |
| 82.4 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Back of a length delivery on middle, Ervine blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 82.5 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Fullish delivery on the pads, Ervine tucks it to backward square leg for a single. |
| 82.6 : K Rajitha to Taylor, Full delivery outside off, Taylor leaves it alone. |
| 83.1 : Lakmal to Ervine, Full delivery down the leg side, Ervine looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW is made but not out given by the umpire. |
| 83.2 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Outside off, left alone by Ervine. |
| 83.3 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Fullish delivery on middle, Craig solidly defends it to the bowler. |
| 83.4 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it straight back to the bowler. |
| 83.5 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Full delivery outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to this one. |
| 83.6 : S Lakmal to Ervine, BEATEN! Beautiful piece of bowling from Craig Ervine. Full delivery outside off, Ervine looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it. |
| The umpires bring out the light meter and check for bad light. |
| Update (1701 Local) - The umpires have decided that it is dark enough to take players off ans they are going off. This might just be Stumps. Let's see what happens. |
| Unfortunately, it has been called Stumps on Day 1 with only 6 overs remaining in the day's play. A day that has belonged to Zimbabwe. They started brilliantly with a 96-run stand between Prince Masvoure and Kevin Kasuza. Both reached their respective fifties. Although they were a little slow but they laid a solid foundation for the rest of the batters. They lost Masvoure soon after Lunch but Craig Ervine came out and adopted a positive approach and got to his half ton as well. Kevin Kasuza looke |
| Sri Lanka, on the other hand, bowled their hearts out. They kept on bowling tight lines and lengths but were unable to reap the reward. Lasith Embuldeniya picked up one wicket while Kumara was lucky to get his wicket off a full toss. Suranga Lakmal and Kasun Rajitha too bowled well but the Zimbabwean batters played everything solidly which came their way. Overall, a tough day in the field for the visitors. |
| That's all from Day 1 of this Test match. Zimbabwe have had a terrific day in the field and they will look to get as many runs as possible on Day 2 and put further pressure on the Lankans. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, would be disappointed but they are not entirely out of it. They need to pick up quick wickets though and get Zimbabwe out for a cheap score. What will happen on Day 2? Will the Lankan Lions roar back or will Zimbabwe run away with the game. Join us on Monday, the 20th of January a |
| ... Day 2, Session 1 ... |
| A warm welcome to Day 2 of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Harare. It was a very slow day of Test cricket, a typical one, reminding us of the old days when the batsmen used to grind themselves out and concentrate more on preserving wickets than scoring runs. In this modern era of Twenty20 cricket, that may sound like boring but this is what the Test cricket originally was all about. Agreed that the approach of the teams has changed nowadays but for a team like Zimbabwe which is |
| We are all set to begin Day 2. Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor will resume their innings for the hosts. Lahiru Kumara will start the proceedings for Sri Lanka. |
| 84.1 : L Kumara to Taylor, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 84.2 : L Kumara to Taylor, Chandimal is hurt here! Blow to Sri Lanka as he is walking off the field. Fullish delivery around off, Ervine drives to mid off where Dinesh dives across to his right to stop the ball. He seems to have hurt his fingers. The physio comes out and then takes him to the pavilion for some medical attention. Hopefully, there isn't anything serious. |
| 84.3 : L Kumara to Ervine, Bowls a yorker on off, Ervine does well to dig it out. |
| 84.4 : L Kumara to Ervine, The batsman fails to put bat on ball as he pushes inside the delivery outside off. |
| 84.5 : L Kumara to Ervine, On a good length and outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to this one. |
| 84.6 : L Kumara to Ervine, Length delivery on middle, Ervine flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| Suranga Lakmal to bowl from the other end. |
| 85.1 : S Lakmal to C Ervine, Full delivery on middle, Ervine drives it towards mid on. |
| 85.2 : S Lakmal to Ervine, BEATEN! Full again and outside off, Ervine looks to defend but misses it. |
| 85.3 : S Lakmal to Ervine, FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it through mid off for a boundary. 1000 runs for Craig Ervine in Tests. |
| 85.4 : S Lakmal to Ervine, On a good length on off, Ervine offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 85.5 : S Lakmal to Ervine, On a length on off, Ervine defends it towards covers. |
| 85.6 : Lakmal to Ervine, Shout for an lbw! Good length delivery on middle and leg, Ervine looks to defend but misses it and gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Going down, probably. |
| 86.1 : L Kumara to Taylor, On a good length on off, Taylor defends it out. |
| 86.2 : L Kumara to B Taylor, Short delivery on middle, Taylor pulls it through square leg for a run. |
| 86.3 : L Kumara to Ervine, Full delivery on middle, Ervine drives it towards mid on. |
| 86.4 : L Kumara to Ervine, Good length delivery on off, Ervine blocks it off the back foot. |
| 86.5 : L Kumara to Ervine, Short delivery on middle, Ervine pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 86.6 : L Kumara to Ervine, Outside off, Ervine offers no shot to this one. |
| 87.1 : S Lakmal to B Taylor, On a good length and outside off, Taylor looks to leave but gets a bottom edge on that one. It misses the off stump and goes safely towards the keeper. |
| 87.2 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Good length delivery outside off, Taylor offers no shot to this one. |
| 87.3 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Full delivery on off, Taylor drives it towards mid off. |
| 87.4 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Full again and outside off, Taylor drives it towards mid off where the fielder tries to stop it but misfields and concedes a run. |
| 87.5 : S Lakmal to C Ervine, Full and outside off, Ervine drives it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 87.6 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Good length delivery on off, Ervine blocks it off the front foot. |
| 88.1 : L Kumara to Taylor, On a length on middle, Taylor flicks it towards mid-wicket. The fielder picks the ball and fires a direct hit at the bowler's end. It is referred upstairs. The replays show that the batsman was well inside the crease. The batsmen take a single. |
| 88.2 : L Kumara to Ervine, Good length delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the front foot. |
| 88.3 : L Kumara to Ervine, BEATEN! Bowls a yorker outside off, Ervine tries to dig it out but misses it. |
| 88.4 : L Kumara to Ervine, Bowls a yorker again on middle, Ervine manages to dig it out. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 88.5 : L Kumara to Taylor, Outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one. |
| 88.6 : L Kumara to Taylor, On a good length on off, Taylor pushes it through covers for a single. |
| 89.1 : S Lakmal to Taylor, On a good length on off, Taylor defends it off the front foot. |
| 89.2 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Good length delivery on off, Taylor defends it towards gully. |
| 89.3 : S Lakmal to B Taylor, Full delivery on off, Taylor drives it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 89.4 : S Lakmal to Ervine, On a good length on middle, Ervine blocks it off the back foot. |
| 89.5 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Good length delivery on off, Ervine keeps it out. |
| 89.6 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Outside off, Ervine leaves it alone. Done with the 90 overs, Sri Lanka's struggle to get a breakthrough continues. There is really nothing on offer from this pitch. |
| 90.1 : L Kumara to Taylor, Back of a length delivery, Taylor is in two minds - whether to pull or defend. In the end he defends it off the back foot, albeit not from the middle of the bat. |
| 90.2 : L Kumara to Taylor, Short delivery on off, Taylor stands tall and blocks it off the back foot. |
| 90.3 : L Kumara to Taylor, Short again and outside off, Taylor looks to cut but misses it. |
| 90.4 : L Kumara to Taylor, On a good length on off, Taylor blocks it off the back foot. |
| 90.5 : L Kumara to Taylor, Good length delivery on middle, Taylor keeps it out. |
| 90.6 : L Kumara to Taylor, On a good length on off, Taylor blocks it well. Solidly negotiated, a maiden. |
| The wind has picked up! Dark clouds are approaching the stadium and they are looking very angry. Let's hope we are lucky to skip any rain break. |
| 91.1 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Good length delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the back foot. |
| 91.2 : S Lakmal to Ervine, On a good length on off, Ervine defends it towards the off side. |
| 91.3 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Full delivery outside off, Ervine drives it towards mid off where the fielder does well to stop it with a dive. The batsmen still manage to take a single. |
| 91.4 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Good length delivery on middle, Taylor offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 91.5 : S Lakmal to Taylor, OUT! STOP THE PRESS! Sri Lanka have a breakthrough at last. Relief writ large on the faces of the Lankan players. Lakmal looks at the heavens and thanks the Almighty. It's been really hard work for the visitors. There is some visible movement from the deck this time. Lakmal dishes out a fuller length ball around off and it nips back in a bit after hitting the deck. Taylor shapes up to flick it on the leg side but falls over a bit as he fails to connect. He is rapped on |
| Sean Williams is the new batsman in. |
| 91.6 : S Lakmal to Williams, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Williams allows it through to the keeper. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva to bowl. 15-7-31-0 are his figures so far. |
| 92.1 : de Silva to Ervine, Flighted delivery on middle, Ervine blocks it off the front foot. |
| 92.2 : de Silva to Ervine, Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Ervine flicks it towards fine leg for a couple. |
| 92.3 : de Silva to Ervine, Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine keeps it out. |
| 92.4 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated delivery on leg, Ervine looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. |
| 92.5 : de Silva to Ervine, On off, Ervine punches it towards point. |
| 92.6 : de Silva to Ervine, Flighted delivery on off, Ervine defends it towards the off side. |
| 93.1 : S Lakmal to Williams, On a good length on off, Williams defends it off the back foot. |
| 93.2 : S Lakmal to Williams, Good length delivery on off, Williams offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 93.3 : S Lakmal to Williams, On a good length on middle, Sean looks to defend but gets an inside edge on it. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 93.4 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Good length delivery on leg, Ervine looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 93.5 : S Lakmal to Ervine, On a length on middle, Ervine flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 93.6 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Full delivery on leg, Ervine flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 94.1 : de Silva to Williams, Tossed up delivery on off, Williams drives it to covers. |
| 94.2 : de Silva to Williams, Flighted delivery on middle, Williams blocks it off the back foot. |
| 94.3 : Silva to Williams, Floated delivery on leg, Williams looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 94.4 : de Silva to Williams, Loopy delivery on off, Williams blocks it off the front foot. |
| 94.5 : de Silva to Williams, Tossed up delivery on middle, Williams blocks it well. |
| 94.6 : de Silva to Williams, Flighted delivery on off, Williams blocks it off the back foot. |
| 95.1 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to this one. |
| 95.2 : S Lakmal to Ervine, On a length on off, Ervine taps it to point. |
| 95.3 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Good length delivery outside off, Ervine offers no shot to this one. |
| 95.4 : S Lakmal to Ervine, On a length on middle, Ervine flicks it towards square leg for a single. |
| 95.5 : S Lakmal to Williams, Good length delivery on off, Williams defends it off the back foot. |
| 95.6 : S Lakmal to S Williams, Full delivery on middle, Williams flicks it towards mid-wicket where the fielder dives and does well to stop it. |
| 96.1 : de Silva to Ervine, NO BALL! Dhananjaya de Silva oversteps! Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the front foot. |
| de Silva to C Ervine, Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it through mid off for a single. |
| 96.2 : de Silva to Williams, Flighted delivery on off, Williams drives it towards mid off. |
| 96.3 : de Silva to Williams, Loopy delivery on middle, Williams blocks it off the front foot. |
| 96.4 : de Silva to Williams, Tossed up delivery on off, Williams drives it to covers. |
| 96.5 : de Silva to Williams, Full delivery on off, Sean drives it towards mid off. |
| 96.6 : de Silva to Williams, Floated delivery on middle, Williams blocks it off the front foot. |
| Drinks Break! Kasun Rajitha to bowl. 17-5-31-0 are his figures so far. |
| 97.1 : K Rajitha to Ervine, On a good length on middle, Ervine defends it off the back foot. |
| 97.2 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Good length delivery on off, Ervine blocks it off the back foot. |
| 97.3 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it towards mid off. |
| 97.4 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Length delivery on middle, Ervine flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 97.5 : K Rajitha to Williams, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Ervine looks to guide but misses it. |
| 97.6 : K Rajitha to Williams, BEATEN AGAIN! Good length delivery just outside off, Williams looks to play inside the line but misses it. |
| 98.1 : de Silva to Ervine, Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the front foot. |
| 98.2 : de Silva to Ervine, Flighted delivery on middle, Ervine blocks it off the back foot. |
| 98.3 : de Silva to Ervine, Loopy delivery on off, Ervine keeps it out. |
| 98.4 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated delivery on off, Ervine punches it towards point. |
| 98.5 : de Silva to Ervine, On middle, Ervine offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 98.6 : de Silva to Ervine, Full delivery on middle, Ervine drives it towards mid on for a single. |
| 99.1 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it towards covers. |
| 99.2 : K Rajitha to Ervine, On a good length on off, Ervine defends it off the back foot. |
| 99.3 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Short delivery on off, Ervine stands tall and defends it off the back foot. |
| 99.4 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Full delivery on middle, Ervine drives it towards mid on. |
| 99.5 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to this one. |
| 99.6 : K Rajitha to Ervine, Good length delivery on off, Ervine keeps it out. |
| 100.1 : de Silva to Williams, Tossed up delivery on middle, Williams defends it off the back foot. |
| 100.2 : de Silva to Williams, Flighted delivery on off, Williams offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 100.3 : de Silva to Williams, Tossed up delivery on middle, Williams blocks it well. |
| 100.4 : de Silva to Williams, NO BALL! Dhananjaya oversteps! Loopy delivery on middle, Williams blocks it well. |
| Silva to Williams, SIX! Amazing shot. Floated delivery on middle, Williams lofts it over long on for a maximum. |
| 100.5 : de Silva to S Williams, Full delivery on middle, Williams drives it through mid on for a single. |
| 100.6 : de Silva to Ervine, Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the back foot. |
| 101.1 : K Rajitha to Williams, On a good length on off, Williams defends it out. |
| 101.2 : K Rajitha to Williams, On middle, Williams blocks it off the back foot. |
| 101.3 : K Rajitha to Williams, Full delivery on off, Williams looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 101.4 : K Rajitha to Williams, Outside off, Williams offers no shot to this one. |
| 101.5 : K Rajitha to Williams, Full delivery on off, Williams drives it to covers. |
| The ball has gone out of shape. So the umpires have decided to change the ball. |
| 101.6 : K Rajitha to S Williams, Full delivery outside off, Williams plays it to covers. |
| 102.1 : de Silva to Ervine, Flighted delivery on off, Ervine drives it towards covers. |
| 102.2 : de Silva to Ervine, Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it towards mid off. |
| 102.3 : de Silva to Ervine, Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine drives it towards mid off. |
| 102.4 : de Silva to C Ervine, Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 102.5 : de Silva to Ervine, FOUR! Nice shot. Full again on off, Ervine drives it through mid off. Suranga Lakmal from long off tries to stop it with a slide but it goes beneath him for a boundary. |
| 102.6 : de Silva to Ervine, Floated delivery on middle, Ervine blocks it off the front foot. |
| 103.1 : K Rajitha to Williams, Outside off, Williams offers no shot to this one. |
| 103.2 : K Rajitha to Williams, On a good length on off, Williams blocks it off the front foot. |
| 103.3 : K Rajitha to Williams, Good length delivery outside off, Williams shoulders arms to this one. |
| 103.4 : K Rajitha to Williams, Good length delivery on off, Williams keeps it out. |
| 103.5 : K Rajitha to Williams, FOUR! Nicely played! Full and outside off, Williams drives it through covers for a boundary. |
| 103.6 : K Rajitha to S Williams, Short of a length delivery, Williams pulls it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is on. 21-6-69-1 are his figures so far. |
| 104.1 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Flighted delivery on off, Ervine blocks it off the back foot. |
| 104.2 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine punches it towards the off side. |
| 104.3 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Floated delivery on off, Ervine defends it towards covers and takes a single. |
| 104.4 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Outside off, Williams shoulders arms to this one. |
| 104.5 : L Embuldeniya to S Williams, Flighted delivery on off, Williams looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 104.6 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Full delivery on off, Williams drives it through covers. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 105.1 : K Rajitha to Williams, On a good length on off, Williams keeps it out. |
| 105.2 : K Rajitha to Williams, Length delivery on leg, Williams flicks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 105.3 : K Rajitha to Ervine, On a length on middle, Ervine flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 105.4 : K Rajitha to Williams, Full delivery on middle, Ervine drives it back towards the bowler. |
| 105.5 : K Rajitha to Williams, Outside off, Williams does not bother to play at that. |
| 105.6 : K Rajitha to Williams, On a good length on off, Sean blocks it off the back foot. |
| 106.1 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, BEATEN! Tossed up delivery just outside off, Ervine looks to defend but misses it. |
| 106.2 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Flighted delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the back foot. |
| 106.3 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, OUT! Once again a wicket has fallen against the run of play! Embuldeniya tosses up a delivery outside off and lands it on a fuller length. It goes straight on as Williams gets forward to defend looking for an inward spin. It takes a slight outside edge and settles into the gloves of Dickwella. He makes no mistake, they appeal for a formality and umpire Erasmus raises his finger. Sean is disappointed on his way back. |
| Sikandar Raza walks out to bat next. |
| 106.4 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Flighted delivery on middle, Raza defends it towards mid on. |
| 106.5 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Tossed up delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the front foot. |
| 106.6 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Loopy delivery on middle, Raza keeps it out. |
| Suranga Lakmal is back on. 21-8-35-1 are his figures so far. |
| 107.1 : S Lakmal to Ervine, On a good length on off, Ervine blocks it off the back foot. |
| 107.2 : S Lakmal to Ervine, OUT! Ervine drags it on! Massive breakthrough as Zimbabwe lose their set batsman. A nothing delivery to be honest. It's a touch short in length delivery, landing outside off, Ervine stands back to smash it through the line but it takes the inside edge and goes on to rattle the stumps. A disappointed Ervine returns, missing his century by 15 runs. Sri Lanka will be pleased to see his back. |
| Regis Chakabva is the new man in. |
| 107.3 : Lakmal to Chakabva, On a good length on leg, Chakabva looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. Lakmal appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 107.4 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Good length delivery on off, Chakabva keeps it out. |
| 107.5 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Bowls a bouncer, Chakabva does well to duck under it. |
| 107.6 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, On a length on middle, Chakabva flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 108.1 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Tossed up delivery on off, Raza defends it off the front foot. |
| 108.2 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Flighted delivery on middle, Raza keeps it out. |
| 108.3 : L Embuldeniya to S Raza, Ouch, that has hurt Oshada! Flighted delivery, landing full outside off, Raza plays a full-blooded drive but it hits Oshada Fernando on the hips at silly point. He is down in pain but recovers quickly without getting any medical attention. |
| 108.4 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, FOUR! Excellent shot. Floated delivery on leg, Raza sweeps it through square leg for a boundary. Lakmal did not have a chance to stop it. |
| 108.5 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Flighted delivery on leg, Raza sweeps it towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 108.6 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Tossed up delivery on off, Raza keeps it out. |
| 109.1 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Chakabva pulls it over square leg for a boundary. |
| 109.2 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, BEATEN! On a good length and just outside off, Chakabva looks to defend but misses it. |
| 109.3 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, On a length on middle, Chakabva flicks it through square leg for a single. |
| 109.4 : S Lakmal to Raza, On a good length on off, Raza defends it to covers. |
| 109.5 : S Lakmal to Raza, Good length delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot. |
| 109.6 : S Lakmal to Raza, Full delivery on off, Raza keeps it out. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2! |
| Overs - 26, Runs - 71, Wickets - 3! This was the story of the morning session. It once again started on the slower side and it appeared that once again the visiting team is in for a big toil. However, the lady luck finally smiled on them and Suranga Lakmal provided them with the first breakthrough of Day 2. Post that, yet another partnership prospered but at the stroke of Lunch, Sri Lanka managed to pick two wickets in two overs, which included Craig Ervine, and that handed the session to the Is |
| ... Day 2, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the second session. The Sri Lankan players are out in the middle. Sikandar Raza and Regis Chakabva will resume the innings for the hosts. Lasith Embuldeniya will start the proceedings for the second session. |
| 110.1 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Tossed up delivery on off, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot. |
| 110.2 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 110.3 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Short delivery on off, Chakabva cuts it towards point. |
| 110.4 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot. |
| 110.5 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, Chakabva looks to cut but misses it. |
| 110.6 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Full delivery on middle, Chakabva drives it towards mid on. |
| Suranga Lakmal to bowl from the other end. |
| 111.1 : S Lakmal to Raza, On a good length on off, Raza offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 111.2 : S Lakmal to Raza, Good length delivery on middle, Raza defends it off the back foot. |
| 111.3 : S Lakmal to Raza, Full delivery on middle, Raza flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 111.4 : S Lakmal to Raza, Full delivery on off, Raza drives it through mid off. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 111.5 : S Lakmal to Raza, On a good length on middle, Raza blocks it off the back foot. |
| 111.6 : S Lakmal to Raza, Good length delivery on middle, Raza looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. It goes towards the keeper where Dickwella appeals for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head. Replays show that the ball had hit the pad and there was no bat on that. |
| 112.1 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 112.2 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Tossed up delivery on middle, Raza comes down the track and hits it towards mid off for a run. |
| 112.3 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 112.4 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Floated delivery on off, Chakabva blocks it off the back foot. |
| 112.5 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Outside off, Chakabva offers no shot to this one. |
| 112.6 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, On a good length on off, Regis keeps it out. |
| 113.1 : S Lakmal to Raza, Good length delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot. |
| 113.2 : S Lakmal to Raza, On a good length on middle, Raza defends it out. |
| 113.3 : S Lakmal to Raza, Outside off, Raza does not bother to play at that. |
| 113.4 : S Lakmal to Raza, Full delivery on middle, Raza defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 113.5 : S Lakmal to Raza, On a good length on off, Raza defends it off the back foot. |
| 113.6 : S Lakmal to S Raza, Full delivery on off, Raza drives it towards Lakmal where he tries to stop it but it goes through his hands towards mid off. |
| 114.1 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Tossed up delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it off the back foot. |
| 114.2 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent catch by Mathews. Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva comes down the track and lofts it uppishly towards mid on where Mathews dives to his left and takes a good low catch. |
| Donald Tiripano is the new batsman in. |
| 114.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 114.4 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 114.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Loopy delivery on middle, Tiripano blocks it off the back foot. |
| 114.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| Lahiru Kumara is on. 20-7-45-1 are his figures so far. |
| 115.1 : L Kumara to Raza, On a good length on off, Raza blocks it off the front foot. |
| 115.2 : L Kumara to Raza, Length delivery on off, Raza punches it to point. |
| 115.3 : L Kumara to Raza, On a length on off, Raza defends it towards covers and takes a single. |
| 115.4 : Kumara to Tiripano, Bowls a bouncer, Tiripano looks to duck but gets hit on the helmet. |
| They are checking for concussion. Tiripano gets hit on the helmet. But he is fine to continue. |
| 115.5 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Length delivery on middle, Tiripano flicks it towards square leg for a single. |
| 115.6 : L Kumara to Raza, Bowls a quick short delivery, Raza looks to duck but gets hit on the arm. |
| 116.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on middle, Tiripano looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. |
| 116.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano blocks it well. |
| 116.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Loopy delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot. |
| 116.4 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on middle, Tiripano blocks it off the front foot. |
| 116.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 116.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 117.1 : L Kumara to Raza, On a good length on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot. |
| 0.0 : The heavens have opened up and it has started to rain. The umpires and the players are walking off the field. The groundstaff are rushing and are bringing the covers into the field. |
| The rain has stopped. The main cover has gone off. The umpires and the players are back. We are set to resume. It was a passing shower. Kumara will continue his over. |
| 117.2 : L Kumara to Raza, On a good length on off, Raza defends it off the back foot. |
| 117.3 : L Kumara to Raza, Length delivery on off, Raza punches it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 117.4 : L Kumara to Raza, On a length on middle, Raza flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 117.5 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Good length delivery on off, Tiripano blocks it off the front foot. |
| 117.6 : L Kumara to Tiripano, On a good length on off, Tiripano plays it towards point. |
| 118.1 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Tossed up delivery on middle, Raza plays a paddle sweep towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 118.2 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Flighted delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot. |
| 118.3 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Loopy delivery on off, Raza punches it to covers. |
| 118.4 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Flighted delivery on middle, Raza keeps it out. |
| 118.5 : L Embuldeniya to S Raza, FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Raza drives it through covers for a boundary. |
| 118.6 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Tossed up delivery on middle, Raza defends it out. |
| 119.1 : L Kumara to Tiripano, On a good length on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot. |
| 119.2 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Good length delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 119.3 : L Kumara to Tiripano, FOUR! Nicely played! On a good length on off, Tiripano defends it with soft hands towards third man for a boundary. |
| 119.4 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Short delivery on off, Tiripano rises on his toes and blocks it. |
| 119.5 : L Kumara to Tiripano, On a length on middle, Tiripano flicks it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 119.6 : L Kumara to Raza, Bowls a bouncer, Raza does well to duck under it. |
| 120.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot. |
| 120.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it towards mid off. |
| 120.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on middle, Tiripano plays it to point. |
| 120.4 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Loopy delivery on off, Donald punches it towards point. |
| 120.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Outside off, Tiripano shoulders arms to this one. |
| 120.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot. |
| 121.1 : L Kumara to Raza, On a length on middle, Raza flicks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 121.2 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Good length delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot. |
| 121.3 : L Kumara to Tiripano, On a good length on middle, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 121.4 : L Kumara to D Tiripano, Full delivery on middle, Tiripano drives it towards mid on for a single. |
| 121.5 : L Kumara to S Raza, FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Raza pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 121.6 : L Kumara to Raza, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Sikandar Raza. Length delivery on the pads, Raza flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary. |
| 122.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on middle, Tiripano defends it off the back foot. |
| 122.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 122.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Loopy delivery on middle, Donald blocks it off the back foot. |
| 122.4 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 122.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano defends it out. |
| 122.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano taps it towards point for a single. |
| Kasun Rajitha to bowl. 22-7-40-0 are his figures so far. |
| 123.1 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, On a good length on off, Tiripano blocks it off the back foot. |
| 123.2 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Good length delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 123.3 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, On a length on middle, Tiripano flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 123.4 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Good length delivery on off, Donald blocks it well. |
| 123.5 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, On a good length on middle, Tiripano defends it out. |
| 123.6 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Good length delivery on off, Donald blocks it off the front foot. |
| Drinks Break! |
| 124.1 : Embuldeniya to Raza, FOUR! Good use of the feet. Flighted delivery on middle, Raza comes down the track and lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary. |
| 124.2 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Tossed up delivery on middle, Raza offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 124.3 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Flighted delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot. |
| 124.4 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Loopy delivery on middle, Raza defends it off the front foot. |
| 124.5 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Floated delivery on off, Raza punches it towards covers for a single. |
| 124.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, On off, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 125.1 : K Rajitha to Raza, Good length delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the front foot. |
| 125.2 : K Rajitha to Raza, On a good length on middle, Raza defends it off the back foot. |
| 125.3 : K Rajitha to Raza, Length delivery on off, Sikandar punches it towards point. |
| 125.4 : Rajitha to S Raza, FOUR! Short delivery on leg, Raza looks to pull but gets it off the gloves. It goes towards fine leg for a boundary. |
| 125.5 : K Rajitha to S Raza, Full delivery on off, Raza drives it through covers for a run. |
| 125.6 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Full delivery on middle, Tiripano drives it towards mid on. |
| 126.1 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Flighted delivery on off, Raza defends it off the front foot. |
| 126.2 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Loopy delivery on middle, Raza keeps it out. |
| 126.3 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Floated delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot. |
| 126.4 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Tossed up delivery on off, Raza drives it towards point for a run. |
| 126.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it to covers. |
| 126.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano blocks it off the back foot. |
| 127.1 : K Rajitha to Raza, On a good length on off, Raza offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 127.2 : K Rajitha to Raza, Bowls a bumper, Raza does well to duck under it. |
| 127.3 : K Rajitha to Raza, Good length delivery on middle, Raza blocks it off the front foot. |
| 127.4 : K Rajitha to Raza, Full delivery on middle, Raza drives it towards mid on. |
| 127.5 : K Rajitha to Raza, On a length on middle, Raza looks to defend but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes towards mid-wicket. |
| 127.6 : K Rajitha to Raza, Length delivery outside off, Raza taps it towards the off side. |
| 128.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot. |
