Zimbabwe produced a brilliant batting display mounting 302, fronted by a classic captain’s knock by Craig Irvine who belted 91 off 98 balls to defeat Sri Lanka by 22 runs in the second One Day International and level the series 1-1 at the Pallekelle International Stadium last night.
In reply to Zimbabwe’s 302/8, Sri Lanka made 280/9 in 50 overs on the back of a 94-ball 102 by skipper Dasun Shanaka that was laced with 4 sixes and 7 fours but his effort proved in vain.
Zimbabwe repeated their giant mammoth display in the opener but this time made sure they crossed the 300 mark to put pressure on the Lankans with Craig Irvine leading the charge.
He shared a third wicket partnership of 106 runs with Sean Williams who made 48 while Regis Chakabva made 47.
Sri Lanka’s top order failed to repeat their heroics from a day ago and were tottering on 63 for 4 by the 15th over before Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis, who made 57, rallied the side for a 5th wicket partnership of 118.
But eventually early setbacks proved to be costly despite Shanaka’s valiant effort.
