Sri Lanka heads off Price’s bowling challenge by Eddie Norfolk

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Scorecard:	Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
Event:	Al Barakah T20 Canada 2008/09

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DateLine: 12th October 2008

 

Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 5 wickets with an over to spare in the opening match of the T20 international series at King City. Zimbabwe’s innings revolved around early aggression from Hamilton Masakadaza, with 22 runs from 14 balls, followed by a solid innings from wicketkeeper Tatneda Taibu. He made 45 not out off 47 balls, including six boundaries. Sri Lanka’s reply began well with Tillakaratne Dilshan providing 33 runs from 37 balls and Mahlea Udawatte plundering 25 runs from 15 balls. But there was a mid-innings slump, thanks to good bowling from left-arm spinner Ray Price. He bowled Dilshan to make it 64 for 2 wickets, bowled Jeevantha Kulatunga and ran out Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jaywardene. Price ended his 4 over spell with 2 wickets for just 9 runs, during which the innings had stumbled to 77 for 5 wickets. Chamara Kapugedera (18 not out) and Farveez Maharoof (13 not out) took control to complete a 5 wicket win with one over to spare. The match was reduced to 17 overs per side due to a damp outfield, due to overnight dew.