Raza half-century sets Sri Lanka 291

  Hamilton Masakadza came up with a dominating 83-ball 73 but it was Sikandar Raza’s half-century towards the end that helped Zimbabwe post 290 for 6 in the second tri-series One-Day International in Dhaka on Wednesday (January 17).

Opting to field first, Sri Lanka failed to make use of the early help the track provided. They asked plenty of questions in the first five overs but Masakadza and Solomon Mire (34) managed to survive the testing period. What played into Zimbabwe’s hands was the fact that there were a few poor deliveries as well. They were 30 for no loss after five overs and looked set for more.

By the end of the first Powerplay, Zimbabwe had posted 64 for no loss. Thisara Perera gave the team the first breakthrough when he had Mire caught at square leg trying to pull a short ball. However, the openers had done their job off seeing off the tough phase and managed to add 75 in 13 overs.

Craig Ervine fell soon after to Suranga Lakmal. Trying to punch a back of length delivery he was caught at first slip to leave the team at 85 for 2. While Masakadza looked solid from one end, he also found good support from Brendan Taylor (38). They went on to add another 57 to the board to take the team past 140.

Asela Gunaratne managed to break the promising stand as Masakadza slapped a full ball straight to mid-off. While Sri Lanka were guilty of being poor early on, they made up for it in the middle overs by picking regular wickets. Taylor fell in the 33rd over while Malcolm Waller (29) fell in the 44th over just when Zimbabwe were looking for a late flourish.

Raza reached his half-century in the 46th over and survived a run out chance two balls later. Akila Dananjaya failed to collect a straightforward throw with Raza well shot at the bowler’s end. Zimbabwe collected 76 in the last ten overs and will fancy their chances of opening their account in the tri-series.

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