1st Test, Harare, January 19, 2020, 01:30 PM
Zimbabwe
358/10(148.0ov) & 170/10(92.0ov)
Sri Lanka
515/9(176.2ov) & 14/0(3.0ov)
Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Angelo Mathews
Commentry
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!
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.
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 taking the lead of 150-odd runs.
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 good game for them and he is proud of the boys.
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.
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 come out and bat in the final innings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2.6
1
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.
2.5
.
The batsman works it down the leg side.
2.4
2
Fuller in length and on middle once again, Karunaratne flicks it through mid-wicket as the batsmen cross for a couple.
2.3
.
Fuller in length once again and Karunaratne defends it off the back foot here.
2.2
.
Full and on off, driven to mid on.
2.1
1
Tiripano strays one on the pads and Fernando flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
2
0
Victor Nyauchi 6/0(1)
1.6
.
Dimuth flicks this full ball off his pads but finds mid-wicket to perfection.
1.5
4
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.
1.4
.
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.
1.3
.
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.
1.2
2
Back of a length and outside off, Karunaratne pushes it past point for a couple.
1.1
.
On a length and on off, Karunaratne pushes it towards covers.
Victor Nyauchi to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
3
0
Donald Tiripano 4/0(1)
0.6
.
Once again outside off and Fernando does not see the need to fiddle with it.
0.5
.
Outside off, Fernando lets it be.
0.4
1
Karunaratne flicks this length delivery through mid-wicket and takes a single.
0.3
.
Good length and outside off once again, Karunaratne pushes it to covers.
0.2
3
Short ball outside off, Fernando cuts it past point and gets three runs. Sri Lanka need another 11 for a victory.
0.1
.
Fuller in length and on off, Fernando defends it towards square leg.
Now, Sri Lanka just need 14 to win the game. With 13 overs left, one would believe that the run chase will be just a formality. Let's see how many overs they will take to get to the target.
The day started with Suranga Lakmal rocking the Zimbabwe top-order with three wickets in quick succession. However, Sean Williams and Brendan 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 happen and eventually, Kumara knocked two batsmen down quickly. Eventually, Embuldeniya took the final wicket to bundle the hosts out. Apart from de Silva, all their bowlers bagged at least a wicket with Lakmal and Kumara being the star.
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.
91.6
W
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!
91.5
.
Chakabva defends this tossed up ball towards the off side once again.
91.4
.
Regis defends this tossed up ball towards the off side.
91.3
.
Chakabva allows the ball to come to him and then meets the ball with the full face of the bat.
91.2
.
Once again a tossed up ball on middle, Regis plays it safely.
91.1
.
Tossed up on off, blocked off the front foot.
Lasith Embuldeniya is back on. 25-7-74-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 27/4(20)
90.6
.
Length delivery down the leg side, Nyauchi looks to flick but misses it.
90.5
1
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.
90.4
4
FOUR! On a length on leg, Chakabva flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
90.3
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
90.2
.
Length delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it through square leg but Chakabva denies the run as he wants to farm the strike.
90.1
.
On a length on middle, Chakabva flicks it to mid-wicket.
Suranga Lakmal is back on. 18-8-21-4 are his figures so far. Can he wrap up the things with a five-fer?
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 32/3(21)
89.6
.
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.
89.5
.
Good length and on off, Nyauchi defends it off the back foot towards covers.
Victor Nyauchi is the last man in.
89.4
W
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 shatter the wood work behind.
89.3
.
Full on off, driven back to the bowler by Ndlovu.
89.2
.
Outside off and on a length, Ndlovu leaves it for the keeper there.
89.1
.
Ndlovu blocks this length ball towards covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 23/1(14)
88.6
.
Chakabva blocks it off the front foot.
88.5
.
Short ball outside off, Chakabva cuts it to find the fielder at point.
88.4
.
Length ball outside off, Regis lets it be.
88.3
.
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.
88.2
.
Full and too wide outside off, Regis does not play at it.
88.1
.
Length ball outside off, Regis watches the ball closely as he lets it go through to the keeper.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 32/2(20)
87.6
1
Full and on middle, Chakabva works it towards deep square leg for a single.
87.5
.
Once again on off, Regis is happy to not fiddle with it.
87.4
.
Back of a length ball on off, Chakabva hops and defends it to the off side.
87.3
.
Outside off, Regis lets it be.
87.2
.
Down the leg side, Chakabva misses his flick and the keeper does the rest.
87.1
.
Length delivery on middle, Regis defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 23/1(13)
86.6
.
On a good length on middle, Ndlovu keeps it out.