| 128.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano plays a reverse sweep towards third man. Kumara chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 128.3 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 128.4 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, OUT! STUMPED! Good work by Dickwella behind the stumps. Flighted delivery outside off, Raza comes down the track and looks to slog but misses the line completely. It goes towards the keeper and Dickwella does the rest as he takes the bails off. Raza departs after playing a very handy innings. |
| Kyle Jarvis is the new batsman in. |
| 128.5 : L Embuldeniya to Jarvis, Flighted delivery on middle, Jarvis blocks it off the front foot. |
| 128.6 : L Embuldeniya to Jarvis, Loopy delivery on middle, Jarvis defends it out. |
| 129.1 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, On a good length on off, Tiripano blocks it off the front foot. |
| 129.2 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Bowls a bouncer, Tiripano does well to duck under it. |
| 129.3 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Length delivery on off, Tiripano punches it towards point. |
| 129.4 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it through covers for a run. |
| 129.5 : K Rajitha to Jarvis, Bowls a bumper, Jarvis lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| 129.6 : K Rajitha to Jarvis, Full delivery on off, Jarvis drives it through covers for a single. |
| 130.1 : Embuldeniya to K Jarvis, OUT! BOWLED! Five-fer for Embuldeniya. Tossed up delivery on middle, it is the straighter one, Jarvis looks to defend off the front foot but misses it and gets bowled. The middle stump has gone for a toss. |
| 0.0 : Ainsley Ndlovu is the next batsman in. |
| 130.2 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Flighted delivery on off, Ndlovu blocks it off the front foot. |
| 130.3 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Loopy delivery on middle, Ndlovu looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 130.4 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Floated delivery on off, Ndlovu defends it off the back foot. |
| 130.5 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Tossed up delivery on middle, Ndlovu keeps it out. |
| 130.6 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 131.1 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Rajitha bowls it down the leg side, Tiripano lets it go. |
| 131.2 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Full delivery on middle, Tiripano drives it through mid on. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 131.3 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, On a length on leg, Tiripano looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye. |
| 131.4 : K Rajitha to Ndlovu, Good length delivery on off, Ndlovu blocks it off the front foot. |
| 131.5 : K Rajitha to Ndlovu, On a length on off, Ndlovu plays it to point. |
| 131.6 : K Rajitha to Ndlovu, Outside off, Ndlovu shoulders arms to this one. |
| 132.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on off, Tiripano blocks it out. |
| 132.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 132.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano plays it towards cover and takes a single. |
| 132.4 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Ndlovu prods forward and defends it back towards Embuldeniya. |
| 132.5 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Ndlovu comes onto the front foot and pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| 132.6 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, On the pads, flicked towards the man at mid-wicket. |
| 133.1 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Donald comes onto the front foot and defends this length ball. |
| 133.2 : K Rajitha to D Tiripano, Length ball on middle, pulled towards the man at square leg. |
| 133.3 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Just outside off, Tiripano opens the face of the bat and plays it towards third man where the fielder does well to make the stop. |
| 133.4 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, FOUR! Good shot! Back of a length delivery on middle and off, Tiripano rocks back and pulls this one in front of square leg for a boundary. |
| 133.5 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Length ball on middle, played towards point. |
| 133.6 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Length ball outside off, left alone by Donald. |
| 134.1 : Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Stifled appeal turned down! Floated delivery on middle and leg, drifting down leg, Ndlovu looks to defend but is hit on the pad. An appeal follows but nothing doing. Probably going down leg. |
| 134.2 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 134.3 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, FOUR! Floated delivery on off, Ndlovu gets down on one knee and has smashed that one towards the mid-wicket region for a boundary. |
| 134.4 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Floated delivery on middle and off, defended. |
| 134.5 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Another one tossed up on off, defended by Ndlovu towards the off side. |
| 134.6 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, On off, defended solidly to get through the over. |
| Lahiru Kumara is back on. 24-7-65-1 are his figures so far. |
| 135.1 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Back of a length delivery on off, defended towards the man at short leg. |
| 135.2 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Bouncer on middle, ducked under. |
| 135.3 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Good length ball on middle, played towards the man at mid on. |
| 135.4 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Back of a length delivery on middle, Tiripano hops and works this one behind square but does not take a run. |
| 135.5 : L Kumara to Tiripano, On the pads, defended towards the leg side. |
| 135.6 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Back of a length delivery on middle, pulled towards the man at deep square leg and Tiripano takes a run to keep strike. |
| 136.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on off, pushed towards cover. |
| 136.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, On the pads, defended out. |
| 136.3 : L Embuldeniya to D Tiripano, Loopy delivery on off, played towards cover. |
| 136.4 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Very full floated delivery, Tiripano plays it towards the man at mid-wicket. |
| 136.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Shortish delivery on middle, played back towards the bowler by Tiripano. |
| 136.6 : L Embuldeniya to D Tiripano, FOUR! Another back of a length delivery on off, Tiripano goes back and cuts to get a boundary. However, this will keep him off strike in the next over and perhaps an opening for the Lankans. |
| 137.1 : L Kumara to Ndlovu, Length delivery outside off, left alone. |
| 137.2 : L Kumara to Ndlovu, Length delivery on off, the batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 137.3 : L Kumara to Ndlovu, Length ball on off, played towards cover-point. |
| 137.4 : L Kumara to Ndlovu, Kumara comes 'round the wicket and bowls on the body of Ndlovu. He plays it wide of the man at short leg. |
| 137.5 : L Kumara to Ndlovu, Bouncer but way outside off and Ndlovu leaves it alone. |
| 137.6 : L Kumara to Ndlovu, Another bouncer, this time on the leg pole line, Ndlovu ducks under it and lets it go. |
| 138.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flatter delivery on middle, defended by Tiripano. |
| 138.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Similar delivery, blocked out. |
| 138.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on off, played towards the cover region for one. |
| 138.4 : L Embuldeniya to Ndlovu, Flatter delivery on middle, played towards mid on for one. |
| 138.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Down the leg side, left alone. |
| 138.6 : Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Loud appeal turned down! Floated delivery around leg, Tiripano goes for the reverse sweep but misses to get rapped on the pads. Sri Lanka appeal but turned down by the umpire. |
| 139.1 : L Kumara to Ndlovu, OUT! CAUGHT! That is a bizarre way to get out but Ndlovu is very unlucky. Full ball on the pads, Ndlovu flicks it off the middle of the bat. The ball goes towards Kusal Mendis at short leg. It gets stuck between Mendis' legs and stays there. No one can quite believe what happened there, not Ndlovu, nor the Sri Lankan players! |
| 0.0 : Victor Nyauchi, the debutant, is the last man in. |
| 139.2 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, Bouncer on off, Nyauchi looks to go for the upper cut but misses. |
| 139.3 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, Full ball on off, Nyauchi pushes it towards cover for a single. First run for the debutant in Test cricket. |
| 139.4 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Full ball on middle, driven towards mid on. |
| 139.5 : L Kumara to D Tiripano, Another full ball, pushed towards the man at mid off. |
| 139.6 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Woah! What has happened there? A length ball outside off, Tiripano looks to fend at it but the ball goes off the outside edge between the man at slip and the keeper. |
| 140.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs. |
| 140.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 140.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tiripano has played that one through the mid on region for a single. |
| 140.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nyauchi, On the pads, Nyauchi looks to flick but misses. Stifled appeal turned down. |
| 140.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nyauchi, Nyauchi comes onto the front foot and defends. |
| 140.6 : L Embuldeniya to Nyauchi, Loopy on middle and off, defended. |
| 141.1 : L Kumara to Tiripano, On a length on off, Tiripano defends it towards covers. |
| 141.2 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Good length delivery on off, Tiripano taps it towards point. |
| 141.3 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Full delivery outside off, Tiripano drives it through covers. Rajitha chases it and does well to stop it just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 141.4 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, On a good length on middle, Nyauchi blocks it off the back foot. |
| 141.5 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, BEATEN! Short and outside off, Nyauchi looks to cut but misses it. |
| 141.6 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, Bowls a yorker on off, Nyauchi does well to dig it out. |
| 142.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano blocks it off the front foot. |
| 142.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano plays it towards point for a single. |
| 142.3 : L Embuldeniya to Nyauchi, Loopy delivery on middle, Nyauchi comes down the track and plays it towards mid on. |
| 142.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nyauchi, Floated delivery on middle, Nyauchi flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 142.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on off, Donald punches it towards point. |
| 142.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 143.1 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, Length ball just outside off, Nyauchi looks to fend at it but misses. |
| 143.2 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, Length ball on off, played towards point. |
| 143.3 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, Back of a length ball on off, played towards the man at cover. |
| 143.4 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, Bouncer on middle and off, the batter sways away from it. |
| 143.5 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, Length ball outside off, Nyauchi punches this one towards the point region and the batters take three runs as it does not have enough power to reach the fence. |
| 143.6 : L Kumara to D Tiripano, FOUR! This time it has! Very full ball on off, Tiripano has driven this one through the cover region for a smacking boundary. |
| 144.1 : L Embuldeniya to Nyauchi, Tossed up delivery around off, defended towards point. |
| 144.2 : L Embuldeniya to Nyauchi, Outside off, Nyauchi looks to play at it but misses. |
| 144.3 : L Embuldeniya to Nyauchi, Floated on off, defended towards cover-point. |
| 144.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nyauchi, On off again, played towards point. |
| 144.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nyauchi, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 144.6 : L Embuldeniya to Nyauchi, Nyuauchi prods forward and defends this one. Does well to get through the over. |
| Suranga Lakmal is back on. 25-9-46-2 are his figures so far. |
| 145.1 : S Lakmal to Tiripano, Full ball on middle and leg, driven towards the man at mid on. |
| 145.2 : S Lakmal to Tiripano, Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off. |
| 145.3 : S Lakmal to Tiripano, Outside off, left alone. |
| 145.4 : S Lakmal to Tiripano, Full ball on middle, defended. |
| 145.5 : S Lakmal to Tiripano, Length ball angling in, Tiripano looks to defend but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. |
| 145.6 : S Lakmal to Tiripano, Good length ball on middle, worked towards the man at mid on. AND THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2! |
| Alright then, it has been a session which has passed by slowly but has been dominated by Sri Lanka. They have picked up four wickets in this session and the bowlers have done well to keep it tight. Lasith Embuldeniya picked up a five-wicket haul and has bowled really well. On the other hand, for the hosts, Sikandar Raza played a handy innings and ensured Zimbabwe cross the 300-run mark. Donald Tiripano has also played well and is right now unbeaten on 41 runs, trying to swell the score as much a |
| ... Day 2, Session 3 ... |
| We are back for the final session of Day 2. The players are out in the middle. Donald Tiripano and Victor Nyauchi will resume their batting for Zimbabwe. Kasun Rajitha will start the proceedings. |
| 146.1 : K Rajitha to Nyauchi, On a good length on off, Nyauchi defends it off the back foot. |
| 146.2 : K Rajitha to Nyauchi, Good length delivery on middle, Nyauchi offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 146.3 : K Rajitha to Nyauchi, On a length on middle, Nyauchi flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 146.4 : K Rajitha to V Nyauchi, Short delivery on off, Nyauchi looks to fend at it but gets an outside edge. It lands safely towards the slip region. |
| The Zimbabwe physio is out in the middle. It looks like the ball has hit the thumb of Nyauchi as he looked to defend it. Let's hope it is nothing too serious as Nyauchi is okay to continue for now. |
| 146.5 : K Rajitha to Nyauchi, BEATEN! Short of a length delivery, Nyauchi looks to fend at it but misses it. It goes towards the keeper where Dickwella appeals for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 146.6 : K Rajitha to Nyauchi, Bowls a bouncer, Nyauchi lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| Lakmal to bowl from the other end. |
| 147.1 : S Lakmal to Tiripano, Length ball just outside off, left alone. |
| 147.2 : S Lakmal to Tiripano, Similar line and length, defended by Tiripano. |
| 147.3 : S Lakmal to Tiripano, Full ball on middle, flicked towards mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 147.4 : S Lakmal to Tiripano, On off, defended towards the point region for a single. |
| 147.5 : S Lakmal to Nyauchi, FOUR! Back of a length ball on off, Nyauchi opens the face of his bat as he shuffles across to the leg side and guides this delivery very uppishly between the area at second slip and gully as the ball races away to the fence. |
| 147.6 : S Lakmal to Nyauchi, OUT! CAUGHT! That is the end of the Zimbabwe innings as Nyauchi throws his wicket away. Back of a length ball outside off, Nyauchi looks to clear Sandakan, the substitute fielder, at point but he stretches his hands above his head and takes a simple catch. ZIMBABWE FINISH THEIR INNINGS ON 358!!! |
| Sri Lanka have taken a long time to wrap up the Zimbabwe innings due to the 10th-wicket partnership but they have eventually found a way and their bowlers will now be hoping for a long rest after almost 2 days of extremely hard work in the field. |
| The innings started superbly for the hosts as they managed to stitch a 96-run opening stand before Prince Masvaure departed after making his half ton. Kevin Kasuza then combined with Craig Ervine to form a 50-plus run stand with the former completing his half ton along the way. Zimbabwe were cruising along until Sean Williams and Brendon Taylor were at the crease but after that their innings started to fall apart bit by bit. In the back end of the innings, Sikandar Raza and Donald Tiripano adde |
| 0.1 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Jarvis starts with a length delivery down the leg side, Karunaratne looks to flick but misses it. |
| 0.2 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, On a good length on middle, Karunaratne looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye. |
| 0.3 : K Jarvis to Fernando, Good length delivery on off, Fernando blocks it off the front foot. |
| 0.4 : K Jarvis to O Fernando, FOUR! First boundary for Sri Lanka. On a good length on off, Fernando looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary. |
| 0.5 : K Jarvis to Fernando, On a length on middle, Fernando flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 0.6 : K Jarvis to Fernando, FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on middle, Oshada flicks it through square leg for a boundary. |
| Victor Nyauchi to bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, On a good length on leg, Karunaratne looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen cross ends. The umpire gives it as a leg bye. |
| 1.2 : V Nyauchi to O Fernando, Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 1.3 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Length ball outside off, angling in, left alone. |
| 1.4 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Another length ball, this time Fernando walks across and plays this towards the leg side. |
| 1.5 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, On the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 1.6 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Full ball on off, driven straight to the man at cover. |
| 2.1 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Length ball just outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone. |
| 2.2 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Way outside off, Dimuth does not fiddle with it. |
| 2.3 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Run out chance missed! Karunaratne dabs this back of a length ball onto the pitch and sets off for a single. Oshada responds and he too runs for the single. The fielder from point runs in and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. However, Fernando was well in, the replays show. |
| 2.4 : K Jarvis to Fernando, Down the leg side, Fernando looks to flick but misses. |
| 2.5 : K Jarvis to Fernando, Another run out chance missed! On off, Fernando plays this towards the man at point and takes a single. The man at point throws it at the striker's end but misses as the ball bounces over the stumps. |
| 2.6 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 3.1 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Way outside off again, Fernando leaves it alone. |
| 3.2 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, On the pads, flicked towards the man at mid-wicket. |
| 3.3 : Nyauchi to Fernando, Loud appeal but it has been turned down! Good length ball just around off, nipping back in. Fernando looks to defend but misses and the ball hits him on the pads. The Zimbabwe players appeal but umpire Erasmus shakes his head. Maybe going down the leg side this one. |
| 3.4 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery |
| 3.5 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off. |
| 3.6 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Another full ball, this time on middle, it has been driven towards the man at mid on. |
| 4.1 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, On a good length on off, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot. |
| 4.2 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Good length delivery outside off, the skipper shoulders arms to this one. |
| 4.3 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Full delivery on off, Dimuth drives it towards mid off. |
| 4.4 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Bowls a bouncer, Karunaratne does well to duck under it. |
| 4.5 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Dimuth looks to cut but misses it. |
| 4.6 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, On a good length on off, Karunaratne blocks it well. |
| 5.1 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, On a length on middle, Fernando flicks it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 5.2 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Full delivery on off, Oshada drives it towards mid off for a run. |
| 5.3 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, On a length on leg, Karunaratne flicks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 5.4 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Outside off, Oshada shoulders arms to this one. |
| 5.5 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Good length delivery on off, Fernando blocks it off the back foot. |
| 5.6 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, On a good length on leg, Fernando looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye. |
| 6.1 : K Jarvis to Fernando, Good length delivery on off, Fernando blocks it off the back foot. |
| 6.2 : K Jarvis to Fernando, On a good length on middle, Oshada keeps it out. |
| 6.3 : K Jarvis to Fernando, Good length delivery on off, Fernando defends it out. |
| 6.4 : K Jarvis to Fernando, On a good length on middle, Oshada blocks it off the back foot. |
| 6.5 : K Jarvis to Fernando, Good length delivery on middle, Fernando offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 6.6 : K Jarvis to Fernando, On a good length on off, Fernando defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.1 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, On a length on middle, Karunaratne defends it towards mid-wicket and takes a single. |
| 7.2 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Full delivery on middle, Fernando drives it towards mid on. |
| 7.3 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Outside off, Fernando shoulders arms to this one. |
| 7.4 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Good length delivery on off, Oshada defends it out. |
| 7.5 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Full delivery on middle, Fernando flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 7.6 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, On off, Oshada blocks it off the front foot. |
| 8.1 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Bowls a bouncer, Karunaratne does well to duck under it. |
| 8.2 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Full delivery on middle, Dimuth drives it towards mid on. |
| 8.3 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Length delivery on middle, Karunaratne flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 8.4 : K Jarvis to Fernando, On a length on off, Fernando plays it towards covers for a single. |
| 8.5 : K Jarvis to D Karunaratne, Full delivery on middle, Dimuth drives it towards mid on. |
| 8.6 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Outside off, Karunaratne offers no shot to this one. |
| 9.1 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Length delivery on off, Fernando dabs it towards short third man. |
| 9.2 : V Nyauchi to Fernando, Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it through mid off. The fielder chases and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 9.3 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, Nyauchi bowls it down the leg side, Dimuth looks to flick but misses it. |
| 9.4 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, On a length on middle, Karunaratne flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 9.5 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, Outside off, Dimuth shoulders arms to this one. |
| 9.6 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, On a good length on middle, Karunaratne looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 10.1 : K Jarvis to Fernando, Outside off, Oshada offers no shot to this one. |
| 10.2 : K Jarvis to Fernando, Good length delivery on off, Fernando defends it off the front foot. |
| 10.3 : K Jarvis to Fernando, Length delivery outside off, Fernando guides it towards second slip. |
| 10.4 : K Jarvis to Fernando, Full delivery on middle, Oshada drives it towards mid on for a single. |
| 10.5 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Full again on middle, Karunaratne drives it towards mid on. |
| 10.6 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Full delivery on off, Dimuth drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs. |
| Donald Tiripano is into the attack. |
| 11.1 : Tiripano to O Fernando, OUT! BOWLED! Donald Tiripano comes into the attack and strikes gold or one must say, timber straightaway! Tiripano bowls a good length delivery just around off, it pitched and nipped back in. Fernando looks to defend but he plays outside the line of the delivery. It sneaks through bat and pad and the middle pole has been sent cartwheeling. |
| 0.0 : Drinks Break! Kusal Mendis is the new batsman in. |
| 11.2 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Length ball on middle and off, defended towards cover. |
| 11.3 : D Tiripano to Mendis, On middle and leg, flicked towards the man at mid-wicket. |
| 11.4 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Another length ball on off, defended towards cover. |
| 11.5 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Outside off, played towards the man at point. |
| 11.6 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Another one on off, this time Mendis plays it towards the point region for a single. Mendis is off the mark. |
| 12.1 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Outside off, left alone by Mendis. |
| 12.2 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Full ball on the pads, worked towards the leg side for a single. |
| 12.3 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Full ball on middle, driven towards the man at mid on. |
| 12.4 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 12.5 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Another one outside off, left alone by Karunaratne. |
| 12.6 : K Jarvis to D Karunaratne, FOUR! Slashed! Length ball outside off, Karunaratne rocks back and has cut this one through the point region for a boundary. |
| 13.1 : D Tiripano to Mendis, On a good length and outside off, Mendis shoulders arms to this one. |
| 13.2 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis defends it off the back foot. |
| 13.3 : D Tiripano to Mendis, On a good length on off, Mendis keeps it out. |
| 13.4 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Outside off, Kusal offers no shot to this one. |
| 13.5 : D Tiripano to Mendis, FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Mendis drives it through mid off for a boundary. |
| 13.6 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Mendis blocks it off the back foot. |
| The umpires have brought out the light meter and are checking the conditions. And yes, they have decided it is too dark to continue playing and the players are coming off. And yes, IT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 2. |
| The Day started on a bad note for the Zimbabwe team as they lost Brendan Taylor. Sean Williams along with Craig Ervine steadied the ship a bit but their wickets fell in consecutive overs which hit the hosts hard. Sikandar Raza and Donald Tiripano added some valuable runs down the order and pushed the Zimbabwe score above the 350-run mark. Embuldeniya ended with his 2nd 5-fer of his Test career while Lakmal and Kumara ended with 3 and 2 wickets respectively. |
| Sri Lanka came into bat in the latter stages of the day. Their opening stand lasted just 32 runs as Oshada Fernando was sent packing off Donald Tiripano's first ball. After that around 3 overs were bowled before the umpires decided to take the players off the field due to Bad Light. |
| So, tomorrow a long day might be in store for the Zimbabwe players as Sri Lanka still have 9 wickets in hand and not a lot of things are happening off the surface. Join us on Tuesday for all the action of Day 3 of this Test match. It will start at 0945 Local (0745 GMT). Till then, cheers and take care! |
| ... Day 3, Session 1 ... |
| Hello, folks! Welcome back for the third day of this 'exciting' first Test match between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka at the ground surrounded by the vintage trees in Harare. The hosts have done well so far to post a sizable first innings' total and also managed to pick a wicket last evening. The nature of the pitch is not too supportive to the bowlers and hence the African team would have to be right on the money this morning as well to apply pressure on the Lankan batting. There is plenty of experie |
| We are all set to begin Day 3. The players are out in the middle. Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis will resume their batting for Sri Lanka. Kyle Jarvis will start the proceedings. Two slips waiting. Here we go... |
| 14.1 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, BEATEN! Jarvis starts with a good length delivery outside off, Karunaratne looks to poke at it but misses. |
| 14.2 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Full delivery on off, Dimuth drives it back towards the bowler where Jarvis tries to stop it but it goes past him and hits the stumps at the bowler's end. No harm done to Sri Lanka as Kusal Mendis was safely in. |
| 14.3 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Length delivery on off, Karunaratne punches it to covers. |
| 14.4 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, FOUR! Excellent shot. Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it through mid off for a boundary. More than a drive it was a gentle push and the ball raced away in spite of a slow outfield. |
| 14.5 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, On a length on middle, Dimuth flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single. |
| 14.6 : K Jarvis to Mendis, NO BALL! Jarvis oversteps! Outside off, Mendis shoulders arms to this one. |
| K Jarvis to Mendis, On a good length on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot. |
| Donald Tiripano to bowl from the other end. |
| 15.1 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it towards mid off. |
| 15.2 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, On a length on middle, the skipper flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 15.3 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Length delivery on middle, Mendis tucks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 15.4 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Full delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 15.5 : D Tiripano to Mendis, FOUR! Missed twice but a batsman of Mendis' ability won't miss out too often. Nicely played this time in the gap. Full again on middle, Mendis flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 15.6 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Full delivery on middle, Mendis drives it towards mid on. |
| 16.1 : K Jarvis to D Karunaratne, EDGY FOUR! On a length and outside off, Karunaratne looks to guide it but gets an outside edge. It goes between second slip and gully towards third man for a boundary. |
| 16.2 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Outside off, Dimuth offers no shot to this one. |
| 16.3 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, On a good length and outside off, Karunaratne shoulders arms to this one. |
| 16.4 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Outside off, Dimuth leaves it alone. |
| 16.5 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Length delivery outside off, the skipper taps it towards point for a single. |
| 16.6 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Full delivery on off, Mendis defends with soft hands. It goes towards third man off the outer half. The fielder chases it from gully and does well to stop it before the boundary line. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 17.1 : D Tiripano to Mendis, On a good length on off, Mendis defends towards point. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 17.2 : D Tiripano to D Karunaratne, Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it towards mid off. |
| 17.3 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Good length delivery on middle, Karunaratne blocks it off the front foot. |
| 17.4 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Outside off, Dimuth offers no shot to this one. |
| 17.5 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Length delivery on off, the skipper taps it to point. |
| 17.6 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Karunaratne looks to guide but misses it. It was a needless shot from him. The slip cordon is waiting for him. |
| 18.1 : K Jarvis to Mendis, On a good length on off, Mendis guides it towards third man for a run. |
| 18.2 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Outside off, Karunaratne shoulders arms to this one. |
| 18.3 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Bowls a bouncer, Dimuth does well to duck under it. |
| 18.4 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Short of a length delivery, Karunaratne pulls it over mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep collects the ball on one bounce. The batsmen take a single. |
| 18.5 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Outside off, Mendis offers no shot to this one. |
| 18.6 : K Jarvis to K Mendis, Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 19.1 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Short delivery on leg, Mendis pulls it through square leg for a single. |
| 19.2 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it towards mid off. |
| 19.3 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, On a length on middle, Karunaratne flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single. |
| 19.4 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 19.5 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Length delivery outside off, Mendis punches it through point. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 19.6 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Dimuth looks to defend but misses as the angle of the bowler takes the ball away from his blade. |
| 20.1 : K Jarvis to Mendis, BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Mendis looks to defend but misses it. |
| 20.2 : K Jarvis to Mendis, On a good length on middle, Mendis blocks it off the back foot. |
| 20.3 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Full delivery on off, Mendis drives it towards mid off. |
| 20.4 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Kusal offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 20.5 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Outside off, Mendis shoulders arms to this one. |
| 20.6 : K Jarvis to Mendis, On a good length on off, Mendis defends it towards point for a single. |
| 21.1 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Length delivery on off, Mendis guides it towards third man for a run. |
| 21.2 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, On a good length on off, Dimuth blocks it off the back foot. |
| 21.3 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Karunaratne looks to defend but misses it. |
| 21.4 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Outside off, Dimuth shoulders arms to this one. |
| 21.5 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it towards mid off. |
| 21.6 : D Tiripano to D Karunaratne, Full again on off, the skipper drives it to mid off. |
| 22.1 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Length delivery on off, Mendis pushes it towards covers. |
| 22.2 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Full delivery on off, Mendis drives it to covers. |
| 22.3 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Outside off, Kusal offers no shot to this one. |
| 22.4 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Short delivery outside off, Mendis cuts it through point for a single. |
| 22.5 : K Jarvis to D Karunaratne, Full delivery on middle, Dimuth drives it towards mid on. |
| 22.6 : K Jarvis to Karunaratne, Full again on middle, Karunaratne drives it through mid on for a run. |
| 23.1 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, On a good length and outside off, Karunaratne shoulders arms to this one. |
