Thisara Perera's all-round brilliance keeps Sri Lanka alive
The allrounder followed figures of 4 for 33 - his best since 2012 - with an unbeaten 39 off 26 balls to give Sri Lanka their first points in the tri-series
The allrounder followed figures of 4 for 33 - his best since 2012 - with an unbeaten 39 off 26 balls to give Sri Lanka their first points in the tri-series
Commentator: Deivarayan Muthu
7.22pm After limiting Zimbabwe to 198 with a volley of menacing short balls, Thisara Perera hit 39 off 26 balls - the only batsman to strike at 100 or more on a two-paced pitch - to ensure Sri Lanka stay afloat in the tri-series. He came into bat with Sri Lanka wobbling at 145 for 5, but saw his side home along with Chandimal, who stayed unbeaten on 38. Muzarabani and Jarvis were impressive both with the new ball and the old one, but could not find a way past Thisara.
Cremer: To be honest, the wicket looked same like the other one, but played a lot different. We were probably 30 runs short with the bat. We need one of the top four to bat through the innings. Taylor played well, but we need one to bat till 45 overs. The seamers did quite well; maybe a bit inconsistent with the length. Credit to Chandi, they were always looking like winning with him there. We will come out hard day after tomorrow.
Chandimal: I was really happy with the performance. Credit to the bowlers - they did their job really well. Kusal Janith and Mendis did their job, and Thisara at the end was brilliant. As I said, once you get a start in the top four you need to bat long. That's what we need to do, and we will have three more days to come up with a good plan. Pressure is always there. Last one year or so they've played outstanding cricket.
Thisara (who else?) is the Player of the Match: First of all I am proud of my performance. As an allrounder, I am very happy today. All the bowlers, including me, did well. This is a relay baton - we want to do it at both ends. Nuwan Pradeep and Suranga Lakmal did well. Pradeep has an injury but he did well. This is my natural game, otherwise I can't survive in the international game
Anji: "Good to see Kusal Mendis chipping in some runs. He needs to gain back his confidence."
Gaja: "Come on Ice93. It is not about Chandimal only. It is about the whole team, If it wasn't setup by both Kusals, you would have known How vunerable to have Chandimal in the team. If it was a 300 track & Zimbabwe scored 230 or so, SL would have definitely lost this much"
That's a wrap of this match. Thanks for your company and comments. Goodbye and good night for now
Nonymous: "I guess the boat has sailed.. but no chance of a bonus point for SL here, right?" --- Right
Sri Lanka's stand-in captain was pleased to take points from the game, but felt his side could have taken the bonus point too if only his batsmen did not waste the starts they got
The allrounder followed figures of 4 for 33 - his best since 2012 - with an unbeaten 39 off 26 balls to give Sri Lanka their first points in the tri-series
Sri Lanka must contend with Sikandar Raza's contentment in Bangladesh conditions after his success in the BPL
Sri Lanka's dire start to the new year has made Zimbabwe unlikely favourites, and another defeat will see Dinesh Chandimal's team crash out of the tri-series