A wicket arrives and it brings more brightness. It has become exactly opposite of what it was a few minutes ago. Bright and sunny!
86.5
.
Outside off, Ndlovu lets it go.
86.4
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Ndlovu looks to cut but misses it.
86.3
1
On a good length on middle, Chakabva defends it towards mid on and takes a single.
86.2
.
Outside off, Regis shoulders arms to this one.
86.1
.
On a good length on off, Chakabva defends it off the front foot.
Ainsley Ndlovu is the next batsman in. Also, Rajitha is back on. 12-5-22-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0W
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 31/2(19)
85.6
W
OUT! CASTLED! Jarvis was playing everything off the back foot and that brings his downfall too. Kumara after bowling back of a length ball 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 disturb the furniture behind. The umpire though go upstairs for a no ball check but Kumara is fine and Sri Lanka edging ahead towards victory here.
85.5
.
Full on off and defended back to the bowler.
85.4
.
Back of a length and outside off, Jarvis punches the ball off the back foot towards covers.
85.3
.
Jarvis hops and defends this short ball from Kumara off the back foot.
85.2
.
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.
85.1
.
Low full toss outside off, Jarvis fails to capitalize it. He could manage to drag it towards mid on.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 22/4(19)
84.6
.
Good length ball on middle, Regis blocks it off the front foot.
84.5
1
Full on off, Jarvis drives it past the bowler towards long off. The batsmen get a single.
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.
84.4
.
Once again, Lakmal goes down the leg side and the keeper there does well to dive and collect it towards his left.
84.3
.
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.
84.2
.
Jarvis drives this full ball straight towards mid off.
84.1
.
Good length and on off, Jarvis defends it to the off side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 31/1(18)
83.6
.
Another length ball outside off, Regis leaves it alone.
83.5
.
Short ball and outside off, Regis lets it be.
83.4
.
Regis blocks this length ball solidly off the back foot.
83.3
.
Another length ball outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to it.
83.2
.
Length and outside off, left alone.
83.1
.
Huge appeal for LBW but not out says the umpire. It is a loud, loud appeal from the bowler. He bowls a back of length ball around off, it comes into the batter sharply. Chakabva looks to stay away from the line of the delivery but takes his eyes off the ball. It does not bounce enough and it looks like Chakabva is hit on the pads. The bowler appeals but the umpire does not agree. Replays roll in and show that Chakabva did really well to get his gloves on the ball. Excellent call from the umpire.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
2
Suranga Lakmal 21/4(18)
82.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, Jarvis offers a solid defense on this one.
82.5
.
On a good length on off, Jarvis defends it off the back foot.
82.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Jarvis keeps it out.
82.3
.
On a good length on off, Jarvis blocks it off the back foot.
82.2
1
Good length delivery on off, Chakabva defends it towards covers for a single.
82.1
2
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.
Kyle Jarvis is the new batsman in.
In over# 1
0W
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 31/1(17)
81.6
W
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?
81.5
.
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.
81.4
.
Length and around off, Tiripano goes for the drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
81.3
.
Back of a length and outside off, Tiripano drops his wrists and lets that go through.
81.2
.
Tiripano defends this full ball towards mid-wicket.
81.1
.
Fuller and on off, Tiripano blocks it off the back foot towards mid on.
Lahiru Kumara is back on. 16-4-31-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 18/4(17)
80.6
.
Full and on off, Regis defends it to the off side.
80.5
.
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.
80.4
.
Fuller in length once again, Chakabva squeezes it towards first slip.
80.3
.
Once again on a length and Regis defends it with the full face of the bat.
80.2
.
Length ball on off, Chakabva defends it solidly off the front foot.
80.1
.
Fuller in length but the line is outside off, Regis makes a leave here.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 12/0(11)
79.6
.
On off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot. Now, the second new ball is available. Will Sri Lanka take it?
79.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out.
79.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot.
79.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Tiripano drives it back towards the bowler.
79.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out.
79.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 74/1(25)
78.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it to mid-wicket.
78.5
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
78.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it off the back foot.
78.3
.
Full delivery on off, Chakabva drives it to covers.
78.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Regis keeps it out.
78.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
1
Dhananjaya de Silva 12/0(10)
77.6
4
FOUR! Zimbabwe are into the lead. Short delivery on middle, Tiripano pulls it through square leg for a boundary.
77.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Tiripano nudges it towards the leg side.
77.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Tiripano pushes it towards mid off.
77.3
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano defends it off the back foot.
77.2
.