| 23.2 : D Tiripano to D Karunaratne, Full delivery on middle, Dimuth looks to drive but gets an inside edge on this one. It goes past the leg stump towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run. |
| 23.3 : D Tiripano to K Mendis, Full again on middle, Mendis drives it towards mid on. |
| 23.4 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Kusal defends it off the back foot. |
| 23.5 : D Tiripano to Mendis, On a good length on middle, Mendis keeps it out. |
| 23.6 : D Tiripano to Mendis, NO BALL! Tiripano oversteps! Good length delivery on off, Mendis punches it towards point. That was very harsh on the bowler. The replays show that a fair bit of his front leg was inside the popping crease. |
| D Tiripano to Mendis, On a length on middle, Mendis flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| Victor Nyauchi to bowl. 5-1-14-0 are his figures so far. |
| 24.1 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Outside off, Mendis offers no shot to this one. |
| 24.2 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Length delivery outside off, Mendis taps it towards point for a run. |
| 24.3 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, On a good length on off, Karunaratne blocks it off the front foot. |
| 24.4 : V Nyauchi to D Karunaratne, Full delivery on middle, Dimuth drives it towards mid on. |
| 24.5 : V Nyauchi to D Karunaratne, Full again on off, Karunaratne drives it towards mid off. |
| 24.6 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, Outside off, Dimuth offers no shot to this one. Slow going so far. Sri Lanka looking to preserve their wickets more than scoring runs. |
| 25.1 : D Tiripano to K Mendis, Short delivery on leg, Mendis pulls it through square leg for a single. |
| 25.2 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Length delivery on off, Karunaratne punches it to mid on. |
| 25.3 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, EDGY FOUR! Short delivery outside off, Karunaratne looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes over the slip region towards third man for a boundary. 50-run stand is up between Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis. Steady going for the Lankans. |
| 25.4 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, On a good length on off, Karunaratne blocks it off the back foot. |
| 25.5 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Full delivery on off, Dimuth drives it towards mid off. |
| 25.6 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Short and outside off, Karunaratne cuts it through point for a single. |
| 26.1 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it towards mid off. Tiripano picks the ball and goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it. The batsmen take a single. |
| 26.2 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, On a good length on middle, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 26.3 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Outside off, Kusal offers no shot to this one. |
| 26.4 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Length delivery on off, Mendis punches it towards point. |
| 26.5 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Full delivery on off, Kusal drives it towards mid off. |
| 26.6 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Outside off, Mendis does not bother to play at that. |
| 27.1 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Length delivery on middle, Karunaratne flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 27.2 : D Tiripano to Mendis, On a good length on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 27.3 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Kusal offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 27.4 : D Tiripano to Mendis, On a good length on off, Mendis keeps it out. |
| 27.5 : D Tiripano to Mendis, On middle, Kusal blocks it off the back foot. |
| 27.6 : D Tiripano to Mendis, On a good length on off, Mendis defends it out. |
| 28.1 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it through point for a single. |
| 28.2 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Full again on off, Mendis drives it towards mid off. The fielder collects the ball and throws it at the keeper's end where Chakabva collects the ball and takes the bails off but the batsman was well in. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 28.3 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, On a good length on middle, Karunaratne blocks it off the front foot. |
| 28.4 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, Full and outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone. It goes towards the keeper where Chakabva fumbles and fails to collect. It goes past him. The batsmen get two runs. The umpire gives it as two byes. |
| 28.5 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, Full delivery on middle, Karunaratne drives it through mid on. Jarvis chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 28.6 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, OUT! Debutant jumps in delight! This is a breakthrough for Zimbabwe out of nowhere. Karunaratne is disappointed on his way back. 78 balls in the innings and he would have liked to get a kick on after the first hour. But alas, it has not happened. Not everything goes as per planned. It's a very soft dismissal to be honest. Nyauchi delivers a full length ball on middle and maybe there is some inward movement as it hits the deck. Dimuth leans forward to flick it acro |
| Drinks Break! Angelo Mathews is the next batsman in. Ainsley Ndlovu is into the attack. |
| 29.1 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 29.2 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Tossed up delivery on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 29.3 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 29.4 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Loopy delivery on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot. |
| 29.5 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Short and pulled to deep mid-wicket for a couple. 100 up! |
| 29.6 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 30.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Mathews has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 30.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, A length ball on off, angling in, Mathews sticks back and defends it to the off side. |
| 30.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Covers the line of the delivery and offers a straight bat in defense. |
| 30.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Pitches it up and outside off, Mathews brings down a straight bat and pushes it down off the inner half to mid on. |
| 30.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 30.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, A length ball angling in around off, blocked to end a maiden over. |
| 31.1 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Floated full ball on off, Mendis is on the front foot in defense. |
| 31.2 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Tossed up delivery, landing full on middle, Kusal presses forward with a straight bat in defense. |
| 31.3 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Leans forward to a full ball and pushes it on the off side safely. |
| 31.4 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Arm ball, landing full around off and skidding back in, Mendis lunges to defend and gets it away off the inner half to the leg side. |
| 31.5 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Mendis has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 31.6 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Too full and on middle, Mendis tries working it on the leg side but it takes the toe end of the bat and rests on the pitch. First maiden in Tests for Ndlovu. |
| 32.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Wicket to wicket line. A little bit of movement in. On a length around off, Angelo blocks it from the back foot. |
| 32.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, With a silly mid on in place, Nyauchi angles in a full ball on off, Mathews drives it straight in the direction of that strategically placed fielder. |
| 32.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Good length ball on middle and off, Mathews gets inside the line and works it on the leg side. Not in the gap. |
| 32.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Off the mark! Short in length around off, Mathews rocks back and punches it through the gap at covers for a brace. |
| 32.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Slants in a very full ball around off, Mathews has his bat down in time as he digs it out back to the bowler. |
| 32.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Sharp single! A pitched up ball around off, Mathews pushed it with an angled bat to cover-point and ran to the other end. The fielder there was a shade deep and by the time he attacked and released the throw at the striker's end, a single was taken. Albeit Mendis had to dive to make it in. |
| 33.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flatter ball, around middle, Mathews goes on the back foot and defends it to the off side. |
| 33.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flighted and too full around off, Mathews defends it off his front foot. |
| 33.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Quicker through the air, fired in full on off, defended to the off side. |
| 33.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Slower through the air, full and around leg, Angelo defends it to short leg. |
| 33.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Goes a bit short on middle, Mathews moves back to stroke it towards mid on. |
| 33.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Lunges to a full ball around off and defends it back calmly. |
| 34.1 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Mendis offers no shot. |
| 34.2 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Fullish ball on middle, Mendis defends it back solidly and it goes on to hit the stumps at the bowler's end. |
| 34.3 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Pitches it up and around off, Kusal draws forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 34.4 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Lands it on a length and outside off, going straight on, Mendis pushes inside the line with an angled bat and eases it towards gully. |
| 34.5 : Nyauchi to Mendis, Huge shout for an lbw! Not given. Believe us, that was very close. Nyauchi gets a length ball to nip back into the batsman from a length outside off. Mendis is caught on the back foot as he tries to defend. But he is beaten by the movement off the track and gets pinged on the back pad. They appealed vociferously but the umpire shakes his head. The on-air commentators feel that it's too high. We feel there might be some inside edge after watching the replays. Anyway, the |
| 34.6 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Full in length and outside off, Mendis presses forward and drives it through point for a couple of runs. |
| 35.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flatter ball on off, Mathews goes back and punches it to mid on. |
| 35.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Once again it's flat and short on middle, Angelo turns it to mid-wicket. |
| 35.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Short and outside off, forced off the back foot to point. |
| 35.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Once again the length is on the shorter side outside off, Angelo cracks it to deep point and collects three runs. |
| 35.5 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Mendis has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 35.6 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, FOUR! Shot! Poor delivery, once again Ndlovu is on the shorter side of the length and Mendis is quick to move back as he pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 36.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, A fuller length ball on middle, Mathews inside edges his attempted flick to mid-wicket. |
| 36.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Risky single! Mathews uses the angle of the bowler and works it to mid-wicket. He sets off for a run and crosses a bit hesitantly. Masvaure fumbles while picking the ball and that makes the single easy for Sri Lanka. |
| 36.3 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Mendis has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 36.4 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Fuller length ball outside off, Kusal drives it off his front foot to mid off. |
| 36.5 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Good length delivery outside off, Mendis walks across the stumps and then makes a leave. |
| 36.6 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Fullish and outside off, Mendis drives it nice and straight towards mid off. |
| Skipper Sean Williams brings himself into the attack. A slip and short leg in place. |
| 37.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Flighted full ball on off, Mathews defends it back. |
| 37.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Quicker arm ball on middle, Mathews defends it from the inner half of his bat. |
| 37.3 : S Williams to Mathews, Beauty this time! Slows it one in the air and lands it full on off, the ball lands and spins away a bit to open Mathews in his defense. He somehow defends it back. |
| 37.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Mathews has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 37.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Gets on the front foot and blocks it with a straight blade. |
| 37.6 : Williams to Mathews, FOUR! Mathews goes over the top of the infield! Williams is a bit too full in his length around middle, Mathews takes a big stride forward and lofts it over mid on for a boundary. |
| Kyle Jarvis (12-2-40-0) returns for another spell in the morning session. |
| 38.1 : K Jarvis to Mendis, A gentle good length delivery in the zone outside off, going straight on after landing, Mendis has nothing to do with it. |
| 38.2 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Beaten comprehensively. This one swings away late. Jarvis lands it close to off, forcing the batsman to offer a shot, Mendis leans forward to defend but it moves away late and beats the outside edge. |
| 38.3 : K Jarvis to Mendis, On a good length around off, defended from the back foot to the off side. |
| 38.4 : K Jarvis to Mendis, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 38.5 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Delivers it full and outside off, Kusal prods forward in defense. |
| 38.6 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Good lines from Jarvis. Once again he is on and around off, a fuller length delivery, Mendis defends it right under his watchful eyes. |
| 39.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Arm ball on middle, shorter in length, Mathews goes back and helps it through square leg for a single. |
| 39.2 : S Williams to Mendis, Flighted and full on off, Mendis stretches forward in defense. |
| 39.3 : S Williams to Mendis, A quicker one going down the leg side, Mendis tries to sweep but misses. Chakabva does well to stop it with his pads and parries it towards short leg. |
| 39.4 : S Williams to Mendis, Pulls his length back and lands it close to off, Mendis cuts it off his back foot but finds the point fielder. |
| 39.5 : S Williams to Mendis, Kusal has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 39.6 : S Williams to Mendis, Tossed up ball on off, defended back off the front foot again. |
| 40.1 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Mathews offers no shot. |
| 40.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Back of a length delivery outside off, Mathews eases himself on the back foot and punches it in front of square on the off side. The cover-point fielder makes a sliding stop to his left and the batsmen switch ends. |
| 40.3 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Fullish ball around off, going straight on, Mendis strides forward and across before shouldering arms. |
| 40.4 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Angles in a fuller length ball on middle, Mendis leans forward with a vertical bat in defense. |
| 40.5 : K Jarvis to K Mendis, Pitches it right up there outside off, Mendis drives it off his front foot to mid off. |
| 40.6 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Too full in length again, around off, Mendis pushes it firmly back in the direction of the bowler. Jarvis goes down low to his left in his followthrough to make a half stop. |
| 41.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Arm ball delivery around off, skidding down the leg side after pitching, Angelo attempts to flick but misses. It deflects off his pads to fine leg and they take a couple of leg byes. |
| 41.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Mathews has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 41.3 : S Williams to Mathews, Full and flighted on off, defended back again by Angelo. |
| 41.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Fuller in length on middle, blocked safely off the front foot. |
| 41.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Shortish and on off, Mathews punches it from the crease to covers. Ervine is standing a bit too deep and hence a run is stolen. |
| 41.6 : S Williams to Mendis, Loopy and full on off, Kusal lunges and defends it solidly. |
| 42.1 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Comprehensively beaten! A beautiful delivery. Jarvis pitches it on a length close to off, Mathews plays the trajectory but it nips away ever so slightly to beat the outside edge. |
| 42.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Once again Jarvis keeps his line close to off, this time Mathews covers the delivery and blocks it back. |
| 42.3 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Jarvis goes even fuller and pitches it around off, Mathews drives through the line with a hesitant footwork and hits it a bit aerially. Doesn't carry to short cover. |
| 42.4 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Around off, on a length, Mathews defends it from the crease to the off side. |
| 42.5 : K Jarvis to Mathews, A little short this time, around off, Mathews gets the opportunity to go on the back foot and defend it back to the bowler. |
| 42.6 : K Jarvis to A Mathews, Pitches it up and around off, forcing the batsman to drive, Angelo does that but in full control this time. Although he picks out short cover again. Good probing over by Jarvis. |
| 43.1 : S Williams to Mendis, Ouch, that would have hurt short leg! Short in length and on middle, Mendis rocks back to pull but it hits Kevin Kasuza flush on the helmet as he tries to duck. The ball deflects to fine leg and they cross for a couple of runs. |
| 0.0 : Physio comes out! Initially Kevin Kasuza gave a thumbs up but is now feeling the after effects. That has shook him and he is on his haunches. Mandatory concussion test will be carried out. In fact, Kasuza is leaving the field for some medical attention. This should be the last over of the session also. |
| 43.2 : S Williams to Mendis, Once again Williams is on the shorter side, Mendis punches it from the back foot but finds mid-wicket. |
| 43.3 : S Williams to Mendis, Mendis has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 43.4 : S Williams to Mendis, Flighted and around off, Kusal eases himself on the back foot in defense. |
| 43.5 : S Williams to Mendis, Leans forward to a full ball and defends it solidly. |
| 43.6 : S Williams to Mendis, Full and flighted on off, Mendis is on the front foot again as he defends it. LUNCH ON DAY 3! |
| A real grind! For everyone. 82/1 in the 30 overs bowled in the morning. Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis started solidly and then took their partnership over fifty runs. Then, against the run of play, Victor Nyauchi managed to get a breakthrough as he removed the Lankan skipper at the stroke of first hour. Post that, Kusal Mendis has combined with Angelo Mathews and together they didn't allow any more success to the home team. There were some nervy moments, mainly for Mathews, but he survived |
| ... DAY 3, SECOND SESSION ... |
| Welcome back for the afternoon session. The players who matter are back on the field. A customary huddle for Zimbabwe as Sean Williams shares some words with his boys that he forgot to share in the dressing room. Now, they spread on the field. Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis are dragging themselves to the middle. Kyle Jarvis to continue his spell from this end. Here we go again. |
| 44.1 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Good length delivery outside off, holding its line, Mathews shoulders arms. |
| 44.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Pitches it up and outside off, Mathews drives confidently off his front foot but finds the cover fielder. |
| 44.3 : K Jarvis to Mathews, On a length and close to off, Angelo remains on the back foot and defends it to the off side. |
| 44.4 : K Jarvis to Mathews, A mistimed pull shot! Short in length around off, Mathews turns to pull but mistimes it towards one of the two short mid-wicket fielders. |
| 44.5 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Lands it very full and close to off, Mathews prods forward and defends it back from the bottom half of his bat. |
| 44.6 : K Jarvis to A Mathews, This one is pitched up again by Jarvis, Mathews plays a well-timed drive but finds mid off. |
| 45.1 : S Williams to Mendis, Shortish ball on off, skidding in, Mendis goes back and pushes it to short cover. |
| 45.2 : S Williams to Mendis, Presses forward to a full ball and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 45.3 : S Williams to Mendis, Arm ball on middle, skidding in, Mendis hangs back to defend but it takes the inner half and rolls to mid-wicket. |
| 45.4 : S Williams to Mendis, Goes on the back foot and cuts it to point for a run. |
| 45.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Angelo has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 45.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Shortish ball on off, punched from the back foot to covers. |
| 46.1 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Back of a length ball outside off, Mendis pushes it off his back foot to point and takes a run. |
| 46.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Good areas from Jarvis. Spears in a fuller length ball on off, Mathews brings his bat down in time and defends it back. |
| 46.3 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Edged but safe! A length ball close to off and straightening off the surface, Mathews is opened up in defense and gets a soft outside edge. It rolls to gully. |
| 46.4 : K Jarvis to A Mathews, A good looking cover drive by Mathews but he finds the fielder. |
| The on-air commentators have informed that Kevin Kasuza has gone for a scan. Let's hope he gets fine soon. In case you missed, he was hit on the helmet while fielding at short leg and left the field just before Lunch. |
| 46.5 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Beaten! Shortish delivery outside off, shaping away, Mathews pokes inside the line and misses. |
| 46.6 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Very full and around leg, Mathews plays the on drive but finds mid on. |
| 47.1 : S Williams to Mendis, Delicate. Short in length outside off, Mendis plays a late cut to beat backward point. They take a couple. |
| 47.2 : S Williams to Mendis, Full and flighted on off, it's defended back off the front foot. |
| 47.3 : S Williams to Mendis, Flatter and shorter on middle, turned across the line from the crease but wide of mid-wicket. A single is taken. |
| 47.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 47.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Tickles a full ball off his pads to the leg side but finds the fielder. |
| 47.6 : Williams to Mathews, FOUR! Well played! Loopy full ball landing around off, Mathews stretches forward to approach the ball and lifts it over the bowler's head for a boundary. |
| 48.1 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 48.2 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Hurls in a good length delivery close to off, Mendis guards his stumps and then shoulders arms. |
| 48.3 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Mishit! Jarvis attempts to test the batsman with a short delivery, Mendis is way too early into the pull shot and it comes off the toe end and travels to covers. |
| 48.4 : K Jarvis to Mendis, Pitches it up and around off, Kusal presses forward and pushes it to mid off. |
| 48.5 : K Jarvis to Mendis, A delivery on a driving length outside off, Mendis is not lured into any kind of shot. |
| 48.6 : K Jarvis to Mendis, On a length and close to off, Mendis stands across the stumps and taps it down with an angled bat to point. Maiden. |
| 49.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Flatter and shorter on off, Mathews pushes it out to short cover from his back foot. |
| 49.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Quicker through the air again, it's on middle and has been tickled down to fine leg for a couple. |
| 49.3 : S Williams to Mathews, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 49.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Leans forward to a full ball and blocks it safely. |
| 49.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Drags his length short and bowls it around off, it's cut from the back foot but straight to point. |
| 49.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Skidding down the leg side, tucked to fine leg for three runs. 50 overs done! |
| 50.1 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Probes with a full length ball close to off, Mathews his half forward in defense. |
| 50.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, A length ball around off, Mathews offers a straight bat in defense. |
| 50.3 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Full in length and close to off, Mathews defends it close to his front pad. |
| 50.4 : K Jarvis to Mathews, A length ball on off, Mathews pushes it off his front foot to covers. |
| 50.5 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Lands it full and around off, Mathews drives it back to the bowler. |
| 50.6 : K Jarvis to Mathews, On a driving length outside off, Mathews takes his front leg close to the line of the ball but then shoulders arms. |
| 51.1 : S Williams to Mendis, FIFTY FOR KUSAL MENDIS. His 11th in Tests. A flatter ball outside off, Mendis taps it to third man and runs through for a brace to get to the landmark. A very good knock this from him. He will now look to convert this into a three-figure knock. |
| 51.2 : S Williams to Mendis, On off, it is defended. |
| 51.3 : S Williams to Mendis, Fires it on the pads, Mendis tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a run. |
| 51.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Shortish ball outside off, Mathews forces it through covers for a single. 50-run stand is up between the two. |
| 51.5 : S Williams to Mendis, Quicker one outside off, it is guided to third man for a single. |
| 51.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Flat one on the pads, pushed to mid on. |
| Doanald Tiripano returns. 9-0-27-1 are his figures so far. |
| 52.1 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Tiripano starts with a length ball on middle, it is defended. |
| 52.2 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Full ball outside off, pushed to covers. |
| 52.3 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Length ball around off, Mendis comes forward and keeps it out. |
| 52.4 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Shortish ball on middle, it is worked towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. |
| 52.5 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Good length ball on the pads, it is worked towards the leg side. |
| 52.6 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Landed around off on a length, Mendis keeps it out. |
| Sikandar Raza is into the attack. |
| 53.1 : S Raza to Mathews, Raza starts with a flatter ball outside off, pushed through point for a single. |
| 53.2 : S Raza to Mendis, Full and on off, it is defended. |
| 53.3 : S Raza to Mendis, FOUR! Pulled away! A half-tracker on middle, Mendis goes back and hammers it to deep mid-wicket for a powerful boundary. |
| 53.4 : S Raza to Mendis, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Mendis. Raza bowls a full toss on the pads, Kusal smashes it to deep mid-wicket and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 53.5 : S Raza to Mendis, FOUR! Make that three in a row! Another half-tracker, Mendis goes deep in the crease and pulls it to the deep mid-wicket fence again. This over is shaking up everyone from their post-Lunch sleep. |
| 53.6 : S Raza to Mendis, NO BALL! Another ball which is short and on middle and leg, Mendis pulls it to deep square leg for a run. The bowler has overstepped there. |
| S Raza to Mathews, Shortish ball around off, blocked off the back foot. 15 from the over! |
| 54.1 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Length ball around off, Mathews keeps it out off the back foot. |
| 54.2 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Full and around off, Mendis pushes it to mid off. |
| 54.3 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Good length ball on off, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 54.4 : D Tiripano to Mendis, A back of a length ball on middle, Mendis pulls it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 54.5 : D Tiripano to Mathews, A full ball around off now, Mathews pushes it to mid off. |
| 54.6 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Around off on a good length, it is defended. |
| 55.1 : S Raza to Mendis, A leg spinner from the offie, it is on the pads, Mendis works it to fine leg for a single. |
| 55.2 : S Raza to Mathews, Fires it on the pads, Mathews looks to tuck it towards the leg side but misses. |
| 55.3 : S Raza to Mathews, Full and and on off, it is pushed to mid on. |
| 55.4 : S Raza to Mathews, Another fuller ball around middle, this time Mathews tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 55.5 : S Raza to Mathews, Loopy ball around off, Mathews gets behind the line of the ball to block. |
| 55.6 : S Raza to A Mathews, A single to end the over as Mathews eases this loopy ball through mid on. |
| 56.1 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Beaten! A good length ball in the channel outside off, Mathews looks to drive on the up but misses. Lucky not to edge that one. |
| 56.2 : D Tiripano to Mathews, On middle, it is blocked by Mathews. |
| 56.3 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Length ball on off, it is pushed towards point. Mathews wanted a single there but they decided against it seeing the rushing fielder. |
| 56.4 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 56.5 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Length ball just outside off, it is pushed to covers. |
| 56.6 : D Tiripano to A Mathews, Landed on middle, Mathews keeps it out off the back foot. |
| 57.1 : S Raza to Mendis, Flatter and on off, Mendis comes forward and keeps it out. |
| 57.2 : S Raza to Mendis, On off again, another forward defensive shot from Mendis. |
| 57.3 : S Raza to Mendis, This one is slightly short and around off, Mendis turns it towards square leg. |
| 57.4 : S Raza to Mendis, Full and on middle, Mendis pushes it to deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 57.5 : S Raza to Mathews, Full ball on off, Mathews strokes it to long off for a single. |
| 57.6 : S Raza to Mendis, Excellent save! A full ball on middle, Mendis sweeps it hard across the line. It is between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg. The substitute fielder from deep mid-wicket makes an excellent save diving to his right. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs. |
| 58.1 : D Tiripano to Mathews, In the channel outside off, it is left alone. |
| 58.2 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Good length ball around off, Mathews defends it off his front foot. |
| 58.3 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Shorter in length and around off, Mathews stays on the back foot and defends it out. |
| 58.4 : D Tiripano to A Mathews, Very full ball on middle, this is stroked well but straight to mid off. |
| 58.5 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full again and this time it is around off, Mathews pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 58.6 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Around off on a length, it keeps a bit low. Mathews does well to keep it out. |
| 59.1 : S Raza to Mendis, Full ball on middle, Mendis works it to deep mid-wicket and changes ends. |
| 59.2 : S Raza to Mathews, Very full ball on middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 59.3 : S Raza to Mathews, Flatter ball on off, worked towards the leg side. |
| 59.4 : S Raza to Mathews, Another full ball, it is pushed back to the bowler. |
| 59.5 : S Raza to Mathews, Flights this one and lands it around off, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 59.6 : S Raza to Mathews, Another ball around off, it is defended. |
| DRINKS! Another wicket less hour for the hosts. They have been working really hard out in the middle but are unable to break through this stubborn stand between Mendis and Mathews. The two have got their eyes in and would look to score big knocks and keep taking the side forward. Interesting passage of play awaits. |
| 60.1 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Good length ball just outside off, Mendis taps it towards the man at gully. |
| 60.2 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Full and around off, pushed towards covers. |
| 60.3 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Full ball around off, Mendis comes forward and keeps it out. |
| 60.4 : D Tiripano to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 60.5 : D Tiripano to Mendis, Good length ball around off, Mendis keeps it out off his back foot. |
| 60.6 : D Tiripano to Mendis, On middle, worked towards the leg side. |
| 61.1 : S Raza to A Mathews, Full and outside off, Mathews pushes it to mid off for a single. |
| 61.2 : S Raza to Mendis, On off, it is defended. |
| 61.3 : S Raza to Mendis, FOUR! Swept nicely! Full ball around off, Mendis sits down and sweeps it to the deep mid-wicket fence. The fielder there dives to his right to save but he fails to do so. |
| 61.4 : S Raza to Mendis, Flatter ball around off, Mendis keeps it out. |
| 61.5 : S Raza to Mendis, Full ball around off and middle, Mendis strokes it to long on for a run. |
| 61.6 : S Raza to Mathews, Floated ball around off, it is defended. |
| Victor Nyauchi returns. 12-2-26-1 from him so far. |
| 62.1 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Length ball around off, Mendis pushes it towards covers. |
| 62.2 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Full and around off, Mendis comes forward and keeps it out. |
| 62.3 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Length ball just around off, keeping a touch low. Mendis gets his bat down in time to work it towards mid-wicket. |
| 62.4 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Landed around off, it is defended towards covers. |
| 62.5 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Full and around off, it is defended. |
| 62.6 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Length ball around off, Mendis keeps it out off his back foot. |
| Ainsley Ndlovu (4-2-15-0) is back into the attack. |
| 63.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Quick couple! Ndlovu starts the spell with a ball on the pads, Mathews helps it to fine leg and scampers back for a couple of runs. |
| 63.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Around off, it is defended. |
| 63.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, FOUR! Short and punished! A half-tracker and it is on middle, Mathews goes on the back foot and pulls it to the deep mid-wicket fence. |
| 63.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flatter one on off, it is worked towards the leg side for a single. |
| 63.5 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Fires it wide outside off, Mendis guides it towards third man and takes a single. |
| 63.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Quicker and shorter ball around off, Mendis stays on the back foot and pushes it to long on for a single. |
| 64.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Length ball around off, it is defended. |
| 64.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full and outside off, this is stroked to mid off. |
| 64.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Good length ball just outside off, Mathews pushes it to covers. |
| 64.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full ball around off, Mathews strokes it straight to mid off. |
| 64.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Another fuller ball, this is outside off, Mathews drives it well but finds the fielder at cover. |