What happened there? Dickwella looks puzzled here. Embuldeniya tosses one up here and makes the ball to turn past the forward push of Donald Tiripano. The ball spins past the outside edge and goes to the keeper. Embuldeniya makes a loud appeal but nothing from the umpire. Interestingly, he was the only one who appealed. He kind of looked at the keeper and asked why didn't he join in the appeal.
77.1
1
Short on leg stump, Chakabva pulls towards mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 74/1(24)
76.6
.
Once again, Tiripano blocks it off the back foot.
76.5
.
Tiripano defends by coming right behind the line of the ball.
76.4
.
Flighted one on off, Tiripano leaves it alone.
76.3
.
Floated on off, blocked to short leg.
76.2
.
Tossed up once again, left alone by Tiripano.
76.1
.
Tossed up on off, driven straight to short leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 7/0(9)
75.6
.
On off, Regis offers a soild defense on this one.
75.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Chakabva defends it out.
75.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot.
75.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Regis defends it out.
75.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot.
75.1
.
Tossed up on middle, Chakabva defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 74/1(23)
74.6
1
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.
74.5
.
Tossed up around off, Regis defends it towards short leg.
74.4
.
Chakabva blocks this tossed up ball by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
74.3
.
Regis blocks this floated ball on off towards covers.
74.2
.
Tossed up on off once again, Regis blocks it to the off side.
74.1
.
Flatter and outside off, Chakabva looks to cut but gets an under edge on it.
Lasith Embuldeniya to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 7/0(8)
73.6
.
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.
73.5
.
Flighted once again, Donald defends it to the off side.
73.4
.
Tossed up on off, Tiripano defends it to point.
73.3
1
Fuller in length, Regis drives it to mid on and takes a quick single.
73.2
.
Full and on off, Regis blocks it off the back foot.
73.1
.
Tossed up on off, Regis defends it off the front foot.
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.
... Day 5, Final session ...
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.
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 of Chakabva and Tiripano who are keeping the Lankans at bay.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 73/1(22)
72.6
.
Outside off, Tiripano leaves it alone. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 5!
72.5
.
Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it towards mid off.
72.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Donald blocks it off the back foot.
72.3
.
Full again on off, Tiripano drives it to mid off.
72.2
.
Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it towards mid off.
72.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 6/0(7)
71.6
.
This time Regis drives but straight to the bowler.
71.5
.
Once again, Chakabva smothers it onto the pitch.
71.4
.
Flighted on off, defended off the back foot.
71.3
.
Floated once again, Regis blocks it solidly off the front foot.
71.2
.
Another floated ball on off, Regis offers a solid defense.
71.1
.
Tossed up on off, defended off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 73/1(21)
70.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Tiripano sweeps it towards square leg.
70.5
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
70.4
.
Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot.
70.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Donald defends it out.
70.2
2
Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano punches it through point. The batsmen get two runs. Finally, Tiripano gets off the mark.
70.1
.
Floated delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 6/0(6)
69.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Regis flicks it to mid-wicket.
69.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it towards the leg side.
69.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Regis defends it out.
69.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it off the back foot.
69.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Chakabva offers a solid defense on this one.
69.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it well.
Dhananjaya de Silva returns. 5-2-6-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 71/1(20)
68.6
.
Outside off, Tiripano shoulders arms to this one.
68.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano blocks it off the front foot.
68.4
.
Full again on off, Donald drives it again to mid off.
68.3
.
Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it towards mid off.
68.2
.
Floated delivery on off, Tiripano pushes it towards point.
68.1
.
Loopy delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 31/0(16)
67.6
.
Short delivery on off, Chakabva stands tall and blocks it off the back foot.
67.5
.
Short delivery on middle, Chakabva looks to pull but mistimes it. It goes uppishly towards mid-wicket.
67.4
.
On a good length on off, Regis blocks it off the front foot.
67.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it well.
67.2
.
Full and around off now, Chakabva keeps it out off his front foot.
67.1
.
Fuller ball on middle, Chakabva pushes it to mid on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 71/1(19)
66.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Donald looks to defend but gets a bottom edge on this one.
66.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano defends it out.
66.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out.
66.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot.
66.2
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it towards fine leg for a run.
66.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it well.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 31/0(15)
65.6
.
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.
65.5
.
Bowls a bouncer, Tiripano lets it sail through to the keeper.
65.4
.
On a good length on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot.
65.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out.
65.2
.
On a good length on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot.
65.1
.
Full ball outside off, Donald pushes it to covers.
Lahiru Kumara returns. 14-2-31-0 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 70/1(18)
64.6
.
Outside off, Regis offers no shot to this one.