| 64.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, On middle, flicked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 65.1 : A Ndlovu to Mendis, Full toss on middle and leg, Mendis sweeps it for a run to deep square leg. |
| 65.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, On off, It is defended back to the bowler. |
| 65.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Another ball in the line of the stumps, it is defended. |
| 65.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Very full ball around off, Mathews digs it out to mid off. |
| 65.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Another full toss, this is around of, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 65.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Loopy ball on off, Mathews pushes it to the left of the bowler who dives to that side and pushes the ball towards covers. |
| 66.1 : V Nyauchi to Mendis, Length ball angled into the pads, Mendis works it to the leg side. |
| 66.2 : V Nyauchi to K Mendis, OUT! Caught! The stand is broken and Mendis is the man who departs. A century was on offer for Mendis but he has thrown it away. A full ball outside off, Mendis has been leaving these deliveries all this while but this time he is lured into the shot. He goes for the drive away from his body. The ball takes the thick outside edge and goes straight to Taylor at first slip. He does not make any mistake there and Zimbabwe have the much-needed wicket. Sri Lanka still 173 |
| Dinesh Chandimal is the new batsman. He hurt his fingers yesterday but it looks like he has recovered from that injury and fit to bat. |
| 66.3 : V Nyauchi to Chandimal, Slightly short of a length ball on the body, Chandimal works it towards fine leg to get off the mark. |
| 66.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, RIPPER! A length ball angled into the right-hander. It comes back in sharply as Mathews looks to defend but the ball goes through with the angle and beats the inside edge. |
| 66.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Good length ball around off, it is defended. |
| 66.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Landed on middle, worked towards mid-wicket. End of a successful over for Zimbabwe. |
| 67.1 : A Ndlovu to Chandimal, Flatter ball on middle, Chandimal works it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 67.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Floated ball on off, Mathews comes forward and defends it out. |
| 67.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Full and on middle, Mathews strokes it to long off for a run. |
| 67.4 : A Ndlovu to Chandimal, Floats it on middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 67.5 : A Ndlovu to Chandimal, Slightly short one on middle, Chandimal pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 67.6 : A Ndlovu to D Chandimal, On off and middle, full too. It is worked to the man at mid-wicket. |
| 68.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Good length ball around off, it is defended off the front foot by Mathews. |
| 68.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Shortish and around off, Mathews taps it towards point for nothing. |
| 68.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full and on middle, it is pushed towards mid on. |
| 68.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Good length ball around off and middle, Mathews defends it nicely. |
| 68.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Another length ball around off, Mathews taps it to the man at covers. |
| 68.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full ball just outside off, Mathews pushes it towards gully. |
| 69.1 : A Ndlovu to Chandimal, Low full toss on middle, Chandimal strokes it towards mid on where the fielder fumbles and the batters get an extra. Three taken. |
| 69.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Around off and middle, it is defended. |
| 69.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Floated ball around off and middle, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 69.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Loopy ball on middle, it is stroked towards mid off and a quick run is taken. The fielder there picks the ball and throws at the non-striker's end but misses. |
| 69.5 : A Ndlovu to Chandimal, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 69.6 : A Ndlovu to Chandimal, Full and around off, it is defended. |
| 70.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Length ball around off, Mathews keeps it out off the back foot. |
| 70.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full and around off, it is defended. |
| 70.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full ball around off, Mathews strokes it well but straight to mid off. |
| 70.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Slightly fuller and outside off, this is pushed towards covers. |
| 70.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Overthrow! A fuller ball outside off, Mathews pushes it towards point and a quick single is taken. The point fielder gets to the ball, picks it up and fires the throw at the striker's end. He misses and the ball goes towards square leg and an extra run is taken. |
| 70.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full and on middle, Mathews pushes it down the ground. The man at mid on dives to his right and makes a save. A single taken. |
| 71.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flighted ball on middle, defended off the inner half to short mid-wicket. |
| 71.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flattish and shortish on off, punched from the back foot to covers. |
| 71.3 : A Ndlovu to A Mathews, A full toss on off, pushed towards deepish mid on for a run. |
| 71.4 : A Ndlovu to Chandimal, Loopy full ball around off, Chandimal drives but finds short cover. |
| 71.5 : A Ndlovu to Chandimal, Loopy and full on middle, DC presses forward and blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 71.6 : A Ndlovu to Chandimal, Chandimal has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 72.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Fires in a fuller length ball close to off, Mathews strides forward and defends it off the inner half to short mid-wicket. |
| 72.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Slight inward movement off the deck. It's on a length close to off, Mathews moves back to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 72.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Puts it in the line of the off stump, Mathews brings down a straight bat and defends it from the middle. |
| 72.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Flicks a full ball across the line but finds one of the two short mid-wicket fielders. |
| 72.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Lands it on a length and around off, angling in, Angelo meets it with a dead bat and pushes it out to short cover. |
| 72.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, NEARLY A DRAG ON! The bowler delivers a length ball but pitches it wide outside off. Mathews tries to latch onto the room and smash it through the line but it takes the inside edge and beats the stumps by a whisker. |
| 73.1 : A Ndlovu to Chandimal, Driven towards the mid off region. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 73.2 : A Ndlovu to A Mathews, Too full in length on middle, pushed back in the direction of the bowler. |
| 73.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Mathews has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 73.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Loopy and full on off, Mathews pushes it with an angled bat to cover-point. |
| 73.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, SIX! A scoring opportunity there and Mathews makes full use of it. A rank full toss around off, Angelo bends his back knee a bit and smokes it over mid-wicket. 200 comes up for Sri Lanka! |
| 73.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flatter delivery on off, Mathews plays a late cut wide of first slip and takes a single. |
| 74.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, HALF TON FOR MATHEWS! 35th in Tests for him. It has been a hard-fought one for the senior most Lankan batter. He gets there by flicking this ball towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. |
| 74.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Shortish and around off, it is tapped towards mid off. |
| 74.3 : V Nyauchi to A Mathews, Full and outside off, Mathews looks to drive but the ball takes the bottom edge and rolls towards covers. |
| 74.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Length ball on off, Mathews presents straight bat to defend it out. |
| 74.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Another length ball around off, easily negotiated by Mathews. |
| 74.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Another good length ball around off, it is defended. AND THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 3. |
| Another absorbing session of this Test match comes to a close. 81/1 in the 31 overs bowled! Both teams fared decently. Neither Zimbabwe allowed Sri Lanka to run away by scoring quickly nor the Lankans gave away more than a wicket to the African minnows. The pitch is as dead as a dodo and there's nothing happening. Waiting game is what these two teams are playing with both testing out each other's patience. The deficit is now down to 153 runs and the hosts are quickly running out of runs in the b |
| ... Day 3, Session 3 ... |
| We are back for the final session of Day 3. The players are out in the middle. Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal will resume their batting for Sri Lanka. Sean Williams will start the proceedings for the final session of Day 3. |
| 75.1 : S Williams to Chandimal, Flighted delivery on middle, Chandimal drives it towards mid on. |
| 75.2 : S Williams to D Chandimal, Full delivery on off, Chandimal drives it to covers. |
| 75.3 : S Williams to Chandimal, Tossed up delivery on middle, Chandimal blocks it off the front foot. |
| 75.4 : S Williams to Chandimal, Loopy delivery on off, Dinesh keeps it out. |
| 75.5 : S Williams to Chandimal, Floated delivery on off, Chandimal punches it to point. |
| 75.6 : S Williams to Chandimal, Tossed up delivery on middle, Chandimal defends it off the front foot. |
| Victor Nyauchi to bowl from the other end. 19-6-32-3 from him so far. |
| 76.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, On a length on off, Mathews taps it to point. |
| 76.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it to covers. |
| 76.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 76.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it through mid off. Prince Masvaure chases it, slides and does well to pull it back just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 76.5 : V Nyauchi to Chandimal, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 76.6 : V Nyauchi to Chandimal, Length ball around off, Chandimal keeps it out. |
| 77.1 : S Williams to A Mathews, Full ball around off, pushed to mid off. |
| 77.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Floated ball around off, Mathews strokes it to mid off for a single. |
| 77.3 : S Williams to Chandimal, Flatter ball around off, it is defended off the back foot. |
| 77.4 : S Williams to Chandimal, Another full ball around off, pushed to mid off again. |
| 77.5 : S Williams to Chandimal, On off, it is defended. |
| 77.6 : S Williams to D Chandimal, Flatter ball on off, Chandimal keeps it out lunging forward. |
| 78.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full ball on middle, Mathews strokes it to mid on. |
| 78.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Good length ball on off, pushed to mid on by Mathews. |
| 78.3 : V Nyauchi to A Mathews, Full ball on middle, firmly driven to mid on once again. |
| 78.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Good length ball around off, it is defend. |
| 78.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Good length ball angled in, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 78.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Another ball which is angled into the batter, Mathews works it behind square leg for a single. |
| 79.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Shortish length ball on middle, Mathews punches it to mid on off the back foot. |
| 79.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Fires it down the leg side. Mathews looks to flick but misses. The keeper there does well to pouch the ball with a move to his left. |
| 79.3 : S Williams to Mathews, Flatter and outside off, cut to the man at point. |
| 79.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Flatter ball outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses. |
| 79.5 : S Williams to Mathews, SIX! Hammered! A loopy ball around off, Mathews picks it off his pads and sends it sailing over the long on fence for a biggie. Second six of the innings for Mathews. |
| 79.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Flatter and on middle and leg, pushed towards mid-wicket. Second new ball is available now! |
| Donald Tiripano is back on. 14-3-30-1 are his figures so far. No new ball taken yet! Maybe, a few balls to warm-up and then they will opt for it. |
| 80.1 : D Tiripano to Chandimal, Confusion but safe in the end. Full ball around off, Chandimal pushes it back to the bowler. He wants the single and he is off for it in a flash. Mathews though is ball watching with his hand up to say no. Chandimal does not see that and keeps coming towards the non-striker's end. However, before the mid on fielder can get to the ball and throw it to the keeper, Chandimal has enough time to get back. |
| 80.2 : D Tiripano to Chandimal, Shortish and around off, Chandimal keeps it out. |
| 80.3 : D Tiripano to Chandimal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 80.4 : D Tiripano to Chandimal, Edgy runs! A full ball just outside off, Chandimal looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes between the slip and gully fielders. Before the fielder can chase the ball, a couple of runs are taken. |
| 80.5 : D Tiripano to Chandimal, Back of a length ball on middle, Chandimal ducks under it. |
| 80.6 : D Tiripano to Chandimal, FOUR! Cut away! Short and wide outside off, Chandimal goes back and cuts it through point for his first boundary. |
| Still no signs of the second new ball. Sean Williams to continue... |
| 81.1 : S Williams to Mathews, FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Mathews pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 81.2 : S Williams to A Mathews, Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it through mid off for a single. |
| 81.3 : S Williams to Chandimal, Full again on off, Chandimal drives it to mid off. |
| Appeal for caught and bowled has been taken upstairs. It is the umpires who have gone to the third umpire. The soft signal is not out. Did that hit straight onto the boot before looping up to the bowler? The third umpire is taking his time and he's seeing different angles (very limited technology) to find out. Flush on the boot, DC is a goner. |
| 81.4 : Williams to Chandimal, OUT! Caught! Yes, it did hit the boot straight so Chandimal has to go. Zimbabwe celebrate. Chandimal is not happy but he has to go. A fullish ball around middle and leg, Chandimal skips down the track and looks to flick but the ball takes the inside edge and then lobs towards the bowler. The Zimbabwe skipper catches it and appeals. The umpires get together and refer it upstairs with soft signal as not out. Now, the replays roll in. It looks like the ball hit the boot |
| Dhananjaya de Silva walks in next. |
| 81.5 : S Williams to Silva, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 81.6 : S Williams to Silva, ALMOST A RUN OUT! Age showing in Mathews' running. A shortish delivery around off, Dhananjaya rocks back and slaps it to deep cover. He runs the first run hard, then takes the second and turns for the third run. Mathews is very slow in completing his runs and is not matching the speed of his partner. Still, he agrees for the third run and to his good luck, the throw has come to the wrong end, towards the bowler. Had it been to the striker's end, Mathews could have been |
| 82.1 : D Tiripano to Silva, On a good length on off, Dhananjaya defends it off the back foot. |
| 82.2 : D Tiripano to de Silva, Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid on. |
| 82.3 : D Tiripano to Silva, BEATEN! Good length delivery just outside off, Dhananjaya looks to drive but misses it. |
| 82.4 : D Tiripano to Silva, Outside off, Dhananjaya shoulders arms to this one. |
| 82.5 : D Tiripano to Silva, On a good length on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot. |
| 82.6 : D Tiripano to Silva, Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 83.1 : S Williams to Silva, Tossed up delivery on off, Dhananjaya guides it towards third man for a single. |
| 83.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews defends it off the back foot. |
| 83.3 : S Williams to Mathews, Loopy delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot. |
| 83.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Floated delivery on off, Mathews punches it through point for a run. |
| 83.5 : S Williams to de Silva, Tossed up delivery outside off, Dhananjaya looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 83.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Angelo blocks it well. |
| Kyle Jarvis returns. 19-7-42-0 from him so far. He is continuing with the old ball only. A bit strange with a new batsman in the middle. They should have opted for the new cherry to test Dhananjaya. |
| 84.1 : K Jarvis to Silva, On a good length on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot. |
| 84.2 : K Jarvis to Silva, Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid on. |
| 84.3 : K Jarvis to Silva, FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Dhananjaya pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 84.4 : K Jarvis to Silva, Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid on where Prince Masvaure makes a fine stop. |
| 84.5 : K Jarvis to Silva, Outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one. |
| 84.6 : K Jarvis to de Silva, Edged but did not carry! On a fuller length and outside off, Dhananjaya looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes behind. De Silva played that with soft hands and hence it did not carry to Taylor at first slip. He does really well to dive to his left and collect the ball on one bounce. |
| 85.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Tossed up delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot. |
| 85.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it towards the leg side. |
| 85.3 : S Williams to Mathews, Floated delivery on off, Angelo punches it towards point. |
| 85.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Loopy delivery on middle, Mathews defends it off the back foot. |
| 85.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Williams bowls it down the leg side, Mathews looks to flick but misses it. |
| 85.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it to covers. |
| 86.1 : K Jarvis to Silva, Good length ball outside off, it is tapped towards gully. |
| 86.2 : K Jarvis to Silva, Length ball just outside off, de Silva looks to drive but gets a bottom edge which goes towards the bowler. |
| 86.3 : K Jarvis to Silva, Another edge, it again does not carry to Taylor at first slip. He once again does really well to field the ball with his dive to the right side. It is a fuller ball outside off, Dhananjaya looks to drive but the ball takes thick outside edge and goes towards the right side of the first slip. Taylor saves a certain boundary by diving to his right. |
| 86.4 : K Jarvis to Silva, Full ball around off, pushed to the man at covers. |
| 86.5 : K Jarvis to Silva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 86.6 : K Jarvis to Silva, Good length ball around off, it is defended. |
| Look who's running out in the middle??? It's Christopher Phiri, the reserve umpire, who has handed over the new ball to umpire Marais Erasmus. It's though parked in his pocket at the moment as Sean Williams is continuing with his spell from this end. Maybe, Phiri got fed up of holding the new ball at the fence and Zimbabwe showing zero interest in taking it. |
| 87.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Tossed up delivery on off, Mathews punches it to covers. |
| 87.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Floated delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot. |
| 87.3 : S Williams to A Mathews, Full delivery on middle, Mathews drives it towards mid on for a run. |
| 87.4 : S Williams to Silva, Tossed up delivery on off, Dhananjaya comes down the track and plays it towards the off side. |
| 87.5 : S Williams to Silva, Flighted delivery on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it off the front foot. |
| 87.6 : S Williams to Silva, Outside off, Dhananjaya does not bother to play at that. |
| Finally! In The Rock's baritone... Zimbabwe have taken the SECOND NEW BALL! Kyle Jarvis to make first use of the new nut. Two slips and a gully in place... |
| 88.1 : K Jarvis to Mathews, On a good length and outside off, Mathews shoulders arms to this one. |
| 88.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Full delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. Dhananjaya wants the second but Mathews sends him back. |
| 88.3 : K Jarvis to Silva, Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid off. |
| 88.4 : K Jarvis to Silva, FOUR! Excellent shot. Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 88.5 : K Jarvis to Silva, Outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one. |
| 88.6 : K Jarvis to Silva, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Dhananjaya looks to defend but misses it. |
| Donald Tiripano is back on. 16-3-39-1 are his figures so far. |
| 89.1 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 89.2 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Outside off, Angelo leaves it alone. |
| 89.3 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 89.4 : D Tiripano to Silva, NO BALL! Tiripano oversteps! Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it to point. |
| D Tiripano to de Silva, Short delivery on middle, Dhananjaya pulls it to mid-wicket. |
| 89.5 : D Tiripano to Silva, On a length on off, Dhananjaya punches it towards point. |
| 89.6 : D Tiripano to Silva, Outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one. |
| Drinks Break! Zimbabwe did well to keep the run scoring at check and they got the wicket of Chandimal in that process. However, Dhananjaya de Silva arrived and is looking settled while Mathews has been hardly troubled. The duo will try to take the Lankan total as close to Zimbabwe as possible. The hosts would look to take a couple or more wickets before the end of the day's play. Let's see what is in the store for us in the final hour of Day 3. |
| 90.1 : K Jarvis to Mathews, On a good length on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 90.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Outside off, Mathews shoulders arms to this one. |
| 90.3 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it towards the bowler where Jarvis makes a good stop. |
| 90.4 : K Jarvis to A Mathews, Full again on off, Mathews drives it to covers. |
| 90.5 : K Jarvis to Mathews, On a good length on off, Angelo blocks it off the front foot. |
| 90.6 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Full delivery on middle, Mathews drives it towards mid on. |
| 91.1 : D Tiripano to Silva, On a good length and outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one. |
| 91.2 : D Tiripano to Silva, Length delivery on off, Dhananjaya punches it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 91.3 : D Tiripano to Mathews, On a length on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 91.4 : D Tiripano to Silva, Good length delivery on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot. |
| 91.5 : D Tiripano to de Silva, Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid on. |
| 91.6 : D Tiripano to Silva, Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it to mid off. |
| 92.1 : K Jarvis to Mathews, BEATEN! Good shape on this one. On a good length and outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses it due to the inswing on this one. |
| 92.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, BEATEN AGAIN! Good length delivery outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses it. |
| 92.3 : K Jarvis to Mathews, On a good length on off, Mathews blocks it off the back foot. |
| 92.4 : K Jarvis to Mathews, On a length on middle, Angelo defends it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 92.5 : K Jarvis to Silva, Good length delivery on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot. |
| 92.6 : K Jarvis to Silva, Outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one. |
| 93.1 : D Tiripano to Mathews, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses it. |
| 93.2 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full delivery outside off, Mathews shoulders arms to this one. |
| 93.3 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it to covers. |
| 93.4 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full again on middle, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 93.5 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full delivery on middle, Angelo drives it towards mid on where Masvaure makes a fine stop. The batsmen still take a single. |
| 93.6 : D Tiripano to Silva, Outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one. |
| 94.1 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Play and a miss! Short delivery outside off, Mathews looks to pull but misses it. |
| 94.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Outside off, Mathews does not bother to play at that. |
| 94.3 : K Jarvis to Mathews, On a good length on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot. |
| 94.4 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Again outside off, Mathews offers no shot to this one. |
| 94.5 : K Jarvis to Mathews, On a length on middle, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 94.6 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 95.1 : D Tiripano to Silva, On a length on middle, Mathews flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 95.2 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Length delivery on off, Mathews punches it towards point. |
| 95.3 : D Tiripano to A Mathews, Full delivery on middle, Mathews drives it to mid on. |
| Happy news for Zimbabwe! Kevin Kasuza has returned after his scan and there is no concussion caused. He is still dizzy though and the follow-up test will be conducted next morning. Call on his availability for the rest of this Test match will be taken after that. |
| 95.4 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot. |
| 95.5 : D Tiripano to Mathews, FOUR! Nice shot. Length delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. The deficit is now below 100. |
| 95.6 : D Tiripano to Mathews, On a good length on off, Mathews defends it off the back foot. |
| Victor Nyauchi is back on. 21-6-36-2 are his figures so far. |
| 96.1 : V Nyauchi to Silva, On a good length on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the front foot. |
| 96.2 : V Nyauchi to Silva, Good length delivery on middle, Dhananjaya defends it off the back foot. |
| 96.3 : V Nyauchi to Silva, Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it over mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 96.4 : V Nyauchi to Silva, On a good length on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it off the front foot. |
| 96.5 : V Nyauchi to Silva, On middle, Dhananjaya keeps it out. |
| 96.6 : V Nyauchi to de Silva, Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid off. |
| Sean Williams is back on. 15-2-47-1 are his figures so far. Can he strike at least once before Stumps? |
| 97.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Tossed up delivery on middle, Mathews defends it towards short leg. |
| 97.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Flighted delivery on off, Mathews punches it towards point for a single. |
| 97.3 : S Williams to Silva, Floated delivery on middle, Dhananjaya plays it towards the off side. |
| 97.4 : S Williams to Silva, Loopy delivery on off, Dhananjaya taps it towards point. |
| 97.5 : S Williams to Silva, Flighted delivery on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it off the front foot. |
| 97.6 : S Williams to de Silva, Short delivery on middle, Dhananjaya pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs. |
| Ainsley Ndlovu is back on. 10-2-40-0 are his figures so far. |
| 98.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 98.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Tossed up delivery on off, Angelo plays it towards point. |
| 98.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Floated delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 98.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Loopy delivery on off, Mathews defends it out. |
| 98.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews makes room and punches it to point. |
| 98.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, On off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot. |
| 99.1 : Williams to Silva, FOUR! Good use of the feet. Tossed up delivery on middle, Dhananjaya comes down the track and lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary. |
| 99.2 : S Williams to Silva, Flighted delivery on off, Dhananjaya punches it to point. |
| 99.3 : S Williams to Silva, Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it through covers for a single. |
| 99.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Loopy delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 99.5 : S Williams to Silva, Driven through mid on by the batsman. |
| 99.6 : S Williams to Silva, Tossed up delivery on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot. |
| 100.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Full delivery on middle, Mathews drives it towards mid on for a run. |
| 100.2 : A Ndlovu to Silva, Tossed up delivery on off, Dhananjaya punches it towards the off side. |
| 100.3 : A Ndlovu to Silva, Floated delivery on middle, Dhananjaya punches it towards the off side. |
| 100.4 : A Ndlovu to Silva, Loopy delivery outside off, Dhananjaya looks to sweep but misses it. |
| 100.5 : A Ndlovu to Silva, Flighted delivery on middle, Dhananjaya comes down the track and drives it towards mid on for a single. |
| 100.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Tossed up delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the back foot. Just 5 overs remaining in the day. |
| 101.1 : S Williams to Silva, Short and outside off from Williams, de Silva slaps it well but straight to the man at cover-point. |
| 101.2 : S Williams to Silva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 101.3 : S Williams to Silva, Fifty-run stand is up between de Silva and Mathews. Full ball on the pads of the Dhananjaya, it is worked to fine leg for a run. |
| 101.4 : S Williams to Mathews, On middle, it is defended. |
| 101.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Loopy ball around off, Mathews works it towards the leg side. |
| 101.6 : S Williams to A Mathews, Floated ball around off, Mathews pushes it through mid off for a single. |
| 102.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Tossed up ball on off, it is defended. |
| 102.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 102.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Full and around off, Mathews pushes it to cover. |
| 102.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, FOUR! Poor delivery from Ndlovu. Full toss on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 102.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, On middle, Mathews defends it right in front of his eyes. |
| 102.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Around off again, Mathews comes forward and pushes it towards covers. |
| 103.1 : S Williams to Silva, Tossed up delivery on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot. |
| 103.2 : S Williams to Silva, Flighted delivery on off, Dhananjaya plays it to point. |
| 103.3 : S Williams to Silva, Floated delivery on middle, Dhananjaya looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. |
| 103.4 : S Williams to Silva, Loopy delivery on off, Dhananjaya taps it towards the off side. |
| 103.5 : S Williams to Silva, Floated delivery on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it well. |
| 103.6 : Williams to Silva, FOUR! Nicely played! Tossed up delivery on middle, Dhananjaya comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary. |
| 104.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Floated delivery on off, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 104.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Angelo blocks it off the back foot. |
| 104.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, FOUR! Nice shot. Short delivery on middle, Mathews pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Angelo moves into the 90s. |
| 104.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses it. |
| 104.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 104.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 105.1 : S Williams to de Silva, FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Dhananjaya pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 105.2 : S Williams to Silva, Floated delivery on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it off the front foot. |
| 105.3 : S Williams to Silva, Tossed up delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 105.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Floated delivery on off, Mathews offers a solid defensive shot on this one. |
| 105.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Another full ball around off, Mathews patiently taps it towards the leg side. |
| 105.6 : S Williams to Mathews, It's fired on the pads, Mathews keeps it out safely off his back foot. So, he will have to wait for his ton as it is STUMPS ON DAY 3! |
| End of yet another day of old-fashioned Test cricket! It was a real grind for everyone. Runs and wickets came at a premium with both teams trying their best to execute their plans and skills. With little to no support from the surface, the Zimbabwean bowlers should be credited for continuously coming hard at the batsmen and their skipper, Sean Williams was also quite enterprising with his field setting. All in all, it was a day for Test cricket purists. |
| Regarding the situation of this Test match, Sri Lanka have slowly but surely closed the gap with Zimbabwe. They concentrated on building partnerships since the morning session and managed to construct quite a few. Angelo Mathews was the nucleus around which everyone revolved. Earlier, Kusal Mendis showed a lot of patience and character in his knock but fell short of his century. His stand though put Sri Lanka on the front foot and post his departure and the flop show from Dinesh Chandimal, Dhana |
| Right then, the moving day of a Test match did move but at a snail's pace and it's tough to guess which way it's heading. Although the visitors are in a more advantageous position now. Let's hope for a far more exciting Day 4 where the Lankan batsmen show more intent. Their deficit is currently 63 runs. For Zimbabwe, they just need to stick to the basics and try their best on this lifeless pitch. Do join us on Wednesday at 1000 local (0800 GMT) for all the action. Cheers! |
| ...Day 4, Session 1... |
| On a very slow third day, Angelo Mathews led the charge for Sri Lanka with the bat. With an unbeaten 92 and an unbeaten 68-run stand with Dhananjaya de Silva, he has taken Sri Lanka's total close to the final score of Zimbabwe. With 6 wickets in hand, Sri Lanka will now look to take a decent first-innings lead and would hope that the pair of Mathews and de Silva score runs at a brisk pace too. The hosts, on the other hand, would look to take wickets in a heap and restrict the Sri Lankan charge. |
| Injury update - Kevin Kasuza, who had went off the field just before the Lunch break on Day 3, has sustained a soft tissue injury on the skull. This happened after Kasaza was struck on the back of the helmet while fielding at short leg. Reports have come in and shown that there have been no signs of concussion but he will be continuously monitored for at least a day more. |
| The Zimbabwe players are out in the middle and are taking their fielding positions. They are followed by the Sri Lankan overnight batters, Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva with the latter being on strike. Kyle Jarvis to start the proceedings on Day 4! |
| 106.1 : K Jarvis to de Silva, EDGY FOUR! Lucky runs to start the day for Sri Lanka. Jarvis dishes a full ball just around off, de Silva takes a couple of steps forward and then looks to defend. However, the ball takes the thick outside edge and races away to the third man fence, past the first slip fielder for a boundary. |
| 106.2 : K Jarvis to Silva, This is shortish and outside off, de Silva lets it be. |
| 106.3 : K Jarvis to Silva, On a good length and outside off, de Silva lets it be. The ball also keeps low as the keeper takes it. |
| 106.4 : K Jarvis to Silva, Length ball around off, de Silva taps it to point and looks for a non-existent run. He is sent back. |
| 106.5 : K Jarvis to Silva, Length delivery and on off, punched off the back foot towards covers. |
| 106.6 : K Jarvis to Silva, Back of a length ball on off, de Silva opens the face of the bat and runs it down towards the third man region. There is no one manning that region and the batsmen take three. 300 also comes up for Sri Lanka. |
| Donald Tiripano to bowl from the other end. 20-3-51-1 from him so far. |
| 107.1 : D Tiripano to Silva, Full and on off, de Silva defends it towards the leg side. |
| 107.2 : D Tiripano to Silva, Length ball on off, de Silva defends with a forward block to the off side. |
| 107.3 : D Tiripano to Silva, Tiripano strays one down the leg side. De Silva looks to flick it but misses it. The keeper dives to his left and takes a good grab. |
| 107.4 : D Tiripano to Silva, Length and on off, defended to the off side. |
| 107.5 : D Tiripano to Silva, Back of a length ball on middle and leg, de Silva looks to go for the pull but gets it off his glove. The batsmen take a single. That also brings up the 6th Test fifty for Dhanajaya de Sliva. A fine knock from him. Can he convert this into a ton? |
| 107.6 : D Tiripano to Mathews, On a good length and on off, Mathews defends it off the back foot to the off side. |
| 108.1 : K Jarvis to Silva, Too straight from Jarvis, de Silva picks it from just around middle and flicks it towards mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 108.2 : K Jarvis to de Silva, Good length ball on middle, pushed towards mid off. |
| 108.3 : K Jarvis to Silva, On off, played towards the man at cover-point. |
| 108.4 : K Jarvis to Silva, Length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 108.5 : K Jarvis to Silva, Similar delivery, left alone again. |
| 108.6 : K Jarvis to Silva, Fuller this time, de Silva pushes this one towards the man at cover. |
| 109.1 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Length ball just outside off, dabbed towards the off side. |
| 109.2 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Good length ball on middle, worked towards the man at short mid-wicket. |
| 109.3 : D Tiripano to Mathews, On off, played towards the man at cover. |
| 109.4 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Good length ball on the off pole line, defended towards the mid on region. |
| 109.5 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full ball on off, played towards the off side. |
| 109.6 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Bouncer on middle and off, Mathews stands tall and mistimes his pull a bit. The ball goes uppishly towards wide long on and the batters take a couple. |
| 110.1 : K Jarvis to Silva, Length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 110.2 : K Jarvis to Silva, Outside off, de Silva does not fiddle with it. |
| 110.3 : K Jarvis to Silva, Length ball outside off, played towards point. |
| 110.4 : K Jarvis to Silva, On off again, punched towards the off side. |
| 110.5 : K Jarvis to Silva, Almost carried that one! Good length ball outside off, de Silva has a poke at it and the ball goes off the outside edge towards the man at first slip but falls just short. Jarvis is frustrated as he finally finds an edge but it does not carry. |
| 110.6 : K Jarvis to Silva, Length ball wide outside off, Dhananjaya looks to cut at this one but the ball whizzes past his outside edge. |
| 111.1 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full and on the pads, Mathews flicks it past mid on. The fielder there gives the chase and saves a couple. The batsmen in the mean time take a couple. |
| 111.2 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Length ball outside off, Mathews is happy to let that go. |
| 111.3 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Once again on a length and outside off, Mathews lets it be. |
| 111.4 : D Tiripano to Mathews, An appeal of LBW but the umpire stays putt. Tiripano bowls one on a fuller length and brings the ball into Mathews, Angelo there lifts his bat but gets rapped on the pads. The bowler appeals loudly but the umpire is unmoved. May be Mathews was struck high on the pads. |
| 111.5 : D Tiripano to A Mathews, Full and on the pads, Angelo flicks it towards mid-wicket who misfields and the fielder from mid on has a shy at the bowler's end but misses it. The batsmen take a quick single. |
| 111.6 : D Tiripano to Silva, On a length and on off, de Silva drives it to mid on. |
| 112.1 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Length ball on the pads, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end. |
| 112.2 : K Jarvis to Silva, Good length and outside off, de Silva is happy to let that go. |
| 112.3 : K Jarvis to Silva, Back of a length ball on off, de Silva pulls it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 112.4 : Jarvis to Mathews,Loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire is not keen on it. Jarvis bowls a back of a length ball on middle, Mathews goes for the pull but misses it to get hit on the helmet. The ball lobs towards the leg side where the keeper takes the catch and goes up in appeal. The umpire is not interested and goes up stairs to check. The replays roll in and it shows that the ball hit the helmet and then lobbed towards the leg side. As the replays are inconclusive the on field dec |
| 112.5 : K Jarvis to Mathews, A play and a miss! This is nice line and length from Jarvis. He bowls it just outside off and makes Mathews play at it. However, as Mathews looks to drive, the ball shapes away and beats the outside edge. |
| 112.6 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Very full ball on middle, Mathews strokes it to mid on. |
| 113.1 : D Tiripano to Silva, This is angled into the batter, de Silva stays back and keeps it out. |
| 113.2 : D Tiripano to Silva, Shorter and around off, de Silva guides it to the man at gully. |
| 113.3 : D Tiripano to Silva, Outside off, de Silva throws his bat at it away from the body but gets an inside edge towards the left of the keeper. |
| 113.4 : D Tiripano to Silva, Fuller in length and on middle, this is worked towards mid on. |
| 113.5 : D Tiripano to Silva, A single as de Silva works it through square leg. |
| 113.6 : D Tiripano to Mathews, On middle, it straightens a touch. Mathews looks to work it on the leg side but it goes off a soft leading edge towards covers. |
| 114.1 : K Jarvis to de Silva, Fuller and on off, de Silva strokes it to mid off. |
| 114.2 : K Jarvis to de Silva, Shorter and on middle, de Silva pulls it through mid-wicket for one. |
| 114.3 : K Jarvis to A Mathews, Shortish again and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one. He moves onto 99. |
| 114.4 : K Jarvis to Silva, Good length and on off, de Silva stays back and keeps it out nicely. |
| 114.5 : K Jarvis to Silva, A little too straight, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. |
| 114.6 : K Jarvis to Mathews, 100 for Angelo Mathews! A knock played with a lot of patience. His 10th in this format. Off comes the helmet and up the bat is raised. Soaks in the applause from the crowd and his teammates. He gets there by working this ball on middle towards square leg for one. Milestone reached, he would probably look to up the ante now. |
| 115.1 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Shorter and around off, this is pushed towards mid on. |
| 115.2 : D Tiripano to A Mathews, Full and on off, driven straight towards mid on. |
| 115.3 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full and once again on off, Mathews defends it off the inside half of his bat to the leg side. |
| 115.4 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full and angled into the pads, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 115.5 : D Tiripano to Silva, Back of a length and on off, Mathews pulls it past the man at forward short leg for a couple. |
| 115.6 : D Tiripano to Silva, Good length and on off, de Silva punches it off the back foot. The batsmen take a single. |
| Victor Nyauchi is on! He has two wickets so far, Zimbabwe would love for him to take another. |
| 116.1 : V Nyauchi to Silva, FOUR! Full and outside off, de Silva latches onto it as he drives it uppishly through covers. The ball goes towards the deep cover fence for a boundary. |
| 116.2 : V Nyauchi to Silva, OUT! CAUGHT! Nyauchi has done it for his team. He was called for breaking this stand and he delivers it. De Silva would be disappointed. Victor bowls a full ball on off and de Silva looks to go downtown but he can only manage to chip it to the man at mid on where Prince takes an easiest of the catches. The 98-run stand is finally broken and Zimbabwe would see it as the slightest of the opening to wrap up the Lankan innings now. |
| Niroshan Dickwella walks in to bat. |
| 116.3 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Full and on off, Dickwella taps it to mid on. |
| 116.4 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Another full ball on off, Dickwella defends it to mid on. |
| 116.5 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Full and on middle, Niroshan flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 116.6 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Another full ball on the pads, Dickwella flicks it to the man at mid-wicket. |
| Ainsley Ndlovu is on now. 14-2-52-0 from him so far. |
| 117.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flatter and shorter one on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler. |
| 117.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Another short ball outside off, this time Mathews goes back and punches it to deep cover for a single. |
| 117.3 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Full and around off, it is defended. |
| 117.4 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Quicker one on middle, Dickwella pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 117.5 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Full ball outside off, Dickwella sweeps it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 117.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Short and on off again, Mathews plays is to long off for a run. |
| 118.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full ball just outside off, pushed to mid off. |
| 118.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Length ball outside off, this time Mathews shoulders arms. |
| 118.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Flicked nicely! A full ball on middle, Mathews whips it towards wide of long on. The outfield is very slow and hence it cannot reach to the fence. Three taken. |
| 118.4 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Shortish and around off, Dickwella taps it towards the off side. |
| 118.5 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Full and around off, pushed to mid off. |
| 118.6 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Full ball outside off, Dickwella creams the drive but it goes straight to the man at cover-point. |
| DRINKS! 36 runs have come in the first hour of the play on Day 4 but they have lost Dhananjaya de Silva in the process. The good thing for the Lankan lions is that their old war horse Mathews is still there after reaching his ton and they would hope he bats deep and long to take a strong lead for his team. The Zimbabwean bowlers would be happy with their effort but they would have been happier to see the back of both the set batsmen. Interesting play on the other side of the drinks break awaits |
| 119.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Short and just outside off, Mathews cuts but straight to point. |
| 119.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Full and on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler. |
| 119.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flatter and around off, defended towards the off side. |
| 119.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Quicker and shorter, Mathews cuts again but it is straight to the fielder again. |
| 119.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flighted and around off, it is defended. |
| 119.6 : A Ndlovu to A Mathews, Full and on middle, it is pushed towards mid off. |
| 120.1 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Good length ball around off, Dickwella taps it towards point. |
| 120.2 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Length ball around off, it is defended. |
| 120.3 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Fuller and around off, Dickwella keeps it out lunging forward. |
| 120.4 : V Nyauchi to N Dickwella, Driven nicely and three taken! Very good shot but once again the outfield costs Sri Lanka a run. That should've been gone to the fence on any other ground. A very full ball outside off, Dickwella leans into the drive and creams it through the covers. The ball races towards the fence but eventually stops well before the ropes. |
| 120.5 : V Nyauchi to A Mathews, Full again and on middle for the right-hander. Mathews pushes it to mid on. |
| 120.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, An absolute jaffa to end the over! Mathews is a lucky man. A length ball around off, it spits off the surface as Mathews looks to defend. The ball bounces extra and goes past the outside edge. |
| 121.1 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella punches it down the ground towards long on for a run. |
| 121.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, A run of a misfield. Mathews punches this full ball past the the bowler. The fielder, Sean Williams comes around from mid off to field the ball but he misfields. The ball goes wide of him. He recovers well to gather the ball and throws the ball blindly towards the bowler's end. The batsmen have taken off for a run and in the process Mathews loses his bat. The ball also misses the stumps and Mathews makes it easily inside the crease. |
| 121.3 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Full and on off, flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 121.4 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, On middle, it is tucked towards mid-wicket. |
| 121.5 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Fires it outside off on a fuller length, Dickwell looks to sweep but misses. |
| 121.6 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Shortish one around off, this is pushed towards mid-wicket off the back foot. |
| 122.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Good length ball on the off side, defended. |
| 122.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Closer to the off pole line, defended onto the pitch now. |
| 122.3 : V Nyauchi to A Mathews, Full ball on off, Mathews has played that one towards mid off but it goes uppishly. However, it falls short of the man there. |
| 122.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 122.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, On middle, pushed towards the man at mid on. |
| 122.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, On off, played towards the man at point. |
| 123.1 : A Ndlovu to A Mathews, DROPPED! Mathews given a life. Flighted on off, Mathews looks to cut this off the back foot but there is no room for this shot. Still he goes for it and gets an outside edge. The ball goes past the first slip fielder. |
| 123.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Another tossed up ball on off, Mathews punches it through covers for a run. |
| 123.3 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Full on off, Dickwella paddles it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 123.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Mathews punches this flatter one down the ground for a single. |
| 123.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Once again gloated on off, Mathews pushes it through covers for a single |
| 123.6 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Full and on off, Dickwella defends it off the back foot. |
| 124.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full ball on off, Mathews punches the ball back to the bowler. |
| 124.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Mathews punches this length ball outside off through covers for a single. |
| 124.3 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Full and on the pads, Dickwella looks to flick it off his pads but fails to lay bat on ball. The ball raps him on the pads and the bowler goes up in appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 124.4 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Full on off, defended to covers. |
| 124.5 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Full and on off, driven to mid off. |
| 124.6 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Once again on a length and Dickwella punches it to covers. |
| 125.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Tossed up on off, defended back to the bowler. |
| 125.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Once again floated on off, Mathews pushes it to covers. |
| 125.3 : A Ndlovu to A Mathews, Flighted on off, Mathews drives this to mid off. |
| 125.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Full on the pads, Mathews drives this through mid on for a run. |
| 125.5 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Dickwella defends this full ball towards mid on. |
| 125.6 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Dickwella once again punches this full ball towards mid-wicket. |
| 126.1 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Length ball outside off, Mathews lets it be. |
| 126.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, On a good length and on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot towards mid on. |
| 126.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Length and in the channel of uncertainty. Mathews has a feel for it but luckily the ball goes past the outside edge. |
| 126.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, On a length and on off, Mathews defends it to covers off the front foot. |
| 126.5 : V Nyauchi to A Mathews, FOUR! Nyauchi in search of a yorker dishes out a full ball on the pads. Mathews adjusts well and drives it straight down the ground. The ball races to the fence at long on for a boundary. |
| 126.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Once again full and on off, Mathews defends it to silly mid on. |
| 127.1 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella pushes it off the back foot towards long on for a single. |
| 127.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Full and on the pads, Mathews flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 127.3 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Dickwella drives it towards covers for a run. |
| 127.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, This time Mathews punches this full ball towards covers. |
| 127.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flatter and on off, Mathews goes for the cut. But there is no room for it and he manages an inside edge which bounces in front of the stumps and then bounces over it. Lucky for Mathews that he did not chop that one onto the stumps. |
| 127.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Full on middle, Mathews drives it to mid on. |
| 128.1 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Length and onoff, Dickwella defends it to covers off the front foot. |
| 128.2 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Full and on the pads, Dickwella flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 128.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Mathews punches this full ball off the back foot to covers. |
| 128.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Mathews this time plays a free flowing drive off this full ball but finds the fielder at covers to perfection. |
| 128.5 : V Nyauchi to A Mathews, Once again Mathews drives this length ball but straight to covers. |
| 128.6 : V Nyauchi to A Mathews, Full and on off, Mathews drives only to get an inside edge past the stumps. The ball rolls towards fine leg for a single. |
| 129.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Mathews taps one towards point and takes a single. |
| 129.2 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Dickwella premeditates the reverse sweep off the full ball but finds short third man. |
| 129.3 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Floated on middle, Dickwella flicks it to find mid-wicket. |
| 129.4 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella works it towards square leg and gets to the other end. |
| 129.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, FOUR! Flatter and shorter outside off, Mathews punches this through point and the ball races to the fence for a boundary. |
| 129.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Full and on off, Mathews drives it straight to mid on. |
| Sikandar Raza comes into the attack for the first time on Day 4. 5-0-28-0 from him so far. |
| 130.1 : S Raza to Dickwella, Flatter ball outside off, Dickwella guides it late towards third man and picks a couple. With, Sri Lanka now have taken a lead. |
| 130.2 : S Raza to Dickwella, Short and around off, Dickwella pushes it towards cover for a run. |
| 130.3 : S Raza to Mathews, Fires it on the pads, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 130.4 : S Raza to Mathews, Loopy ball on middle, Mathews tucks it towards short fine leg for a single. |
| 130.5 : S Raza to Dickwella, On middle, it is defended towards the leg side. |
| 130.6 : S Raza to Dickwella, Short and around off, defended. |
| Sean Williams to bowl now. |
| 131.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Floated ball on the middle, worked towards mid-wicket for one. |
| 131.2 : S Williams to Dickwella, Tossed up on middle, pushed towards mid on. |
| 131.3 : S Williams to Dickwella, On off, defended back towards the bowler. |
| 131.4 : S Williams to Dickwella, On middle, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 131.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Loopy on middle, defended back to the bowler. |
| 131.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Floated on off, pushed towards the man at cover for a single. Mathews will retain strike for the next over. |
| 132.1 : S Raza to Mathews, Tossed up on middle, Mathews tucks it to square leg. |
| 132.2 : S Raza to Mathews, Flatter on middle, Mathews punches it off the back foot towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 132.3 : S Raza to Dickwella, Full and on off, Dickwella taps it to point. |
| 132.4 : S Raza to Dickwella, Full and on the pads, Dickwella tucks it to square leg. |
| 132.5 : S Raza to Dickwella, Full and on off, Dickwella punches it to mid off. |
| 132.6 : S Raza to Dickwella, Full on the leg stump, Dickwella paddles it fine down the leg side for a couple. |
| 133.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Tossed up ball on off, Mathews defends it solidly off the front foot. |
| 133.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Flatter and on middle, Mathews works it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 133.3 : S Williams to Dickwella, Floated on middle, Dickwella flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 133.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Flatter on off, Mathews punches the ball off the back foot towards mid off. |
| 133.5 : S Williams to A Mathews, Full outside off, Mathews punches the ball past mid off and gets to the other end. |
| 133.6 : S Williams to Dickwella, Floated on middle, Dickwella keeps it out off the back foot. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 4! |
| Another session which went along at a snail's pace. Sri Lanka did manage to get the lead but once again they did not show a lot of intent to score quickly. Mathews despite getting to his ton has gone along slowly. Dhananjaya de Silva did try to up the ante after getting to his half ton but perished. However, Sri Lanka will probably be thinking to come out after Lunch and then give it a go. It will be interesting to see their approach after the break. Zimbabwe on the other hand, need to continue |
| ... Day 4, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the afternoon session. The two Lankan batters, Angelo Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella walk out to the middle. The Zimbabwe players are out in the middle already. Kyle Jarvis to start with the ball in this session as well. |
| 134.1 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Edgy start to the session! Jarvis bowls a full ball on off, swinging away from Mathews.. Angelo goes for the drive but the ball goes off the outside edge through the empty point region and the batters take a couple. |
| 134.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off. |
| 134.3 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Length ball on middle and off, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 134.4 : K Jarvis to A Mathews, Back of a length ball on middle, pulled towards the man at square leg for one. |
| 134.5 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, Good length ball on off, played towards the man at point for one. |
| 134.6 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Length ball on middle, punched back towards the bowler. The man from mid on runs to his left and cuts it off. |
| Sean Williams to bowl from the other end. 22-2-73-1, his figures so far. |
| 135.1 : S Williams to Dickwella, Floated on middle and off, defended by Dickwella. |
| 135.2 : S Williams to Dickwella, On off, Dickwella prods forward and defends. |
| 135.3 : S Williams to Dickwella, Williams drags his length back and Dickwella punches this off the back foot towards cover. |
| 135.4 : S Williams to Dickwella, On the pads now, Dickwella flicks it towards square leg for a single. With this single, the 50-run stand comes up between Dickwella and Mathews. They need to up the run-rate now. |
| 135.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Floated on off, pushed to the man at mid off. |
| 135.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Loopy delivery around off, Mathews defends off the front foot. |
| 136.1 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, FOUR! Well played! Bouncer on the off side, it is a slower one. Dickwella just opens the face of his bat and guides this one over the slip cordon and the ball trudges into the third man fence. |
| 136.2 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, Good comeback by Jarvis as he bowls a length ball around the off pole line. Dickwella stands tall and defends. |
| 136.3 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, Another length ball just outside off, played towards the man at gully. |
| 136.4 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, Full ball on off, defended towards cover. This match has started to look like a practice match for Sri Lanka as they continue to defend and play without any intent. |
| 136.5 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 136.6 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, Back of a length ball on middle, pulled towards square leg for a single. |
| 137.1 : S Williams to Dickwella, Down the leg side, Dickwella paddles it fine down the leg side for a single. |
| 137.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Floated on middle and leg, defended back towards the bowler. |
| 137.3 : S Williams to Mathews, On the pads of Mathews, he works it down the leg side. |
| 137.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Mathews defends. |
| 137.5 : S Williams to Mathews, On off, blocked out. |
| 137.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Williams drags his length back on middle, Mathews goes onto the back foot and defends. |
| 138.1 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off. |
| 138.2 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, Length ball on middle, defended back towards the bowler. |
| 138.3 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, Length ball just outside off, defended towards the man at cover. |
| 138.4 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, Good length ball around the middle and off pole line, defended towards the man at mid on. |
| 138.5 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, Fuller ball on off, pushed towards the man at cover. |
| 138.6 : K Jarvis to Dickwella, Another full ball, angling into Dickwella, he defends it towards the off side. |
| 139.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Williams bowls a flatter delivery just outside off, defended towards the off side. |
| 139.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Another quicker and shorter delivery on middle, Mathews plays it towards the man at mid-wicket. |
| 139.3 : S Williams to A Mathews, Floated on middle now, pushed towards the man at mid on. |
| 139.4 : S Williams to Mathews, On the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 139.5 : S Williams to Dickwella, On the pads of Niroshan, he flicks it towards the man at mid-wicket. |
| 139.6 : S Williams to Dickwella, Floated ball on middle and leg, Dickwella sweeps it fine down the leg side for a couple. |
| 140.1 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Outside off, played towards cover. |
| 140.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Fuller ball on off, pushed towards the man at cover. |
| 140.3 : K Jarvis to A Mathews, Similar delivery, pushed to the man at mid off this time. |
| 140.4 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Good length ball outside off, Mathews looks to punch but the ball goes off the inside edge and onto the pitch. |
| 140.5 : K Jarvis to A Mathews, Length ball on off, Mathews plays it towards the man at short cover where he dives and makes the stop. |
| 140.6 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Length ball outside off again, Mathews plays it towards point for a single. |
| 141.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Shortish ball on middle, played towards long on. |
| 141.2 : S Williams to Mathews, On the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 141.3 : S Williams to Dickwella, Dickwella flicks this floated ball on the pads towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 141.4 : S Williams to Mathews, On off, blocked out. |
| 141.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Floated delivery on middle, played towards the fielder at silly mid on. |
| 141.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Mathews plays it towards the man at mid on again. The game going at a snail's pace. |
| Donald Tiripano is back on. 25-3-62-1 from him so far. |
| 142.1 : D Tiripano to Dickwella, Beautiful! Full delivery wide outside off, Dickwella creams it through the cover region but gets just a couple due to the slow outfield. |
| 142.2 : D Tiripano to Dickwella, Length ball on off, played towards point for a single. |
| 142.3 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Good length ball on middle, defended back towards the bowlers. |
| 142.4 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full ball on middle, defended out. |
| 142.5 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Down the leg side, Mathews looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. |
| 142.6 : D Tiripano to Mathews, On off, defended solidly towards the cover-point region. |
| 143.1 : S Williams to N Dickwella, Floated on middle, pushed down towards mid on for a single. |
| 143.2 : S Williams to Mathews, On the pads, tickled fine down the leg side and the batters take three as the fielder mops it up. |
| 143.3 : S Williams to Dickwella, Flatter delivery outside off, Dickwella cuts through the gap at point. The ball does not have the legs to cross the ropes and the batters take three as the fielder mops it up. |
| 143.4 : S Williams to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 143.5 : S Williams to A Mathews, Tossed up delivery on middle, pushed towards mid off. |
| 143.6 : S Williams to Mathews, FOUR! Wonderful! Finally it looks like Sri Lanka have decided to kick-on. Floated delivery on off, Mathews lofts this one over the cover region for a boundary. 11 runs come off the over. 400 runs also come up for Sri Lanka! |
| 144.1 : D Tiripano to Dickwella, Length ball on off, defended towards the off side. |
| 144.2 : D Tiripano to Dickwella, Full ball on off, played towards the man at mid on. |
| 144.3 : D Tiripano to Dickwella, Length ball outside off, played towards the point region for a single. |
| 144.4 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Good length ball just outside off, driven towards the man at mid off. |
| 144.5 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full ball just around off, defended solidly. |
| 144.6 : D Tiripano to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Sikandar Raza is back on. 7-0-35-0 from him so far. |
| 145.1 : S Raza to Dickwella, Floated on off, Dickwella looks to go for the cut but the ball bounces a bit extra to beat the outside edge. The keeper too fails to gather it cleanly. |
| 145.2 : S Raza to Dickwella, Full and on off, defended off the front foot by Dickwella. |
| 145.3 : S Raza to Dickwella, Flatter and outside off, Dickwella steers it past point for a couple. |
| 145.4 : S Raza to Dickwella, Full ball on the pads, Dickwella sweeps it to find short fine leg. |
| 145.5 : S Raza to Dickwella, Dickwella drives it to the left of the bowler who fields it in his follow through. |
| 145.6 : S Raza to Dickwella, Flatter and on off, Dickwella cuts it to point. |
| 146.1 : D Tiripano to A Mathews, Short ball on middle, Mathews pulls it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end. |
| 146.2 : D Tiripano to Dickwella, Fuller one on off, Dickwella drives it to mid on. |
| 146.3 : D Tiripano to Dickwella, Length ball on off, defended to covers off the front foot. |
| 146.4 : D Tiripano to Dickwella, Length delivery outside off, Dickwella taps it to point. |
| 146.5 : D Tiripano to Dickwella, Dickwella opens the face of the bat and steers this length ball outside off past point. A run added to the total. |
| 146.6 : D Tiripano to A Mathews, Mathews drives this full ball towards mid on and hares for a quick single. |
| 147.1 : S Raza to Mathews, Flatter on middle and leg, Mathews works it to short fine leg. |
| 147.2 : S Raza to Mathews, Full on the pads, Mathews tucks it past mid-wicket for a run. With this the Sri Lankan lead also reaches 50! |
| 147.3 : S Raza to Dickwella, Tossed up on middle, Dickwella defends it solidly. |
| 147.4 : S Raza to Dickwella, Dickwella drives this tossed up ball past mid on for a single. |
| 147.5 : S Raza to Mathews, Mathews tucks this full ball off his pads to the leg side. |
| 147.6 : S Raza to Mathews, Mathews works this full ball off his pads towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 148.1 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Length ball outside off, Mathews taps it towards the bowler. |
| 148.2 : D Tiripano to Mathews, EDGED AND FOUR! Full and wide outside off, Mathews goes for an expansive drive but manages to get a thick outside edge on it. The ball flies between the first slip and the fielder at point and meets the fence at third man. That also brings up the 150 for the fighting Mathews. |
| 148.3 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Mathews once again looks to go for the drive but misses it as the ball goes past the outside edge. |
| 148.4 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Mathews does what he has been doing all day. He blocks this fuller one off the front foot. |
| 148.5 : D Tiripano to Mathews,Once again Mathews is solid in defense on this length ball outside off. |
| 148.6 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Mathews sees off the over once again with a solid front foot defense. |
| Drinks! |
| 149.1 : S Raza to Dickwella, FOUR! Shorter in length and outside off, Dickwella rocks on the back foot and cuts it powerfully past point for a boundary. |
| 149.2 : S Raza to Dickwella, Full and on middle, Dickwella drives it towards mid on for a run. |
| 149.3 : S Raza to Mathews, Mathews plays one towards point and looks for a run but is sent back in time by Dickwella. |
| 149.4 : S Raza to A Mathews, Mathews once again plays it off the front foot towards mid on. |
| 149.5 : S Raza to Mathews, Full on the pads, Mathews tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 149.6 : S Raza to Mathews, Flatter on off, Mathews punches it to the off side off the back foot. |
| Victor Nyauchi returns. 29-6-56-3 are his numbers so far. |
| 150.1 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Length ball on off, Dickwella defends it off the front foot. |
| 150.2 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Back of a length and outside off, Dickwella defends it towards covers off the back foot. |
| 150.3 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Good length and on off, Dickwella drives it to covers. |
| 150.4 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 150.5 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, DROPPED! A chance goes abegging here as Craig Ervine drops one at cover. Dickwella drives this full ball towards covers but fails to keep it down. The ball goes uppishly towards Ervine at short cover. He goes for the catch but fails to hold onto it as the ball pops out of his hands. Unlucky for the bowler there. Dickwella gets a life. Can he up the ante here? |