64.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Chakabva keeps it out.
64.4
.
BEATEN! Floated delivery just outside off, Chakabva looks to defend but misses it.
64.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Chakabva blocks it off the back foot.
64.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva offers a solid defense on this one.
64.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Chakabva drives it to covers.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 22/1(12)
63.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Tiripano drives it towards mid on.
63.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot.
63.4
1
Length delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
63.3
.
Length delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it to mid-wicket.
63.2
.
On a good length on off, Chakabva defends it off the back foot.
63.1
.
Outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0W
Lasith Embuldeniya 70/1(17)
62.6
.
Loopy ball on middle, Tiripano keeps it out off his front foot.
62.5
.
Fires this one outside off, it is left alone.
62.4
.
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.
62.3
.
Floated around off, it is defended.
62.2
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Donald Tiripano is the new man in.
62.1
W
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 upstairs. The replays roll in and it confirms that Raza has failed to drag his back leg back in time. He has to go and with him Zimbabwe's hope of drawing this game takes a massive dive.
Stumping appeal taken upstairs. Raza is the man in question. Has Dickwella whipped the bails in time?
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 21/1(11)
61.6
.
On a good length on middle, Chakabva keeps it out.
61.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Chakabva defends it out.
61.4
.
On a good length on middle, Chakabva flicks it to mid-wicket.
61.3
.
Short delivery down the leg side, Chakabva lets it go.
61.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Chakabva keeps it out.
61.1
.
On a good length on off, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
1
Lasith Embuldeniya 70/0(16)
60.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Raza plays it to point.
60.5
2
Full delivery on off, Raza drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.
60.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Raza defends it out.
60.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Raza punches it towards point.
60.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the front foot.
60.1
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Chakabva drives it through covers for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Kasun Rajitha 21/1(10)
59.6
.
Full delivery on off, pushed to cover off the front foot.
59.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Raza defends it out.
59.4
.
Very full delivery on middle, Raza defends it to point.
59.3
.
Good length ball on middle, Chakabva defends it to the bowler.
Sikandar Raza pulls out of this ball but he has played the ball. Raza is having a discussion with the umpire. Dead ball called.
59.2
4
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.
59.1
.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Lasith Embuldeniya 67/0(15)
58.6
.
On middle, blocked towards the leg side.
58.5
.
Full delivery on middle and leg, Chakabva works it to mid-wicket.
58.4
.
Outside off, left alone.
58.3
.
Flatter delivery outside off, Chakabva punches it to point.
58.2
.
Loopy delivery on off, defended out to cover.
58.1
1
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
3
0
Kasun Rajitha 17/1(9)
57.6
.
Good length ball outside off, Regis shoulders arms to this one.
57.5
.
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.
57.4
.
Full delivery outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one.
57.3
.
Good length ball on middle, Chakabva defends it out.
57.2
3
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.
57.1
.
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.
Kasun Rajitha is back on. 8-4-14-1, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 66/0(14)
56.6
.
Looped up ball on middle, Raza defends it out.
56.5
2
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.
56.4
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
56.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Chakabva solidly defends it out.
56.2
.
Flighted on middle, defended back to the bowler.
56.1
.
Floated on middle, Chakabva defends it to the off side.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Lahiru Kumara 31/0(14)
55.6
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Raza leaves it alone.
55.5
.
On off, solidly defended by Raza.
55.4
.
On a length on off, Raza guides it to point.
55.3
.
Back of a length ball outside off, punched to mid off.
55.2
.
Length ball on off, Raza defends it to point.
55.1
1
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.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 64/0(13)
54.6
.
Flatter delivery on off, pushed to point.
54.5
1
Fullish delivery outside off, Chakabva prods forward and drives it through covers for a single.
54.4
.
On middle, defended out.
54.3
.
BEATEN! Floated ball around off, spinning away, Chakabva looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.
54.2
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Regis defends it back to the bowler.
54.1
.
Floated on off, Chakabva taps it to first slip.
Lasith Embuldeniya is into the attack. 12-1-63-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
1
Lahiru Kumara 30/0(13)
53.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Raza defends it out.
53.5
.
Back of a length ball on off, Raza defends it off the back foot.
53.4
2
Fuller one on the pads, Raza whips it through mid-wicket for a couple.
53.3
.
Back of a length ball on off, Raza hops and defends it to silly mid on.
53.2
.
Length ball on off, Raza defends it to cover.
53.1
1
Short of a length ball on the pads, Chakabva flicks it to fine leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 18/4(16)
52.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Raza defends it out to silly mid on.
52.5
.