| 150.6 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Full once again this time Dickwella drives it straight towards mid off. |
| Ainsley Ndlovu is back on. 21-3-70-0 from him so far. |
| 151.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Flighted fuller ball around off, Mathews comes forward and keeps it out. |
| 151.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Full and just outside off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 151.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, On middle, it is defended. |
| 151.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Quicker one on middle, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 151.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Loppy ball around off, Mathews comes forward and keeps it out. |
| 151.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Quick single! Fires it outside off on a fuller length, pushed towards point and a run is taken. |
| 152.1 : V Nyauchi to A Mathews, FOUR! Nyauchi overpitches and Mathews takes the full toll of it. He drives this fuller one through covers and the ball goes for a boundary. |
| 152.2 : V Nyauchi to A Mathews, FOUR! Have Sri Lanka finally upped the ante here? Mathews once again drives this length ball through covers and the ball races to the fence in no time. 100-run stand is up between the two Lankan batsmen and now one would assume that they will look to shift gears. |
| 152.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full ball around off, this time Mathews pushes it to the man at mid off. |
| 152.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Shortish ball around off, Mathews taps it towards point. |
| 152.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full and around off, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 152.6 : V Nyauchi to A Mathews, Full and around off, it is defended. 8 from the over. |
| 153.1 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Flatter delivery on middle, played towards mid on. |
| 153.2 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Another flatter delivery is played towards the man at mid on. |
| 153.3 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Niroshan comes down the ground and plays this ball back towards the bowler. |
| 153.4 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Floated ball on off, driven through the cover region for a single. |
| 153.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 153.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Mathews prods forward and defends this one off the front foot. |
| 154.1 : V Nyauchi to Dickwella, Played to the point region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 154.2 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Mathews again goes back to his tried and tested formula of defending the length ball off the back foot. |
| 154.3 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Full on the pads, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 154.4 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Length ball on off, Mathews looks to tuck it to the leg side but gets an outside edge and the ball rolls towards point. |
| 154.5 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, FOUR! Exquisite timing on it. Mathews is oozing class here. He drives this full ball outside off through covers as the ball meets the rope at the boundary. |
| 154.6 : V Nyauchi to Mathews, Defended off the front foot with full face of the bat. |
| 155.1 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Dickwella defends this tossed up ball towards the off side. |
| 155.2 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, This time he drives this tossed up ball to mid on. |
| 155.3 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Full on middle, Dickwella sweeps to get a top edge towards fine leg. The batsmen take a single. |
| 155.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Defended off the front foot to the off side. |
| 155.5 : A Ndlovu to A Mathews, FOUR! Mathews gets a boundary courtesy of the fielder there. Mathews cuts this short one off the the back foot past point. The fielder from point gives the chase and is able to save a run for his team. Hold on, He gathers the ball while still his feet is over the ropes. The umpire goes upstairs to confirm and then signals it as a boundary. |
| 155.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Tossed up on off, Mathews pushes it through covers for a single. |
| Sikandar Raza is back on. |
| 156.1 : S Raza to Mathews, Fired on middle, Mathews tucks it towards squre leg and takes a run, |
| 156.2 : S Raza to Dickwella, FIFTY UP FOR DICKWELLA! His 15th in Tests. Full down the leg side, Dickwella sweeps it to fine leg and bags a brace. He will now look to take on the bowlers and score quick runs before the Tea break. |
| 156.3 : S Raza to N Dickwella, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 156.4 : S Raza to Dickwella, Flighted ball on off, Dickwella comes forward and pushes it to the man at covers. |
| 156.5 : S Raza to Dickwella, On middle, Dickwella works it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 156.6 : S Raza to Mathews, Full and on middle, Mathews flicks but finds mid-wicket. |
| 157.1 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, FOUR! Played with authority there. Dickwella sweeps this full ball through square leg and the ball meets the fence in no time. The fielders there are mere spectators. |
| 157.2 : A Ndlovu to N Dickwella, Full on middle, driven to mid on. |
| 157.3 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Dickwella plays the sweep again but finds the man at square leg. |
| 157.4 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Niroshan drives this tossed up ball to long on for a single. |
| 157.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Mathews punches this full ball through covers and gets to the other end. |
| 157.6 : A Ndlovu to N Dickwella, Dickwella once again comes down the track and drives this full ball towards long on and takes a couple. |
| 158.1 : S Raza to A Mathews, Tossed up around middle and leg, Mathews drives it to mid on. |
| 158.2 : S Raza to Mathews, Mathews works this full ball towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 158.3 : S Raza to N Dickwella, Dickwella drives this full ball towards mid off. |
| 158.4 : S Raza to Dickwella, Dickwella plays the sweep but cannot pierce the field at square leg. |
| 158.5 : S Raza to N Dickwella, Full on middle and leg, Dickwella pushes it to mid on. |
| 158.6 : S Raza to Dickwella, Dickwella pushes this tossed up ball through mid on for a single. |
| 159.1 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Tossed up on the pads, Dickwella tucks it to square leg for a single. |
| 159.2 : A Ndlovu to A Mathews, Fired up on middle, Mathews drives it to mid on. |
| BREAKING - Kevin Kasuza who had been hit on the head while fielding will take no further part in this game due to concussion. Zimbabwe are yet to announce a replacement for him. |
| 159.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Full on off, Mathews taps it to point for a single. |
| 159.4 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Sri Lanka lead by 100! Dickwella drives this full ball through covers but the ball has no legs to reach the fence and the batsmen take a couple. |
| 159.5 : A Ndlovu to Dickwella, Full on the pads, Dickwella works it to the leg side for a single. |
| 159.6 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Once again fired up on the pads, Mathews works it to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 160.1 : S Raza to Mathews, Tossed up on off, Mathews taps it to mid on. |
| 160.2 : S Raza to Mathews, Mathews tucks this full ball towards short fine leg and takes off for a quick single. The fielder there has a shy at the striker's end but misses it. A run in the end. |
| 160.3 : S Raza to Dickwella, OUT! LBW! A wicket finally. Dickwella falls playing the shot he has been playing all day today. He goes for the sweep on this full ball but is way early into the shot as the ball beats him to rap him on the pads. As soon as the ball hits the pad the bowler goes up in appeal and later the team joins in. The umpire has a look at it and finally raises the finger. So another wicket goes down for Sri Lanka but they continue to steer their innings in the same old way. |
| Suranga Lakmal walks in next. |
| 160.4 : S Raza to Lakmal, Full on the pads, Lakmal defends it off the front foot. |
| 160.5 : S Raza to Lakmal, Once again Lakmal is happy to defend this off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 160.6 : S Raza to Lakmal, Lakmal works this tossed up ball through mid-wicket and takes a couple as the fielder in the deep mops it up. |
| Sean Williams is back on. |
| 161.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Full and on off, it is defended. |
| 161.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Full and on middle this time, Mathews strokes it to long on for a single. |
| 161.3 : S Williams to Lakmal, Another very full ball on middle, it is defended. |
| 161.4 : S Williams to Lakmal, Quicker and shorter outside off, Lakmal looks to drive but mistimes it towrds mid on. |
| 161.5 : S Williams to Lakmal, Short and outside off, Lakmal looks to cut but his misses. |
| 161.6 : S Williams to Lakmal, Full and around off, Lakmal keeps it out lunging forward. |
| 162.1 : S Raza to Mathews, On the pads, this is tucked towards square leg. |
| 162.2 : S Raza to Mathews, Floated on off and middle, Mathews defends it out. |
| 162.3 : S Raza to Mathews, Around off, Mathews pushes it towards covers and takes a run. |
| 162.4 : S Raza to S Lakmal, Very full ball on off, Lakmal keeps it out. |
| 162.5 : S Raza to Lakmal, Full and outside off, Lakmal pushes it towards covers where the fielder misfields and a run is taken. |
| 162.6 : S Raza to Mathews, Another full ball around off, Mathews defends it out. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 4! |
| A better session for us viewers! Sri Lanka did show a little intent of scoring quickly! 96 runs is what they managed to hit in this session and have stretched their lead to a little over a 100. They did lose Dickwella once he got to his fifty but Mathews is still out there. It will be interesting to see how many more runs will Sri Lanka want to score, when will they declare? Too many questions and we would probably get the answers in the next session. |
| ... Day 4, Final session ... |
| We are back for the final session of Day 4. The Zimbabwe players are out on the field and are followed by Angelo Mathews and Suranga Lakmal. Sean Williams will start the session with the ball. |
| 163.1 : S Williams to Lakmal, Williams floats the first ball around off and on a fuller length, Lakamal keeps it out. |
| 163.2 : S Williams to Lakmal, Around off again, it is defended. |
| 163.3 : S Williams to Lakmal, SIX! Hammered! This should confirm the way the Sri Lankans will bat in this session. A flighted ball around off, Lakmal skips down the track and slams it over long off for a biggie. |
| 163.4 : S Williams to Lakmal, Full and on off, it is defended. |
| 163.5 : S Williams to Lakmal, Fires it full and on middle, Lakmal looks to defend but the ball takes an outside edge and hits the keeper low on the pads. |
| 163.6 : S Williams to Lakmal, Flatter and around off, Lakmal keeps it out. |
| Donald Tiripano to start from the other end. |
| 164.1 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full ball around off from Tiripano, Mathews drives it to mid off. |
| 164.2 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Back of a length ball on middle, Mathews pulls it to deep square leg for a run. |
| 164.3 : D Tiripano to Lakmal, Full and around off, Lakmal keeps it out coming forward. |
| 164.4 : D Tiripano to Lakmal, Slightly short and around off and middle, it is angled into the batter. Lakmal does well to block it off the back foot. |
| 164.5 : D Tiripano to Lakmal, Full and around off again, it is defended. |
| 164.6 : D Tiripano to Lakmal, Short and outside off, Lakmal pulls it to deep square leg for a run. Just 2 from the over. |
| 165.1 : S Williams to Lakmal, Flatter one around off, Lamkal comes forward and pushes it to the man at cover. |
| 165.2 : S Williams to Lakmal, Slightly shortish and around off, Lakmal looks to cut but under edges it towards the keeper. |
| 165.3 : S Williams to Lakmal, Shortish and on middle, Lakmal stays on the back foot and pushes it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 165.4 : S Williams to Mathews, Short and outside off, Mathews cuts but straight to the man at point. |
| 165.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Full and on middle, Mathews this time finds the mid on fielder to his push. |
| 165.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Around off on a length, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 166.1 : D Tiripano to Lakmal, Full ball on middle, it is flicked to long on for a run. |
| 166.2 : D Tiripano to Mathews, SIX! Tonked! Brilliantly timed! Length ball around off, Mathews just lofts the ball over mid on and it sails over the long on fence. |
| 166.3 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Shortish length around off, it is defended. |
| 166.4 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Landed on middle on a length, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 166.5 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Length ball on off, it is pushed towards covers. |
| 166.6 : D Tiripano to Mathews, Full ball on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler. |
| 167.1 : S Williams to Lakmal, Shortish ball outside off, Lakmal punches it towards cover-point and a single is taken. |
| 167.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Flatter one on middle, Mathews tucks it towards square leg with gentle hands and they steal another single. |
| 167.3 : S Williams to Lakmal, Full and down the leg side, Lakmal flicks it to fine leg for a couple of runs. |
| 167.4 : S Williams to Lakmal, On off, Lakmal keeps it out. |
| 167.5 : S Williams to Lakmal, Loopy ball on middle and leg, Lakmal looks to loft it over long on but mistimes it. He does not make a clean connection and the ball goes to long on for a single. |
| 167.6 : S Williams to Mathews, Full ball on middle, Mathews flicks it but the man at mid-wicket makes an excellent stop with a dive to his left. |
| Kyle Jarvis comes on now. 34-12-77-0 are his figures so far. |
| 168.1 : K Jarvis to Lakmal, Length ball outside off, Lakmal cuts it to deep point for a run. |
| 168.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Down the leg side, Mathews looks to flick but misses. That wasn't too far from the leg pole. |
| 168.3 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Length ball on off, Mathews comes forward and defends it nicely. |
| 168.4 : K Jarvis to A Mathews, Short ball outside off, Mathews pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 168.5 : K Jarvis to Lakmal, Full ball outside off, Lakmal looks to drive but misses. Lucky not to get an edge on that one. |
| 168.6 : K Jarvis to Lakmal, Beaten again! This is brilliant stuff from Jarvis. He has been toiling hard without any luck. He bowls another length ball just outside off, Lakmal without any feet movement looks to drive but misses. |
| Ainsley Ndlovu comes on now. |
| 169.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Tossed up on off, tucked to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 169.2 : A Ndlovu to Lakmal, Lakmal looks to defend it to the off side but the ball takes the inside edge and goes onto the pads. |
| 169.3 : A Ndlovu to Lakmal, Full on off, Lakmal flicks it to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 169.4 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Once again, Mathews works this full ball towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 169.5 : A Ndlovu to Lakmal, Lakmal defends this full ball to the off side. |
| 169.6 : A Ndlovu to Lakmal, Floated ball on off, Lakmal dances down the track and looks to go downtown but manages to get it towards long on for a single. |
| 170.1 : K Jarvis to Lakmal, On the pads, it is worked around the corner for one. |
| 170.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 170.3 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Just short! Fuller and around off, Mathews looks to go over mid off but does not get it off the middle. It goes on the bounce to the fielder there. |
| 170.4 : K Jarvis to Mathews, On a good length and around off, Mathews defends it to covers. |
| 170.5 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Length ball around off, Mathews defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 170.6 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Full on off, driven towards long on for a single. |
| 171.1 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Edgy runs! Flatter and outside off, the batter looks to cut but it goes off the outside edge down towards third man for two. |
| 171.2 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, On middle, kept out. |
| 171.3 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, Eased down to long on for one. |
| 171.4 : A Ndlovu to Lakmal, Shorter, it is pulled through mid-wicket for one. |
| 171.5 : A Ndlovu to Mathews, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 171.6 : A Ndlovu to Lakmal, SIX! He has got all of that! He comes down the track, gets to the pitch of it and tonks it over long on. |
| 172.1 : K Jarvis to A Mathews, Back of a length ball on middle, Mathews pulls it to deep square leg and a couple of runs taken. |
| 172.2 : K Jarvis to Mathews, Full and around off, Mathews comes forward and keeps it out. |
| 172.3 : K Jarvis to A Mathews, Full and on off, Mathews flick it wide of the mid-wicket fielder for a run. Moves to 195. |
| 172.4 : K Jarvis to Lakmal, Beaten! A length ball outside off, Lakmal pokes at it but is beaten as the ball shapes a hint away. Jarvis cannot believe his luck. |
| 172.5 : K Jarvis to Lakmal, Length ball around off, it is defended. |
| 172.6 : K Jarvis to Lakmal, Another full ball around off, Lakmal comes forward and defends it. |
| Sikandar Raza comes onto bowl now. 14-0-56-1 are his figures so far. |
| 173.1 : S Raza to Mathews, Loopy ball around off, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 173.2 : S Raza to Mathews, Chance for run out there! A loopy ball outside off, Mathews pushes it towards covers. Lakmal from the non-striker's end takes off for the run but Mathews sends him back. The fielder there picks the ball and fires the throw at the non-striker's end but misses. |
| 173.3 : S Raza to Mathews, Full and on middle, Mathews flicks it to long on for a run. |
| 173.4 : S Raza to Lakmal, OUT! Stumped! Brilliant stuff from Chakabva. Lakmal has to go. Very sharp work from the keeper. A full ball on leg, Lakmal looks to flick but misses. The ball goes through his legs and Chakabva behind grabs the ball nicely and whips the bails off in a flash. There is no need to go for the third umpire. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya walks out to bat. |
| 173.5 : Raza to L Embuldeniya, OUT! Bowled! Two in two. Embuldeniya falls for a golden duck. Raza floats this one around off, Embuldeniya looks to defend but plays the wrong line and the ball goes behind to disturb the off pole. Raza on a hat-trick now. |
| Kasun Rajitha walks out to bat now. He will face the hat-trick ball from Sikandar Raza. |
| 173.6 : S Raza to Rajitha, Almost a hat-trick. For the hat-trick ball, Raza goes for the yorker on middle. He delivers it perfectly too but Rajitha does really well to get his bat down in time and block it out nicely. Two wickets in the over though. |
| Sean Williams is back on. 31-2-104-1 are his figures so far. |
| 174.1 : S Williams to Mathews, Short and outside off, Mathews looks to cut but misses. |
| 174.2 : S Williams to Mathews, Flatter and outside off, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 174.3 : S Williams to Mathews, Short and outside off, Mathews cuts but finds the fielder |
| 174.4 : S Williams to Mathews, On off, Mathews keeps it out. 4th dot in the over. |
| 174.5 : S Williams to Mathews, Short and outside off, Mathews once again finds the point fielder. |
| 174.6 : S Williams to Mathews, A maiden! Mathews cannot farm the strike. Williams bowls this one flatter and outside off, Mathews pushes it towards cover off his back foot. Rajitha looks for the single but Mathews sends him back. He shows his disappointment by thumping the bat on his pads. |
| 175.1 : S Raza to Rajitha, Full and outside off, Rajitha pushes it to the man at covers. |
| 175.2 : S Raza to Rajitha, Full and around off again, Rajitha keeps it out. |
| 175.3 : S Raza to K Rajitha, Bowls a flighted one outside off, Rajitha looks to defend but the ball takes the thick outside edge and goes towards third man. A single taken and Mathews is back on strike. |
| 175.4 : S Raza to Mathews, Fired on middle, Mathews keeps it out off the back foot. |
| 175.5 : S Raza to Mathews, On off, it is defended. |
| 175.6 : S Raza to Mathews, FOUR! DOUBLE TON! First one in Tests for Angelo Mathews. He has toiled really hard in this innings. He raises his bat and takes off his cap. The dressing room is up on its feet. Raza bowls a full ball on middle, Mathews sits down and sweeps. He finds the gap between deeps square leg and deep mid-wicket. The ball races to the fence. Top knock from Mathews and he now might look to go all guns blazing. |
| 176.1 : S Williams to Rajitha, On the pads, it is worked towards fine leg. |
| 176.2 : S Williams to Rajitha, OUT! LBW! 9 down! Full ball on middle and leg, Rajitha goes for the sweep but he is way too early into the shot. He misses to get hit on the pads. Williams roars out an appeal and the umpire raises his finger. |
| The umpires have called for Drinks but guess what? SRI LANKA HAVE FINALLY DECLARED! So almost after two days of batting, the visitors' innings comes to an end. They have a massive lead of 157 and they have batted themselves into a position from where they can't lose the game. |
| There were contributions from most of the Lankan batters like the openers got off to starts, Mendis missed out on a ton by around 20 runs, Dickwella and Dhananjaya de Silva scored half tons. However, it was Angelo Mathews who was the star for them with a double ton. It was him who anchored the innings and took the Lankans to a massive score. |
| The Zimbabwe bowlers did not do a lot wrong! They bowled the correct lines and lengths but there was hardly any purchase for their seamers and spinners. Victor Nyauchi impressed a lot with a three-fer. Tiripano and Jarvis were also decent. Williams and Raza finished with five combined. |
| Now then, just under a session and a full day is what Zimbabwe will have to play out to save the Test. The wicket is still not bad but yes, it is misbehaving but just a little. They will be without their opener who showed a lot of promise in the first innings. Not sure who will be replacing him but everybody has to dig in. Around 17 overs left in the day, the hosts' first target will be to play this out unscathed or with minimal damage. The visitors on the other hand will be eager to get at leas |
| 0.1 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Lakmal starts with a length ball around off, Masvaure keeps it out. |
| 0.2 : Lakmal to Masvaure, A full ball around off this time, Masvaure once again comes forward and defends it out. |
| 0.3 : S Lakmal to P Masvaure, Another fuller ball on off, it is defended towards mid on. |
| 0.4 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, On the pads on a length, it is worked towards square leg. |
| 0.5 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Zimbabwe are underway! A good length ball just outside off, Masvaure looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and goes to fine leg for a single. |
| 0.6 : S Lakmal to Mudzinganyama, NO BALL! Length ball around off, Mudzinganyama defends it off the back foot. Lakmal has overstepped there. |
| S Lakmal to Mudzinganyama, In the channel outside off, it is left alone. |
| Kasun Rajitha to share the attack from the other end. |
| 1.1 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Rajitha starts his spell with a full ball outside off, Masvaure lets it go to the keeper. |
| 1.2 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Another ball which is way outside off on a length, Masvaure shoulders arms again. |
| 1.3 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, In the channel outside off, another leave from Masvaure. |
| 1.4 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Goes full but outside off again, once again Masvaure offers no shot to it. |
| 1.5 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Makes the batsman play! Bowls it on a length just outside off and makes it come into the batter. Masvaure keeps it out off the back foot. |
| 1.6 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Outside off, it is left alone. Maiden to start for Rajitha. |
| 2.1 : S Lakmal to Mudzinganyama, Landed on middle, Brian defends it out. |
| 2.2 : S Lakmal to Mudzinganyama, Mudzinganyama is off the mark in Test cricket. A length ball on middle, he flicks it towards square leg where the fielder misfields and allows a run. |
| 2.3 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Bouncer on middle, Prince ducks under it. |
| 2.4 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Full and on off, Masvaure defends it out. |
| 2.5 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Length ball around off, Mudzinganyama defends it towards covers. |
| 2.6 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Length ball around off, it is defended. |
| 3.1 : K Rajitha to Mudzinganyama, Length ball angled into the batter, Brian keeps it out off the back foot. |
| 3.2 : K Rajitha to Mudzinganyama, Fullish ball outside off, Mudzinganyama lets it be. |
| 3.3 : K Rajitha to Mudzinganyama, Another full ball outside off, Mudzinganyama again leaves it alone. |
| 3.4 : K Rajitha to Mudzinganyama, Goes for the drive this time but misses! Rajitha keeps bowling the fuller one and this time he lures the batsman into the shot. Mudzinganyama looks to drive without any feet movement and misses. |
| 3.5 : K Rajitha to Mudzinganyama, Shortish and just outside off, Mudzinganyama covers his stumps and lets it be. That's a very good leave and he gets appreciation from his partner at the other end. |
| 3.6 : K Rajitha to Mudzinganyama, Wow! What was that! Surely slipped out of his hands. Rajitha was probably looking to bowl a yorker to end the over but ends up dishing it way outside off. |
| 4.1 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Bouncer on off and middle, Masvaure does well to sway away from it. |
| 4.2 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Landed on middle, pushed towards the off side. |
| 4.3 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Length ball around off, Masvaure taps it towards covers for a quick run. |
| 4.4 : S Lakmal to Mudzinganyama, Shortish and angled into the body, Mudzinganyama does well to defend it towards square leg. |
| 4.5 : S Lakmal to Mudzinganyama, Huge appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved! That probably was going way down the leg side. A brilliant ball though. It is the toe crusher. Lakmal bowls the yorker on the toes, Mudzinganyama looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Lakmal and the Sri Lankan players make a loud appeal but not out says the umpire. |
| 4.6 : S Lakmal to Mudzinganyama, Shortish and around off, Mudzinganyama keeps it out. |
| 5.1 : K Rajitha to Masvaure, Very full and on the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for three. |
| 5.2 : K Rajitha to Mudzinganyama, Just outside off, it is not played at. |
| 5.3 : K Rajitha to Mudzinganyama, One more delivery outside off, not played at. |
| 5.4 : K Rajitha to Mudzinganyama, Very full and outside off, this is jammed out towards point. |
| 5.5 : K Rajitha to Mudzinganyama, EDGY FOUR! On a length and around off, Mudzinganyama looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge, past the fielder at second slip and down to the third man fence. |
| 5.6 : K Rajitha to Mudzinganyama, Shorter in length and on off, the batter stands tall and keeps it out. |
| ZIMBABWE'S UNDER-19 WC CAMPAIGN UPDATE - All you Zimbabwe fans! Curious about how the colts are doing? Well, they are fighting hard. Chasing a target of 299 against Pakistan, they are 215/5 in 40 overs. Can they get 84 in the final 10? |
| 6.1 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Full ball on middle, pushed to mid on. |
| 6.2 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Another full ball on middle, Masvaure pushes it to mid on again. |
| 6.3 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Another LBW appeal but not out again, says the umpire. Good length ball around off, it is angled into the pads. Masvaure looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Rajitha appeals but nothing doing. |
| 6.4 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Shortish and around off, Masvaure taps it towards point. |
| 6.5 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, One more length ball around off, pushed to mid on. |
| 6.6 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Landed on middle, tucked towards mid-wicket. |
| Stumping appeal taken upstairs. A very late attempt from the keeper there. He tried to whip the bails in the first attempt but missed out. And as Mudzinganyama lifted his back leg, he whipped the bails off again and appealed. But the replays show that his second attempt too will not fetch him the wicket as Mudzinganyama planted his foot in time again. |
| 7.1 : Silva to Mudzinganyama, NOT OUT! |
| 7.2 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Outside off, left alone. |
| 7.3 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Full and around off, pushed to the man at covers. |
| 7.4 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Floated around off, Mudzinganyama comes forward and keeps it out. |
| 7.5 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 7.6 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Full and around off, pushed to mid off. |
| 8.1 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Length and on off, Prince defends it towards cover off the back foot. |
| 8.2 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Back of a length ball on off, Prince hops onto his toes and pushes the ball towards point. |
| 8.3 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Short of good length and on off, Masvaure pushes it to point off the back foot. |
| 8.4 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Length ball around off, Masvaure pushes it towards covers and looks for a run. But he his sent back by his partner who is ball watching at the other end. |
| 8.5 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Length and around off once again, Masvaure blocks it solidly off the front foot. |
| 8.6 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Back of a length and on off, Masvaure hops onto his toes and defends the ball into the ground. |
| 9.1 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Shortish and outside off, it is pushed towards covers. |
| 9.2 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, On middle, Mudzinganyama comes forward and keeps it out. |
| 9.3 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Fires it on middle, Brian defends it back to the bowler. |
| 9.4 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Loopy ball around off, it is pushed towards point. |
| 9.5 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Another quicker ball around off, Mudzinganyama leaves it alone. However, it was just past the off pole. A risky leave. |
| 9.6 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Around off, defended. Back-to-back maidens from de Silva. |
| Lahiru Kumara into the attack now. |
| 10.1 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Length and around off, Masvaure drives it to mid off. |
| 10.2 : L Kumara to Masvaure, A couple! A full ball outside off, Masvaure drills it through the covers but the slowness of the outfield comes into the picture again as it stops well in front of the ropes. |
| 10.3 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Beaten! A length ball just outside off, Masvaure looks to defend but misses. |
| 10.4 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Length ball around off, it is defended. |
| 10.5 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Back of a length ball around off, Masvaure taps it towards gully. |
| 10.6 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Outside off, left alone. |
| 11.1 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Full and on off and middle, Brian pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 11.2 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Another full ball on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler again. |
| 11.3 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Flaoted outside off on a fuller length, Mudzinganyama drives it well but straight to the man at covers. |
| 11.4 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Around off, it is defended. |
| 11.5 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, Fires it outside off, left alone. |
| ZIMBABWE'S UNDER-19 WC CAMPAIGN UPDATE - It is slipping away... 47 needed in the last 5 overs with 2 wickets in hand. Only a miracle can help Rhodesia chase down 295 against Pakistan. |
| 11.6 : de Silva to Mudzinganyama, FOUR! Pulled away! A short ball on middle, Mudzinganyama rocks on the back foot and pulls it over square leg and it races to the fence in the deep. |
| 12.1 : L Kumara to P Masvaure, FOUR! Cut away! A good length ball way outside off, Masvaure cuts it through backward point and the ball races to the deep point fence. |
| 12.2 : L Kumara to P Masvaure, EDGY FOUR! Lahiru will feel unlucky here because another slip and it would've gone straight in the hands. There are two slip fielders and one at gully. Kumara bowls this length ball outside off, Masvaure looks to defend but the ball moves a hint away takes a thick outside edge and goes to third man between the gap at second slip and gully. |
| 12.3 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Length ball on middle, Masvaure gets behind the line this time to defend it out.. |
| 12.4 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Another length ball around off, it is defended. |
| 12.5 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Outside off, it is left alone. |
| 12.6 : L Kumara to Masvaure, Full ball around off, it is defended. 4 more overs to go for the Stumps. |
| Lasith Emduldeniya is into the attack. |
| 13.1 : L Embuldeniya to Mudzinganyama, Starts off with a loosener! Short and wide outside off, it is slapped through covers for two runs. |
| 13.2 : L Embuldeniya to Mudzinganyama, Very full outside off, left alone. |
| 13.3 : L Embuldeniya to B Mudzinganyama, Outside off, it is guided down towards third man for a run. |
| 13.4 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Loopy ball outside off, blocked solidly. |
| 13.5 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Loose stroke! This is flatter and quicker outside off, the batter goes back to cut but the ball skids through and beats the outside edge. |
| 13.6 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Very full and outside off, it is driven square on the off side towards point. |
| 14.1 : Kumara to Mudzinganyama, A huge shout but not given! This is on a length and on middle, Mudzinganyama looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit high on the pads. A huge shout but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 14.2 : L Kumara to Mudzinganyama, Good length and on off, kept out. |
| 14.3 : L Kumara to Mudzinganyama, A good short one, Mudzinganyama ducks under it nicely. |
| 14.4 : L Kumara to Mudzinganyama, Well left! Way outside off and it comes back in. The batter does well to drop his hands and let it go to the keeper. |
| 14.5 : L Kumara to Mudzinganyama, Back of a length and on middle, it is defended onto the ground. |
| 14.6 : L Kumara to Mudzinganyama, Shorter and on middle, the batter does well again to duck under it. |
| 15.1 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Slower through the air outside off, left alone. |
| 0.0 : ZIMBABWE'S UNDER-19 WC CAMPAIGN UPDATE - It is unfortunate, but true. Zimbabwe have lost by 43 runs chasing 299 against Pakistan. The chase was on till the 38th over but then a sudden collapse turned things around. Tough luck. With that, the Rhodesians bow out of the tournament with 2 losses in 2 matches. |
| 15.2 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Not sure if this shot is needed at this moment! Outside off, the batter looks to cut but is beaten. |
| 15.3 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Floats it up on off, defended. |
| 15.4 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 15.5 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Well wide outside off, left alone. |
| 15.6 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Loopy ball outside off, Masvrure keeps it out nicely. |
| 16.1 : L Kumara to Mudzinganyama, A short one on off, it is ducked under. 5 balls to play out. |
| 16.2 : L Kumara to Mudzinganyama, Another short one on middle, it is blocked onto the ground. |
| 16.3 : L Kumara to Mudzinganyama, Shorter in length again, this is outside off, nicely left. |
| 16.4 : L Kumara to Mudzinganyama, One more short one on middle, Mudzinganyama ducks under it. |
| 16.5 : L Kumara to Mudzinganyama, BEATEN! This is angled into the off pole, it lands and then straightens. Mudzinganyama looks to defend but gets beaten. One ball to play out now. |
| 16.6 : L Kumara to Mudzinganyama, Two from the last ball! On a length and around off, the batter looks to defend but it goes off the outer half through point for two. THAT WILL BE STUMPS! |
| So Zimbabwe's first challenge of getting through the last hour unscathed has been achieved! The debutant, the substitute for Kasuza, Mudzinganyama has shown great application in the middle till now. Still though one more day left and the two openers need to continue their battle. |
| Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka batted, batted and batted, Dhananjaya got to a half ton, Dickwella too notched a half century. Mathews though was the star with a double hundred. His knock ensured the Lankans lead went above 150 before they declared. They batted long so that there is some kind of wear and tear on this wicket but for now, it still seems flat and good to bat on. The Lankans would hope that it offers some assistance for their bowlers on Day 5, whereas, the hosts would want it to be as |
| The equation is clear on Thursday, Sri Lanka need 10 wickets and Zimbabwe need to bat out the whole day. They still trail by another 127 runs but don't think that number matters. Will the Lankans force a result or is this going to end in a draw? Do join us to find out at 1000 local (0800 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye! |
| ... Day 5, Session 1 ... |
| After 4 days of grinding, the Test match enters its fifth day. It promises to be another exciting one where both the teams will have to grind themselves one more time to get the desired result. Sri Lanka need 10 wickets quickly. If the hosts manage to go past the lead, Sri Lanka would not want to be chasing a total which might get beyond their reach. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, would want to bat out the entire day. Who will be able to come out on top on Day 5? Let's hope we witness an intriguin |
| Pitch report - Tinotendo and Dirk Viljoen are down for the pitch report. Starts by saying that the pitch has been flat but a bit sluggish. It has not been easy to score but has been easy to survive. Adds that the ball kept low sometimes and the batsman have to be wary of that. Goes on to say that the bowlers need to pitch the ball on the full length and good length areas as cracks have opened up there and that means if the ball hits them, it might stay low. Adds there is a bit of grass on the wi |
| We are all set to begin the final day of this Test match. Prince Masvaure and Brian Mudzinganyama make their way out to the middle. The Sri Lankan players follow them out to the field. Spin to start with as Lasith Embuldeniya takes the ball. Here we go! |
| 17.1 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Embuldeniya starts with a floated ball on off, Masvaure lunges and defends it to cover. |
| 17.2 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Loopy delivery on off, Masvaure guides it to point and takes a single. First run of the day. |
| 17.3 : L Embuldeniya to Mudzinganyama, Full delivery outside off, Brian pushes it to cover and calls Masvaure for a single and they complete it easily. |
| 17.4 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Flatter one outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to this one. |
| 17.5 : L Embuldeniya to Masvaure, Edgy! Flighted ball outside off, Masvaure prods forward to defend but it takes the outside edge and the ball goes past gully. A single taken. |
| 17.6 : L Embuldeniya to Mudzinganyama, Full delivery outside off, Mudzinganyama leaves it alone. End of the first over of the day. |
| Surange Lakmal to bowl from the other end. 5-2-4-0, his figures from Day 4. |
| 18.1 : S Lakmal to Masvaure, Lakmal bowls a fullish delivery outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to this one. |
| 18.2 : S Lakmal to P Masvaure, OUT! CAUGHT! Lakmal strikes and this is brilliant bowling from the speedster. Length ball outside off, Masvaure could not have left this ball alone and he had to play at it as the ball straightened after pitching. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to Dickwella. He makes no mistake and they start celebrating. The umpire raises his finger and Masvaure has to go after grinding it out for 58 balls. |
| Craig Ervine is the new man in. |
| 18.3 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Good length ball outside off, Ervine lets the ball through to the keeper. |
| 18.4 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Full delivery on the pads, Ervine looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Lakmal and the rest appeal but the umpire is unmoved. |
| 18.5 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Lakmal dishes a full delivery on middle, Ervine whips it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 18.6 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Good length ball on off, Ervine defends it back to the bowler. |
| 19.1 : L Embuldeniya to Mudzinganyama, Floated outside off, left alone by Brian. |
| 19.2 : L Embuldeniya to B Mudzinganyama, Another one floated outside off, driven towards the man at cover by Mudzinganyama. |
| 19.3 : L Embuldeniya to Mudzinganyama, Tossed up on middle now, flicked towards mid-wicket. |
| 19.4 : L Embuldeniya to Mudzinganyama, On off, Mudzinganyama prods forward and defends. |
| 19.5 : L Embuldeniya to Mudzinganyama, Embuldeniya drags his length back and Mudzinganyama pushes this one towards the off side off the back foot. |
| 19.6 : L Embuldeniya to Mudzinganyama, Similar delivery, Mudzinganyama pushes this in the gap at cover-point and the batters take a single. Mudzinganyama to retain strike. |
| 20.1 : S Lakmal to Mudzinganyama, Good length ball on off, Brian defends it to cover. |
| 20.2 : S Lakmal to Mudzinganyama, Full delivery on off, Mazingyangama attempts the drive but it takes the inside edge and goes onto hit the pads. Lakmal appeal but soon realizes that it has hit the edge of the bat. |
| 20.3 : Lakmal to Mudzinganyama, OUT! LBW! Lakmal strikes again and a complete error in judgement from Mudzinganyama. Sri Lanka are on top here. Fullish delivery outside off angling into the batsman massively, Brian is in two minds whether to defend or leave it. He does the latter and the ball goes onto hit the pads. Lakmal and the rest puts in a huge appeal and the umpire obliges as he raises the dreaded finger. The impact won't matter as Mudzinganyama had left the ball alone. |
| Brendan Taylor makes his way out to the middle. |
| 20.4 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Good length ball on off, Taylor is solid in defense and does so towards cover. |
| 20.5 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Fullish delivery on off, Taylor defends it to cover. |
| 20.6 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Outside off, left alone by Taylor. |
| 21.1 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Flatter and full ball on off, defended solidly. |
| 21.2 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Floated delivery now, closer to the off pole, Craig defends. |
| 21.3 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, On middle now, Ervine defends it towards the leg side. |
| 21.4 : L Embuldeniya to C Ervine, Ohh!!! Brilliant bowling by Embuldeniya and Ervine has survived by a whisker here. Floated delivery, full and just outside off. The ball pitches in the rough and turns in a lot. Ervine looks to go for the drive but the ball goes off his inside edge, missing the off pole by a whisker and towards fine leg as the batters take a couple. Almost a third blow for the Zimbabwe batters. |
| 21.5 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, Ervine steps down the pitch and defends the ball back towards the bowler. |
| 21.6 : L Embuldeniya to Ervine, On the pads, Ervine has flicked this one towards square leg for a single. |
| 22.1 : S Lakmal to C Ervine, Edgy! Good length ball on off, Ervine looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and the ball goes past gully and is racing to the fence. The fielder chases after it and makes a good sliding stop. The batters manage to take two. |
| 22.2 : S Lakmal to Ervine, Full delivery on middle, Ervine whips it to square leg. |
| 22.3 : S Lakmal to Ervine, OUT! CAUGHT! Lakmal gets another and Ervine departs now. Zimbabwe are crumbling here and they need to stand strong here to get back in this game. Lakmal certainly deserves this wicket as he has been bowling his heart out since the first innings. Full delivery on off, tailing in, Ervine flicks it towards square leg but does so uppishly. It goes straight into the hands of Dimuth Karunaratne at short mid-wicket. |
| Sean Williams, the skipper is the new man in. |
| 22.4 : S Lakmal to Williams, Good length ball on middle, Williams defends it out. |
| 22.5 : S Lakmal to Williams, Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Williams plays it to mid on. |
| 22.6 : S Lakmal to Williams, Length ball on off, Williams defends it to point off the front foot. |
| 23.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Floated on middle, Taylor prods forward and defends it to short leg. |
| 23.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Loopy delivery on middle, Taylor defends it out. |
| 23.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, On off, Brendan pushes it to long off for a single. |
| 23.4 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Flatter one outside off, Williams leaves it alone. |
| 23.5 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Flighted on middle, Williams lunges and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 23.6 : L Embuldeniya to S Williams, Quicker delivery on off, Williams taps it towards the point region for a couple. Gets off the mark. |
| 24.1 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Fullish delivery on off, Brendan pushes it to the cover fielder. |
| 24.2 : S Lakmal to B Taylor, On off, Taylor drives but finds the mid on fielder. |
| 24.3 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Fuller one on middle, Taylor defends it to cover. |
| 24.4 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Good length delivery on off, Taylor lunges forward and defends it to mid off. |
| 24.5 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Short of a length delivery on middle, Brendon blocks it out onto the pitch. |
| 24.6 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one. |
| 25.1 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Floats this one up on off, Williams pushes it to cover. |
| 25.2 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Loopy delivery on middle, Williams reverse sweeps it but finds the first slip fielder. |
| 25.3 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Loopy delivery on off, Williams pushes it to mid off. |
| 25.4 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Tosses this one up on off, Sean blocks it to point. |
| 25.5 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 25.6 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Flatter delivery on middle, Williams tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 26.1 : S Lakmal to Williams, FOUR! Driven away! Full ball on off, driven down the ground through mid off for a boundary. |
| 26.2 : S Lakmal to Williams, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 26.3 : S Lakmal to Williams, Length ball on off, played towards cover and the batters take a quick single. |
| 26.4 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Good length delivery on the off pole line, pushed towards the man at mid on. |
| 26.5 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Full delivery on off, driven towards short extra cover. |
| 26.6 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Length delivery just outside off, left alone comfortably by Brendan Taylor. |
| 27.1 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, FOUR! Innovative! Flatter delivery on the off pole line, Sean Williams gets down on one knee and plays the reverse sweep. The ball races into the third man fence. |
| 27.2 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Floated on off, defended solidly. |
| 27.3 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, FOUR! Action replay! Another floated delivery on off, Williams again reverse sweeps it past short third man for a boundary. Zimbabwe counter-attacking and the lead now under 100. |
| 27.4 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, FOUR! Conventional now! Clever cricket by Sean Williams as this time he slog sweeps this ball towards square leg and bags another boundary. |
| 27.5 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Williams comes forward and has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 27.6 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Sean again comes onto the front foot and defends it onto the pitch. |
| 28.1 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Full delivery on middle, Taylor defends it back to the bowler. |
| 28.2 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Fullish delivery on middle, Taylor solidly pushes it towards mid on. |
| 28.3 : S Lakmal to Taylor, On off, Taylor lunges forward and defends it to cover. |
| 28.4 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Good length ball outside off, Taylor lets the ball through to the keeper. |
| 28.5 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Edgy but safe! Full delivery outside off, Taylor looks to drive but it takes the outside edge and the ball goes to gully on the bounce. |
| 28.6 : S Lakmal to Taylor, An appeal for LBW turned down. Good length ball on the pads, Taylor looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The Lankans appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Too high maybe. |
| 29.1 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Floated on off, Williams pushes it to cover off the front foot. |
| 29.2 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, On off, defended towards point for a single. |
| 29.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, EDGY FOUR! Difficult chance for the slip fielder! Luck favouring Taylor here! Short delivery outside off, Taylor attempts the cut shot but finds the outside edge and goes just over the first slip fielder and into the third man fence. The fielder tried getting a hand on it but fails to do. It was traveling very fast though. |
| 29.4 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, FOUR! Excellent batting from Taylor. No edge this time. Floated on middle, Taylor dances down the track and punches it over the bowler's head and the ball goes into the fence for a boundary. |
| 29.5 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 29.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Flighted on middle, swept to square leg. |
| Lahiru Kumara is into the attack. 4-1-12-0 are his figures. |
| 30.1 : L Kumara to Williams, Good length ball on middle and leg, Williams flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 30.2 : L Kumara to Williams, Back of a length ball on middle, Williams tucks it towards deep square leg for a single. |
| 30.3 : L Kumara to Taylor, Shortish ball outside off, Taylor taps it towards point off the back foot. |
| 30.4 : L Kumara to Taylor, Landed outside off on a length, Taylor keeps it out. |
| 30.5 : L Kumara to Taylor, Full and around off, keeps slightly low. Taylor does well to push it towards mid on. |
| 30.6 : L Kumara to B Taylor, Full ball outside off, it it pushed to covers. |
| DRINKS! A very good first hour for Sri Lanka. They have bagged three wickets quickly and are keeping an upper hand. However, the experienced duo of Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor have added 31 runs between them and are looking solid out in the middle. They will look to extend their partnership as much as they could. The visitors, on the other hand, would want to break this stand before they head to the Lunch break. Another interesting passage of play awaits. |
| 31.1 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Flatter delivery outside off, Williams punches it to deep cover and collects a couple. |
| 31.2 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Loopy delivery on middle, Williams drives it past the bowler and collects a single. |
| 31.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, SIX! Nailed! Floated on middle, Taylor bends on his knees and slog sweeps it over the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie. |
| 31.4 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full on middle, Taylor whips it to long on for a single. |
| 31.5 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Looped up ball on middle, Williams blocks it out. |
| 31.6 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, On middle, Williams defends it back to the bowler. |
| 32.1 : L Kumara to Taylor, Back of a length ball on off, Taylor hops and defends it out to the cover fielder. |
| 32.2 : L Kumara to Taylor, Short of a length ball on middle, Taylor stands tall and defends it to short leg. |
| 32.3 : L Kumara to Taylor, Length ball outside off, Taylor attempts the drive but it takes the bottom edge of the bat and the ball goes to first slip fielder on the bounce. |
| 32.4 : L Kumara to Taylor, Back of a length ball on middle, Brendan works it to square leg for a single. |
| 32.5 : L Kumara to Williams, Full delivery on middle, Williams pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 32.6 : L Kumara to Williams, Short ball around middle and leg, Williams ducks under it. |
| 33.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Floated on middle, Taylor comes down the track and pushes it down to long off for a single. |
| 33.2 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, DROPPED! Tough, tough chance for Karunaratne. Floated ball on middle, Williams looks to heave it away but does not time it well at all. Karunaratne at short mid-wicket dives to his right and gets a hand on it but fails to hold onto it. |
| 33.3 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Floated on middle, Williams defends it to cover. |
| 33.4 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Loopy delivery on middle, Williams once again flicks it past Karunaratne at short mid-wicket. This time though the Lankan skipper cannot get hand on and it goes in the deep for a run. |
| 33.5 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Floated on off, Taylor lunges and plays it uppishly towards deep cover. The fielder chases after it and makes a good stop. The batters take three. |
| 33.6 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. One run added to the total. |
| 34.1 : L Kumara to Williams, Very full delivery on middle, Williams digs it out to the bowler. |
| 34.2 : L Kumara to Williams, Low full toss on middle, Williams pushes it to mid off. |
| 34.3 : L Kumara to Williams, Full ball on off, Williams pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 34.4 : L Kumara to Williams, Back of a length ball on middle, Williams defends it to point. |
| 34.5 : L Kumara to S Williams, Nasty! Short of a length ball on the pads, Williams looks to sway away from it to third man but gets cramped for room and gets hit on the gloves. |
| 34.6 : L Kumara to Williams, Short ball outside off, Williams looks to pull but fails to get any bat on it. |
| 35.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, FOUR! Innovation time! Floated on off, Taylor reverse paddles it to the third man region for a boundary. 50-run stand is up between the two. |
| 35.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Floated on middle, Taylor pushes it to mid off for a single. |
| 35.3 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Full delivery on middle, Williams paddle sweeps it to fine leg for a couple. |
| 35.4 : L Embuldeniya to Williams, Flatter one on middle, Williams works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 35.5 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery on middle, Taylor reverse sweeps it past the diving point fielder and the ball races to the backward point fence. 100 up for the hosts. |
| 35.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Very full delivery on middle, Taylor defends it out. There is an appeal for LBW but the umpire is not interested. |
| 36.1 : L Kumara to Williams, BOUNCER! It is bowled down the leg side, Williams ducks under it. |
| 36.2 : L Kumara to Williams, Good length ball on middle and leg, Williams works it to mid-wicket. |
| 36.3 : L Kumara to Williams, FOUR! Pulled away nicely! Short ball on off, Williams camps on his back foot and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. The fielder chases after it but the ball wins the race. |
| 36.4 : L Kumara to Williams, Good length ball on off, Williams defends it to cover. |
| 36.5 : L Kumara to S Williams, Edgy! Length ball outside off, Williams looks to defend but the ball takes the inside half of the bat and goes in between his legs. The ball rolls to fine leg and the batters take a single. |
| 36.6 : L Kumara to Taylor, Back of a length ball on middle, Taylor defends it out. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva is into the attack. 1 slip in place. 3-2-4-0 from him so far. |
| 37.1 : de Silva to Williams, De Silva starts with a flatter delivery outside off, Williams pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 37.2 : de Silva to Williams, Full delivery on middle, Williams drives it back to the bowler. |
| 37.3 : de Silva to Williams, Flat one outside off, Williams leaves it alone. |
| 37.4 : de Silva to Williams, Loopy delivery on middle, Williams defends it to cover. |
| 37.5 : de Silva to Williams, Fullish delivery on off, Williams blocks it to the off side. |
| 37.6 : de Silva to Williams, Floated on middle, Williams pushes it to mid off for a single. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. |
| 38.1 : Kumara to Williams, A big appeal for LBW turned down. Maybe going down leg or over the top. Good length ball outside off, angling into the batsman, Williams looks to work it to the leg side. He misses and the ball hits him flush on the pads. Kumara and his teammates appeal but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 38.2 : L Kumara to Williams, Length ball on middle, Williams works it to fine leg for a single. |
| 38.3 : L Kumara to Taylor, Back of a length ball on middle, Taylor works it to the leg side for a single. |
| 38.4 : L Kumara to Williams, Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Williams works it to square leg. |
| 38.5 : L Kumara to Taylor, Short of a length ball on middle, Taylor tucks it to backward square leg for a single. |
| 38.6 : L Kumara to Williams, On middle, pushed down to mid on. |
| 39.1 : de Silva to Taylor, Full ball on off, Taylor pushes it to short mid-wicket. |
| 39.2 : de Silva to Taylor, Full and on off, Taylor paddles it to fine leg for a run. |
| 39.3 : de Silva to Williams, Floated on off, Williams defends it out. |
| 39.4 : de Silva to Williams, Floated on middle, Williams defends it to short leg. |
| 39.5 : de Silva to Williams, Looped up ball on off, Williams defends it to point off the front foot. |
| 39.6 : de Silva to Williams, Flighted ball on middle, Williams prods forward and defends it out to mid off. |
| 40.1 : L Kumara to Taylor, Short of a length ball on the pads, Taylor works it to fine leg for a single. |
| 40.2 : L Kumara to Williams, Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Williams works it to mid-wicket. |
| 40.3 : L Kumara to Williams, BEATEN! How did that miss the off stump? Good length ball around off, taining in sharply into the batsman. Williams looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it. The ball just whizzes past the off stump and into the mitts of the keeper. |
| 40.4 : L Kumara to Williams, Full on middle, Williams pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 40.5 : L Kumara to Williams, On off, driven to cover. |
| 40.6 : Kumara to Williams, Very full delivery on off, Williams digs it out to point. |
| Kasun Rajitha is back into the attack. 3-2-7-0, his figures so far. Can he strike once before Lunch? |
| 41.1 : K Rajitha to Taylor, Good length ball on off, Taylor prods forward and defends it to cover. |
| 41.2 : K Rajitha to Taylor, Appeal for LBW shot down! If there was no bat on it, Taylor was a goner! Good length ball on off, Taylor looks to defend but it seems to have gone off the inside edge and onto the pads. Rajitha appeals but the umpire is not interested. The replays confirm that it had gone off the inside edge. |
| 41.3 : K Rajitha to Taylor, Fullish delivery on off, tailing into the batsman, Taylor whips it to deep mid-wicket uppishly for a single. |
| 41.4 : K Rajitha to Taylor, Full delivery on middle, Taylor drives it to mid on. |
| 41.5 : K Rajitha to Taylor, FOUR! Uppish but wide! Full delivery on middle, Taylor whips it uppishly wide of mid on for a boundary. |
| 41.6 : K Rajitha to Taylor, Good length ball outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one. |
| 42.1 : L Kumara to S Williams, Full delivery on middle, Williams works it to mid-wicket. |
| 42.2 : L Kumara to Williams, Williams is really lucky! Twice in two overs that has happened! Good length ball angling into the batsman. Williams attempts the drive but the ball sneaks under his bat and the ball goes past the off stump. The keeper fails to collect the ball cleanly and it rolls to fine leg. The batters steal two byes. |
| 42.3 : L Kumara to Williams, On off, defended to point. |
| 42.4 : L Kumara to S Williams, Short ball on middle, Williams pulls it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 42.5 : L Kumara to Taylor, Full delivery on middle, Taylor defends it back to the bowler. |
| 42.6 : L Kumara to Taylor, Back of a length ball on off, Taylor stands tall and defends it to cover off the back foot. |
| 43.1 : K Rajitha to Williams, Good length delivery on off, Sean taps it to point. |
| 43.2 : K Rajitha to Williams, Back of a length ball on middle, Williams defends it to the bowler. |
| 43.3 : K Rajitha to Williams, Fullish delivery on off, Williams solidly defends it to the cover fielder. |
| 43.4 : K Rajitha to Williams, Full delivery on off, Williams pushes it to mid off. |
| 43.5 : K Rajitha to Williams, On off, defended to point off the front foot. |
| 43.6 : K Rajitha to Williams, BEATEN! Beautifully played! Good length ball outside off, Williams looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it. LUNCH ON DAY 5. |
| 27 overs, 90 runs and 3 wickets have come in the morning session on Day 5 and the match is finely poised at this stage with both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka playing well. |
| The day started with Zimbabwe having all 10 wickets in hand and trailing Sri Lanka by 127 runs. The visitors started the day with a strong mindset looking to win this match and they have delivered so far as Lakmal took 3 wickets to dismiss Masvaure, Mudzinganyama and Ervine. However, after that, the stalwarts of Zimbabwe cricket, Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams took charge as they counter-attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers and are amidst a 79-run unbeaten stand. Sri Lanka could not capitalise on t |
| ... Day 5, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the action for the second session of Day 5. Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor make their way out to the middle. The Sri Lankan players are also making their way out to the field. Suranga Lakmal will start for the visitors. |
| 44.1 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Lakmal starts with a full delivery on off, Brendan gets on his front foot and defends it to the bowler. |
| 44.2 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Fullish delivery on off, Taylor taps it to gully. |
| 44.3 : S Lakmal to Taylor, OUT! CAUGHT! What piece of field placing from the Lankans. Lakmal does the trick again. Excellent start for the Lankans. Lakmal dishes out a full delivery on middle, Taylor without moving his feet flicks it. It goes uppishly towards silly mid on where Mendis lunges and takes the simplest of catches. Just 6 wickets away from victory. |
| Sikandar Raza walks in next. |
| 44.4 : S Lakmal to Raza, Good length ball on middle and leg, Raza defends it out to mid on. |
| 44.5 : S Lakmal to Raza, Full delivery on off, Raza pushes it to mid off. |
| 44.6 : S Lakmal to Raza, Lakmal digs one on off, Sikandar drives but finds the mid off fielder. Excellent over from Lakmal comes to an end. |
| Kasun Rajitha will bowl from the other end. 5-3-11-0, his figures so far. |
| 45.1 : K Rajitha to Williams, Short delivery outside off, Williams punches it to point off the back foot. |
| 45.2 : K Rajitha to Williams, OUT! CAUGHT! Williams, the Zimbabwean skipper departs. Rajitha joins the party now and Sri Lanka inching closer to victory. Back of a length ball angling away, Williams could have left this ball alone but decides to have a poke at it. It takes the outside edge of the bat and goes to the keeper. Dickwella behind the stumps makes no mistake. The umpires go up to check the no ball and the replays show that Rajitha's leg was just behind the crease. Williams continues his |
| Regis Chakabva joins Sikandar Raza out in the middle now. A very tough task in front of him. |
| 45.3 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Good length ball on middle, Chakabva defends it off the back foot. |
| 45.4 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Full delivery on middle, Regis works it to square leg for a single. |
| 45.5 : K Rajitha to Raza, Fullish delivery on middle, Raza works it to square leg. |
| 45.6 : K Rajitha to Raza, Fullish delivery outside off, angling into the batsman, Raza makes a good leave to this one. |
| 46.1 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Full delivery outside off, Chakabva lets the ball go to the keeper. |
| 46.2 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Full delivery on off, Chakabva defends it to cover. |
| 46.3 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Fullish delivery outside off, Regis lets it go to the keeper. |
| 46.4 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, BEATEN! Good length ball outside off, Chakabva attempts to defend but fails to get any bat on it. The ball goes along the ground to the keeper. |
| 46.5 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Length ball on middle, Chakabva works it to square leg for a single. |
| 46.6 : S Lakmal to Raza, Fullish delivery on the off stump line, Raza plays the drive straight to the mid off fielder. |
| 47.1 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Full delivery outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one. |
| 47.2 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Good length ball on off, Chakabva guides it to point for nothing. |
| 47.3 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Length ball on the pads, Chakabva flicks it to fine leg for a single. |
| 47.4 : K Rajitha to Raza, Full delivery on middle, Sikandar pushes it down to mid on. |
| 47.5 : K Rajitha to Raza, Good length delivery outside off, Raza shoulders arms to this one. |
| 47.6 : K Rajitha to Raza, Nicely played! Full delivery on middle, Sikandar drives it towards mid on and takes a single. |
| 48.1 : S Lakmal to Raza, Good length ball on off, Sikandar defends it to cover. |
| 48.2 : S Lakmal to Raza, BEATEN! Full delivery outside off, Raza looks to drive but the ball whizzes past the outside edge of the bat and goes into the mitts of the keeper. |
| 48.3 : S Lakmal to Raza, Good length ball on off, Sikandar defends it off the back foot to the off side. |
| 48.4 : S Lakmal to Raza, Full delivery on off, Raza taps it to point and collects a single. |
| 48.5 : S Lakmal to R Chakabva, Fullish delivery on middle, Chakabva pushes it to mid on and takes a quick single. |
| 48.6 : S Lakmal to Raza, Back of a length ball on middle, Raza defends it back to the bowler. |
| 49.1 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Good length ball on off, Chakabva defends it out onto the pitch. |
| 49.2 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, On a length outside off, Regis taps it to the point fielder. |
| 49.3 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Fullish outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one. |
| 49.4 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Poor delivery! Very full delivery down the leg side, Regis lets it go to the keeper. |
| 49.5 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Full delivery on middle, Chakabva pushes it to silly mid on. |
| 49.6 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Good length ball outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one. |
| 50.1 : S Lakmal to Raza, Full delivery outside off, Raza does not fiddle with it as he lets the ball go to the keeper. |
| 50.2 : S Lakmal to Raza, Fullish on off, Raza takes a few steps forward and then pushes it through the point region for a couple. |
| 50.3 : S Lakmal to Raza, Fullish delivery on middle, pushed down to mid on. |
| 50.4 : S Lakmal to Raza, Back of a length ball on off, Raza blocks it out to cover. |
| 50.5 : S Lakmal to Raza, On off, solidly blocked by Raza. |
| 50.6 : S Lakmal to S Raza, Full delivery on middle and leg, Sikandar pushes it to mid on. |
| Lahiru Kumara is back on. 11-2-25-0 are his figures so far. |
| 51.1 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Good length ball on middle, Chakabva defends it back to the bowler. |
| 51.2 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Full delivery outside off, Regis shoulders arms to it. |
| 51.3 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Short of a length ball on middle, Chakabva tucks it to fine leg for a single. |
| 51.4 : L Kumara to Raza, Good length ball on middle, Sikanadar defends it to mid on. |
| 51.5 : L Kumara to Raza, Back of a length on off, tapped to point. |
| 51.6 : L Kumara to Raza, Fullish delivery on the pads, Raza flicks it to fine leg for a single. |
| 52.1 : S Lakmal to Raza, Fullish delivery outside off, Raza leaves the ball alone. |
| 52.2 : S Lakmal to Raza, Good length ball on middle, Raza defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 52.3 : S Lakmal to Raza, On middle, pushed down to mid on. |
| 52.4 : S Lakmal to Raza, Length ball on off, Raza takes a good stride forward and then defends it to cover. |
| 52.5 : S Lakmal to Raza, Good length ball on off, Raza gets right behind the line of the ball and blocks it out. |
| 52.6 : S Lakmal to Raza, Full delivery on middle, Raza defends it out to silly mid on. |
| 53.1 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Short of a length ball on the pads, Chakabva flicks it to fine leg for a single. |
| 53.2 : L Kumara to Raza, Length ball on off, Raza defends it to cover. |
| 53.3 : L Kumara to Raza, Back of a length ball on off, Raza hops and defends it to silly mid on. |
| 53.4 : L Kumara to Raza, Fuller one on the pads, Raza whips it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 53.5 : L Kumara to Raza, Back of a length ball on off, Raza defends it off the back foot. |
| 53.6 : L Kumara to Raza, Full delivery on middle, Raza defends it out. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is into the attack. 12-1-63-0 are his figures. |
| 54.1 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Floated on off, Chakabva taps it to first slip. |
| 54.2 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Loopy delivery on middle, Regis defends it back to the bowler. |
| 54.3 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, BEATEN! Floated ball around off, spinning away, Chakabva looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it. |
| 54.4 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, On middle, defended out. |
| 54.5 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Fullish delivery outside off, Chakabva prods forward and drives it through covers for a single. |
| 54.6 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Flatter delivery on off, pushed to point. |
| 55.1 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Short of a length ball on middle, Chakabva works it to square leg and takes off for a single. Raza is late in taking off and has to push but luckily the square leg fielder fails to collect it cleanly. In the end, Raza reaches the crease comfortably. |
| 55.2 : L Kumara to Raza, Length ball on off, Raza defends it to point. |
| 55.3 : L Kumara to Raza, Back of a length ball outside off, punched to mid off. |
| 55.4 : L Kumara to Raza, On a length on off, Raza guides it to point. |
| 55.5 : L Kumara to Raza, On off, solidly defended by Raza. |
| 55.6 : L Kumara to Raza, Fullish delivery outside off, Raza leaves it alone. |
| DRINKS! Sri Lanka started this session brilliantly as they picked up the wickets of the two well-set batsmen within two overs. Since then, Raza and Chakabva are grinding it out in the middle. They have been very solid in their defense and would look to continue doing so. The Lankans, on the other hand, would look to get some energy from this mini-break and chip in with some more wickets before Tea. |
| 56.1 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Floated on middle, Chakabva defends it to the off side. |
| 56.2 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Flighted on middle, defended back to the bowler. |
| 56.3 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Loopy delivery on off, Chakabva solidly defends it out. |
| 56.4 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 56.5 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Flatter delivery on middle, Chakabva works it to fine leg and the batters manage to take a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up. |
| 56.6 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Looped up ball on middle, Raza defends it out. |
| Kasun Rajitha is back on. 8-4-14-1, his figures so far. |
| 57.1 : K Rajitha to Raza, Full delivery down the leg side, Raza looks to flick but misses it altogether. The keeper appeals for caught behind but the the umpire is not interested. |
| 57.2 : K Rajitha to Raza, Short of a length ball on off, Raza punches it through point. Two fielders chase after it and clean it up. The batters take three. |
| 57.3 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Good length ball on middle, Chakabva defends it out. |
| 57.4 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Full delivery outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one. |
| 57.5 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Good length ball down the leg side, Chakabva looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. There is a mild appeal for LBW but the umpire is not interested. |
| 57.6 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Good length ball outside off, Regis shoulders arms to this one. |
| 58.1 : L Embuldeniya to S Raza, Full delivery on off, Raza drives it to mid off and takes off for a single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end and hits but Raza was in. |
| 58.2 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Loopy delivery on off, defended out to cover. |
| 58.3 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Flatter delivery outside off, Chakabva punches it to point. |
| 58.4 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Outside off, left alone. |
| 58.5 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Full delivery on middle and leg, Chakabva works it to mid-wicket. |
| 58.6 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, On middle, blocked towards the leg side. |
| 59.1 : K Rajitha to Raza, Good length ball on off, Raza looks to defend but it takes the inside edge of the bat and the ball rolls to square leg for a single. |
| 59.2 : K Rajitha to S Raza, EDGY FOUR! Lucky for Chakabva! Good length ball on off, Raza looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes past the second slip fielder for a boundary. |
| Sikandar Raza pulls out of this ball but he has played the ball. Raza is having a discussion with the umpire. Dead ball called. |
| 59.3 : K Rajitha to Raza, Good length ball on middle, Chakabva defends it to the bowler. |
| 59.4 : K Rajitha to Raza, Very full delivery on middle, Raza defends it to point. |
| 59.5 : K Rajitha to Raza, Full delivery on middle, Raza defends it out. |
| 59.6 : K Rajitha to Raza, Full delivery on off, pushed to cover off the front foot. |
| 60.1 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Tossed up delivery on off, Chakabva drives it through covers for a single. |
| 60.2 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Flighted delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the front foot. |
| 60.3 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Loopy delivery on off, Raza punches it towards point. |
| 60.4 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Floated delivery on middle, Raza defends it out. |
| 60.5 : L Embuldeniya to S Raza, Full delivery on off, Raza drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 60.6 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, Flighted delivery on off, Raza plays it to point. |
| 61.1 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, On a good length on off, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot. |
| 61.2 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Good length delivery on middle, Chakabva keeps it out. |
| 61.3 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Short delivery down the leg side, Chakabva lets it go. |
| 61.4 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, On a good length on middle, Chakabva flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 61.5 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Good length delivery on off, Chakabva defends it out. |
| 61.6 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, On a good length on middle, Chakabva keeps it out. |
| Stumping appeal taken upstairs. Raza is the man in question. Has Dickwella whipped the bails in time? |
| 62.1 : L Embuldeniya to Raza, OUT! Stumped! Yes, he has! Very sharp work from Dickwella behind the wicket. The stand is broken and Sri Lanka are once again right into the game. Embuldeniya lures the batsman with a flighted ball outside off, Raza looks to drive but misses and in the process loses his footing too. Dickwella collects the ball quickly and whips the bails off. He looks really confident. The square leg umpire refers it to upstairs. The replays roll in and it confirms that Raza has fail |
| 0.0 : Donald Tiripano is the new man in. |
| 62.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 62.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated around off, it is defended. |
| 62.4 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Huge LBW appeal but it has been turned down. Embuldeniya bowls this one around leg and middle, Tiripano looks to defend it but misses to get hit on the pads. The Sri Lankans make a massive appeal but the umpire is not interested. Probably because it was pitched outside leg. |
| 62.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Fires this one outside off, it is left alone. |
| 62.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Loopy ball on middle, Tiripano keeps it out off his front foot. |
| 63.1 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one. |
| 63.2 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, On a good length on off, Chakabva defends it off the back foot. |
| 63.3 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Length delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 63.4 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Length delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 63.5 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Good length delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot. |
| 63.6 : K Rajitha to Tiripano, Full delivery on middle, Tiripano drives it towards mid on. |
| 64.1 : L Embuldeniya to R Chakabva, Tossed up delivery on off, Chakabva drives it to covers. |
| 64.2 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 64.3 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Loopy delivery on off, Chakabva blocks it off the back foot. |
| 64.4 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, BEATEN! Floated delivery just outside off, Chakabva looks to defend but misses it. |
| 64.5 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Tossed up delivery on off, Chakabva keeps it out. |
| 64.6 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Outside off, Regis offers no shot to this one. |
| Lahiru Kumara returns. 14-2-31-0 are his numbers so far. |
| 65.1 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Full ball outside off, Donald pushes it to covers. |
| 65.2 : L Kumara to Tiripano, On a good length on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot. |
| 65.3 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Good length delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 65.4 : L Kumara to Tiripano, On a good length on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot. |
| 65.5 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Bowls a bouncer, Tiripano lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| 65.6 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Good length delivery on leg, Tiripano looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 66.1 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Tossed up delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it well. |
| 66.2 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 66.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot. |
| 66.4 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Loopy delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 66.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano defends it out. |
| 66.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on off, Donald looks to defend but gets a bottom edge on this one. |
| 67.1 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Fuller ball on middle, Chakabva pushes it to mid on. |
| 67.2 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Full and around off now, Chakabva keeps it out off his front foot. |
| 67.3 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Good length delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it well. |
| 67.4 : L Kumara to Chakabva, On a good length on off, Regis blocks it off the front foot. |
| 67.5 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Short delivery on middle, Chakabva looks to pull but mistimes it. It goes uppishly towards mid-wicket. |
| 67.6 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Short delivery on off, Chakabva stands tall and blocks it off the back foot. |
| 68.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Loopy delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 68.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on off, Tiripano pushes it towards point. |
| 68.3 : L Embuldeniya to D Tiripano, Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it towards mid off. |
| 68.4 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Full again on off, Donald drives it again to mid off. |
| 68.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano blocks it off the front foot. |
| 68.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Outside off, Tiripano shoulders arms to this one. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva returns. 5-2-6-0 from him so far. |
| 69.1 : de Silva to Chakabva, Tossed up delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it well. |
| 69.2 : de Silva to Chakabva, Flighted delivery on off, Chakabva offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 69.3 : de Silva to Chakabva, Floated delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it off the back foot. |
| 69.4 : de Silva to Chakabva, Loopy delivery on off, Regis defends it out. |
| 69.5 : de Silva to Chakabva, Tossed up delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it towards the leg side. |
| 69.6 : de Silva to Chakabva, Flighted delivery on middle, Regis flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 70.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 70.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano punches it through point. The batsmen get two runs. Finally, Tiripano gets off the mark. |
| 70.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Loopy delivery on middle, Donald defends it out. |
| 70.4 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot. |
| 70.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 70.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on middle, Tiripano sweeps it towards square leg. |
| 71.1 : de Silva to Chakabva, Tossed up on off, defended off the front foot. |
| 71.2 : de Silva to Chakabva, Another floated ball on off, Regis offers a solid defense. |
| 71.3 : de Silva to Chakabva, Floated once again, Regis blocks it solidly off the front foot. |
| 71.4 : de Silva to Chakabva, Flighted on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 71.5 : de Silva to Chakabva, Once again, Chakabva smothers it onto the pitch. |
| 71.6 : de Silva to Chakabva, This time Regis drives but straight to the bowler. |
| 72.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot. |
| 72.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it towards mid off. |
| 72.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Full again on off, Tiripano drives it to mid off. |
| 72.4 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated delivery on middle, Donald blocks it off the back foot. |
| 72.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it towards mid off. |
| 72.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Outside off, Tiripano leaves it alone. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 5! |
| Another battling session of Test cricket comes to an end. It once again started with Sri Lanka getting on top with twin strikes in two overs. And, it was of the two set batters, Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams. Sikandar Raza and Regis Chakabva then combined together and played out 101 deliveries. Embuldeniya broke the stand after the Drinks break. Sri Lanka would've thought that they have a chance of running through the lower middle-order but they have once again found a challenge from the duo |
| Now, 34 overs are remaining! The hosts need to keep battling it out. Sri Lanka need 4 wickets. They will get the chance of getting the second new ball after 7 overs in the final session, which might give them a chance of cracking things up. While there are a few balls that are keeping low, there are no demons in the surface. Zimbabwe would hope that they will manage to bat out the entire session. Join us in a while for the final session to see who stays on top at the end of it. |
| ... Day 5, Final session ... |
| We are back for the final session of Day 5. The players are out in the middle. Regis Chakabva and Donald Tiripano will resume their batting for Zimbabwe. Dhananjaya de Silva will start the proceedings for Sri Lanka in the final session. |
| 73.1 : de Silva to Chakabva, Tossed up on off, Regis defends it off the front foot. |
| 73.2 : de Silva to Chakabva, Full and on off, Regis blocks it off the back foot. |
| 73.3 : de Silva to Chakabva, Fuller in length, Regis drives it to mid on and takes a quick single. |
| 73.4 : de Silva to Tiripano, Tossed up on off, Tiripano defends it to point. |
| 73.5 : de Silva to Tiripano, Flighted once again, Donald defends it to the off side. |
| 73.6 : de Silva to Tiripano, Edged but safe. Tiripano looks to defend this tossed up ball but ends up getting an edge which falls short of the fielder at first slip. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya to bowl from the other end. |
| 74.1 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Flatter and outside off, Chakabva looks to cut but gets an under edge on it. |
| 74.2 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Tossed up on off once again, Regis blocks it to the off side. |
| 74.3 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Regis blocks this floated ball on off towards covers. |
| 74.4 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Chakabva blocks this tossed up ball by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 74.5 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Tossed up around off, Regis defends it towards short leg. |
| 74.6 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Oh that is juts superb from Embuldeniya. He tosses one up and the ball grips and turns to take the inside edge past the leg pole. The batsmen take a single. |
| 75.1 : de Silva to Chakabva, Tossed up on middle, Chakabva defends it off the front foot. |
| 75.2 : de Silva to Chakabva, Flighted delivery on off, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot. |
| 75.3 : de Silva to Chakabva, Floated delivery on middle, Regis defends it out. |
| 75.4 : de Silva to Chakabva, Loopy delivery on off, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot. |
| 75.5 : de Silva to Chakabva, Tossed up delivery on middle, Chakabva defends it out. |
| 75.6 : de Silva to Chakabva, On off, Regis offers a soild defense on this one. |
| 76.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up on off, driven straight to short leg. |
| 76.2 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tossed up once again, left alone by Tiripano. |
| 76.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Floated on off, blocked to short leg. |
| 76.4 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Flighted one on off, Tiripano leaves it alone. |
| 76.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Tiripano defends by coming right behind the line of the ball. |
| 76.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tiripano, Once again, Tiripano blocks it off the back foot. |
| 77.1 : de Silva to R Chakabva, Short on leg stump, Chakabva pulls towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 77.2 : de Silva to Tiripano, What happened there? Dickwella looks puzzled here. |
| 77.3 : de Silva to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano defends it off the back foot. |
| 77.4 : de Silva to Tiripano, Loopy delivery on off, Tiripano pushes it towards mid off. |
| 77.5 : de Silva to Tiripano, Floated delivery on middle, Tiripano nudges it towards the leg side. |
| 77.6 : de Silva to Tiripano, FOUR! Zimbabwe are into the lead. Short delivery on middle, Tiripano pulls it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 78.1 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot. |
| 78.2 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Tossed up delivery on off, Regis keeps it out. |
| 78.3 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Full delivery on off, Chakabva drives it to covers. |
| 78.4 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Loopy delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it off the back foot. |
| 78.5 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 78.6 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Floated delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 79.1 : de Silva to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot. |
| 79.2 : de Silva to Tiripano, Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 79.3 : de Silva to Tiripano, Full delivery on middle, Tiripano drives it back towards the bowler. |
| 79.4 : de Silva to Tiripano, Floated delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot. |
| 79.5 : de Silva to Tiripano, Tossed up delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out. |
| 79.6 : de Silva to Tiripano, On off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot. Now, the new ball is available. Will Sri Lanka take it? |
| Yes, Sri Lanka opt for the second new ball straightaway. And, their most successful bowler, of this innings, Suranga Lakmal, will have a crack with it first up. |
| 80.1 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Fuller in length but the line is outside off, Regis makes a leave here. |
| 80.2 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Length ball on off, Chakabva defends it solidly off the front foot. |
| 80.3 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Once again on a length and Regis defends it with the full face of the bat. |
| 80.4 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Fuller in length once again, Chakabva squeezes it towards first slip. |
| 80.5 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Beauty from Lakmal. He pitches one in the corridor of uncertainty and Chakabva has a feel for it as the ball passes the outside edge. |
| 80.6 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Full and on off, Regis defends it to the off side. |
| Lahiru Kumara is back on. 16-4-31-0 are his figures so far. |
| 81.1 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Fuller and on off, Tiripano blocks it off the back foot towards mid on. |
| 81.2 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Tiripano defends this full ball towards mid-wicket. |
| 81.3 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Back of a length and outside off, Tiripano drops his wrists and lets that go through. |
| 81.4 : L Kumara to D Tiripano, Length and around off, Tiripano goes for the drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 81.5 : L Kumara to Tiripano, Good length and on middle, Tiripano looks to fend it to the leg side but the ball goes past the outside edge and down the leg side for the keeper to do the rest. |
| 81.6 : L Kumara to Tiripano, OUT! LBW! Kumara strikes with the second new ball. Tiripano's resistance ends here. Kumara lands one on a length around off and brings the ball into the pads. Tiripano looks to play the original line but the ball beats his defense and hits him flush on the pads. The bowler immediately appeals and the umpire raises the dreaded finger. Sri Lanka are on the verge of a victory here. They need three wickets to wrap up this Zimbabwe innings. Can they wrap it up quickly? |
| Kyle Jarvis is the new batsman in. |
| 82.1 : S Lakmal to R Chakabva, On a good length on off, Chakabva defends it with soft hands towards third man. Mendis chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 82.2 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Good length delivery on off, Chakabva defends it towards covers for a single. |
| 82.3 : S Lakmal to Jarvis, On a good length on off, Jarvis blocks it off the back foot. |
| 82.4 : S Lakmal to Jarvis, Good length delivery on middle, Jarvis keeps it out. |
| 82.5 : S Lakmal to Jarvis, On a good length on off, Jarvis defends it off the back foot. |
| 82.6 : S Lakmal to Jarvis, Good length delivery on middle, Jarvis offers a solid defense on this one. |
| 83.1 : Kumara to Chakabva, Kumara looks excited here but the umpire is unmoved. Chakabva looks to defend this length ball outside off. But the ball gets to him a bit quicker. Chakabva does well to defends it with soft hands as he drops his wrists too. Kumara appeals and is excited but the umpire says no. |
| 83.2 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Length and outside off, left alone. |
| 83.3 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Another length ball outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to it. |
| 83.4 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Regis blocks this length ball solidly off the back foot. |
| 83.5 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Short ball and outside off, Regis lets it be. |
| 83.6 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Another length ball outside off, Regis leaves it alone. |
| 84.1 : S Lakmal to Jarvis, Good length and on off, Jarvis defends it to the off side. |
| 84.2 : S Lakmal to K Jarvis, Jarvis drives this full ball straight towards mid off. |
| 84.3 : S Lakmal to Jarvis, Length and down the leg side. Jarvis looks to tickle it fine but fails to lay wood on the ball. The keeper does well to collect it by going to his left. |
| 84.4 : S Lakmal to Jarvis, Once again, Lakmal goes down the leg side and the keeper there does well to dive and collect it towards his left. |
| Looks like Sri Lanka are running out of time as it has gone a bit dark in Harare. They need to strike as quickly as possible to stand a chance of winning this game. |
| 84.5 : S Lakmal to Jarvis, Full on off, Jarvis drives it past the bowler towards long off. The batsmen get a single. |
| 84.6 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Good length ball on middle, Regis blocks it off the front foot. |
| 85.1 : L Kumara to K Jarvis, Low full toss outside off, jarvis fails to capitalize it. He could manage to drag it towards mid on. |
| 85.2 : L Kumara to Jarvis, Full and on off, Jarvis drives it towards mid on where the fielder does well to field it. He did fumble but the batsmen don't take a run. |
| 85.3 : L Kumara to Jarvis, Jarvis hops and defends this short ball from Kumara off the back foot. |
| 85.4 : L Kumara to Jarvis, Back of a length and outside off, Jarvis punches the ball off the back foot towards covers. |
| 85.5 : L Kumara to Jarvis, Full on off and defended back to the bowler. |
| 85.6 : L Kumara to Jarvis, OUT! CASTLED! Jarvis was playing everything off the back foot and that brings his down fall too. Kumara after bowling back of a length ball he goes fuller this time. Jarvis was hanging on the back foot anticipating a short one and so has less time to adjust and come on the front foot. He though looks to push the ball off the back foot but the ball swings a bit and sneaks past the inside edge to disturbs the furniture behind. The umpire though go upstairs for a noball ch |
| Ainsley Ndlovu is the next batsman in. Also, Rajitha is back on. 12-5-22-1 are his figures so far. |
| 86.1 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, On a good length on off, Chakabva defends it off the front foot. |
| 86.2 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Outside off, Regis shoulders arms to this one. |
| 86.3 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, On a good length on middle, Chakabva defends it towards mid on and takes a single. |
| 86.4 : K Rajitha to Ndlovu, BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Ndlovu looks to cut but misses it. |
| 86.5 : K Rajitha to Ndlovu, Outside off, Ndlovu lets it go. |
| A wicket arrives and it brings more brightness. It has become exactly opposite of what it was a few minutes ago. Bright and sunny! |
| 86.6 : K Rajitha to Ndlovu, On a good length on middle, Ndlovu keeps it out. |
| 87.1 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Length delivery on middle, Regis defends it off the back foot. |
| 87.2 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Down the leg side, Chakabva misses his flick and the keeper does the rest. |
| 87.3 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Outside off, Regis lets it be. |
| 87.4 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Back of a length ball on off, Chakabva hops and defends it to the off side. |
| 87.5 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Once again on off, Regis is happy to not fiddle with it. |
| 87.6 : L Kumara to Chakabva, Full and on middle, Chakabva works it towards deep square leg for a single. |
| 88.1 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Length ball outside off, Regis watches the ball closely as he lets it go through to the keeper. |
| 88.2 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Full and too wide outside off, Regis does not play at it. |
| 88.3 : Rajitha to Chakabva, Length and down the leg side, Chakabva looks to flick it but he misses it. The slip fielders and the keeper appeal but nothing from the bowler there. The umpire too is not interested. |
| 88.4 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Length ball outside off, Regis lets it be. |
| 88.5 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Short ball outside off, Chakabva cuts it to find the fielder at point. |
| 88.6 : K Rajitha to Chakabva, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot. |
| 89.1 : L Kumara to Ndlovu, Ndlovu blocks this length ball towards covers. |
| 89.2 : L Kumara to Ndlovu, Outside off and on a length, Ndlovu leaves it for the keeper there. |
| 89.3 : L Kumara to Ndlovu, Full on off, driven back to the bowler by Ndlovu. |
| 89.4 : L Kumara to Ndlovu, OUT! TIMBER! No. 9 goes down. Kumara takes his third of the innings. The new ball has done wonders for the Lankans here. Once again, Kumara lands it on a length and makes the ball swing in towards the batsman. Ndlovu goes for the forward push but is late in bringing his bat down in time and the ball takes the inside edge to shatters the wood work behind. |
| Victor Nyauchi is the last man in. |
| 89.5 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, Good length and on off, Nyauchi defends it off the back foot towards covers. |
| 89.6 : L Kumara to Nyauchi, Full and just outside off, Nyauchi looks to go for a wild swing but he fails to find the connection as the ball goes past the outside edge. The slip fielders look a bit excited and pepped up there. |
| Suranga Lakmal is back on. 18-8-21-4 are his figures so far. Can he wrap up the things with a five-fer? |
| 90.1 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, On a length on middle, Chakabva flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 90.2 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Length delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it through square leg but Chakabva denies the run as he wants to farm the strike. |
| 90.3 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 90.4 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, FOUR! On a length on leg, Chakabva flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary. |
| 90.5 : S Lakmal to Chakabva, Good length delivery on middle, Chakabva defends it towards mid on. Chakabva wants the run but Nyauchi was not interested. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it. The batsmen take a run. |
| 90.6 : S Lakmal to Nyauchi, Length delivery down the leg side, Nyauchi looks to flick but misses it. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is back on. 25-7-74-1 are his figures so far. |
| 91.1 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Tossed up on off, blocked off the front foot. |
| 91.2 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Once again a tossed up ball on middle, Regis plays it safely. |
| 91.3 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Chakabva allows the ball to come to him and then meets the ball with the full face of the bat. |
| 91.4 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Regis defends this tossed up ball towards the off side. |
| 91.5 : L Embuldeniya to Chakabva, Chakabva defends this tossed up ball towards the off side once again. |
| 91.6 : Embuldeniya to R Chakabva, OUT! BOWLED! Embuldeniya hammers the final nail in the Zimbabwean coffin. He bowls a flatter trajectory on off, Chakabva rocks on the back foot to force it towards point. He was looking to retain the strike with a single here but the ball takes the under edge and clatters into the stumps. ZIMBABWE END ON 170! |
| That's a wrap of the Zimbabwe innings. They have managed to get just 13 runs lead which means that Sri Lanka need just 14 runs to seal the game and they have plenty of overs at their disposal to chase it down to take a 1-0 lead in the series. |
| The day started with Suranga Lakmal rocking the Zimbabwe top-order with three wickets in quick succession. However, Sean Williams and Brenden Taylor then battled out with a 79-run stand. However, their wickets fell in consecutive overs and it looked like Sri Lanka might roll the hosts before they can get into the lead. But they once again found challenges from the likes of Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano and Regis Chakabva. But as soon as the Lankans got the second new ball, things started to hap |
| 0.1 : D Tiripano to Fernando, Fuller in length and on off, Fernando defends it towards square leg. |
| 0.2 : D Tiripano to Fernando, Short ball outside off, Fernando cuts it past point and gets three runs. Sri Lanka need another 11 for a victory. |
| 0.3 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Good length and outside off once again, Karunaratne pushes it to covers. |
| 0.4 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Karunaratne flicks this length delivery through mid-wicket and takes a single. |
| 0.5 : D Tiripano to Fernando, Outside off, Fernando lets it be. |
| 0.6 : D Tiripano to Fernando, Once again outside off and Fernando does not see the need to fiddle with it. |
| Victor Nyauchi to bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, On a length and on off, Karunaratne pushes it towards covers. |
| 1.2 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, Back of a length and outside off, Karunaratne pushes it past point for a couple. |
| 1.3 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, Outside off and on a length, Dimuth looks to lay wood on the ball but he fails as the ball sneaks past the outside edge. |
| 1.4 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, Back of a length ball around off, Karunaratne looks to pull it but the ball goes past the outside edge once again and the keeper does the rest. |
| 1.5 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, FOUR! On the pads and Karunaratne is not going to miss on it. He just gets inside the line and flicks it through fine leg and the ball races to the fence for a boundary. |
| 1.6 : V Nyauchi to Karunaratne, Dimuth flicks this full ball off his pads but finds mid-wicket to perfection. |
| 2.1 : D Tiripano to Fernando, Tiripano strays one on the pads and Fernando flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 2.2 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Full and on off, driven to mid on. |
| 2.3 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Fuller in length once again and Karunaratne defends it off the back foot here. |
| 2.4 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, Fuller in length and on middle once again, Karunaratne flicks it through mid-wicket as the batsmen cross for a couple. |
| 2.5 : D Tiripano to Karunaratne, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 2.6 : D Tiripano to D Karunaratne, SRI LANKA WIN BY 10 WICKETS! Karunaratne, the skipper hits the winning run. He drives this fuller length ball through covers. The fielder from covers runs behind the ball. The batsmen cross for the run as the ball also stops inside the ropes due to lack of timing and slowness of the outfield. |
| There it is then. 14 run target has been breached by the visitors without any fuss and Sri Lanka have taken a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series. It is handshake all around at the moment and one would feel that Zimbabwe did really well to take this game into the final hour but eventually Sri Lanka came on top to seal the deal. |
| Earlier in the game, after winning the toss, Zimbabwe batted really well with contributions from their top order. All of their batters got start with Masvaure, Kasuza and Ervine raking up their half tons. Donald Tiripano in the end made a handy contribution with the willow to take the total over 350. |
| With the ball, Sri Lankans were very tight and did not allow the hosts to score runs at a brisk pace. Embuldeniya was the star for them as he picked up a fifer while Lakmal and Kumara got 3 and 2 wickets respectively. |
| Like Zimbabwe, Sri Lankans were slow in scoring runs but they occupied the crease really well. Angelo Mathews brought up his maiden Test double ton and with contributions from Mendis, de Silva and Dickwella, the visitors managed to take a good lead of 157 runs. |
| Zimbabwean bowlers toiled hard for nearly two days but failed to take wickets at regular intervals. They too were very tight and did not offer freebies to the visitors. Victor Nyauchi and Sikandar Raza ended up with a 3-fer while Sean Williams had two wickets to his name. |
| Zimbabwe had the tough ask of seeing off the final hour of the 4th day. However, their openers did really well to do that and enter Day 5 with all their wickets intact. However, they eventually fell in quick time in the morning session. Skipper Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor resisted for a while during their stand but once they fell, it was matter of time before Sri Lanka roll the innings over. Contributions from the likes of Sikandar Raza and Chakabva meant that the hosts forced Sri Lanka to |
| On the final day, Suranga Lakmal started with a bang and picked up three early. However, when the hosts were amidst a stand, they kept coming hard at them and were rewarded with wickets. Lahiru Kumara used the second new ball well and picked up three wickets quickly. Embuldeniya ended with 2 wickets while Rajitha removed the vital wicket of the opposition skipper. |
| Sean Williams, Zimbabwe skipper, says that the guys tried really hard but feels that they enjoyed the game. On their first innings total, Williams says that they would've loved to get to 450 in the first innings. Tells that today the ball was keeping low. Says that they can take a lot of positives from this game going into the final Test. Feels that the fast bowlers were superb for them but spinners need to step up for the side and do better. Finishes off by saying that it was all in all a very |
| ANGELO MATHEWS IS NAMED MAN OF THE MATCH FOR HIS MAIDEN DOUBLE TON. He starts by thanking the almighty. Tells that he has been working really hard with his trainer for the last couple of months. On his double ton, he says that it's been a while that he got into the three-figure mark in Tests. Adds that the wicket was very slow and credits the opposition bowlers for keeping things very tight. Says that they had planned that they did not want to bat in the fourth innings and had set the target of |
| Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka skipper, says that they put in a huge total in the first innings and that advantage helped them. Credits the bowlers for bowling their hearts out in the tough conditions. Praises Mathews for his brilliant double ton and hopes that other batters around him can also get to bigger scores. Says that this was a tough game and now they are looking forward to the final Test. |
| That's it from this engrossing game where Sri Lanka bag a 10-wicket win to go 1-0 up in the two match series. The second Test starts at the same venue on 27th January 2020. It starts at 1000 local (0800 GMT). We will love your company for that game. Till then, goodbye and take care! |
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