Good length ball on off, Raza gets right behind the line of the ball and blocks it out.
52.4
.
Length ball on off, Raza takes a good stride forward and then defends it to cover.
52.3
.
On middle, pushed down to mid on.
52.2
.
Good length ball on middle, Raza defends it to mid-wicket.
52.1
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Raza leaves the ball alone.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 27/0(12)
51.6
1
Fullish delivery on the pads, Raza flicks it to fine leg for a single.
51.5
.
Back of a length on off, tapped to point.
51.4
.
Good length ball on middle, Sikanadar defends it to mid on.
51.3
1
Short of a length ball on middle, Chakabva tucks it to fine leg for a single.
51.2
.
Full delivery outside off, Regis shoulders arms to it.
51.1
.
Good length ball on middle, Chakabva defends it back to the bowler.
Lahiru Kumara is back on. 11-2-25-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
0
Suranga Lakmal 18/4(15)
50.6
.
Full delivery on middle and leg, Sikandar pushes it to mid on.
50.5
.
On off, solidly blocked by Raza.
50.4
.
Back of a length ball on off, Raza blocks it out to cover.
50.3
.
Fullish delivery on middle, pushed down to mid on.
50.2
2
Fullish on off, Raza takes a few steps forward and then pushes it through the point region for a couple.
50.1
.
Full delivery outside off, Raza does not fiddle with it as he lets the ball go to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 14/1(8)
49.6
.
Good length ball outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one.
49.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Chakabva pushes it to silly mid on.
49.4
.
Poor delivery! Very full delivery down the leg side, Regis lets it go to the keeper.
49.3
.
Fullish outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one.
49.2
.
On a length outside off, Regis taps it to the point fielder.
49.1
.
Good length ball on off, Chakabva defends it out onto the pitch.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 16/4(14)
48.6
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Raza defends it back to the bowler.
48.5
1
Fullish delivery on middle, Chakabva pushes it to mid on and takes a quick single.
48.4
1
Full delivery on off, Raza taps it to point and collects a single.
48.3
.
Good length ball on off, Sikandar defends it off the back foot to the off side.
48.2
.
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.
48.1
.
Good length ball on off, Sikandar defends it to cover.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 14/1(7)
47.6
1
Nicely played! Full delivery on middle, Sikandar drives it towards mid on and takes a single.
47.5
.
Good length delivery outside off, Raza shoulders arms to this one.
47.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Sikandar pushes it down to mid on.
47.3
1
Length ball on the pads, Chakabva flicks it to fine leg for a single.
47.2
.
Good length ball on off, Chakabva guides it to point for nothing.
47.1
.
Full delivery outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 14/4(13)
46.6
.
Fullish delivery on the off stump line, Raza plays the drive straight to the mid off fielder.
46.5
1
Length ball on middle, Chakabva works it to square leg for a single.
46.4
.
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.
46.3
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Regis lets it go to the keeper.
46.2
.
Full delivery on off, Chakabva defends it to cover.
46.1
.
Full delivery outside off, Chakabva lets the ball go to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0W
0
Kasun Rajitha 12/1(6)
45.6
.
Fullish delivery outside off, angling into the batsman, Raza makes a good leave to this one.
45.5
.
Fullish delivery on middle, Raza works it to square leg.
45.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Regis works it to square leg for a single.
45.3
.
Good length ball on middle, Chakabva defends it off the back foot.
Regis Chakabva joins Sikandar Raza out in the middle now. A very tough task in front of him.
45.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Sean Williams, the Zimbabwe skipper departs now and half the side back in the hut. Rajitha joins the party now and Sri Lanka inching closer to victory. Back of a length ball, angling into the batter, it pitches and moves away from Sean. 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 and takes a simple catch. The umpires want to check if this is a no ball but the replays are inconclusive as the angle of the replay is not clear. The umpires decide to stay with the on-field decision and Williams continues his walk back to the pavilion. The hosts still behind by 37 runs and have just 5 wickets in hand.
45.1
.
Short delivery outside off, Williams punches it to point off the back foot.
Kasun Rajitha will bowl from the other end. 5-3-11-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 13/4(12)
44.6
.
Lakmal digs one on off, Sikandar drives but finds the mid off fielder. Excellent over from Lakmal comes to an end.
44.5
.
Full delivery on off, Raza pushes it to mid off.
44.4
.
Good length ball on middle and leg, Raza defends it out to mid on.
Sikandar Raza walks in next.
44.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! What a piece of field placement from the Sri Lankan skipper, Dimuth Karunatne. Lakmal has done the trick again. Excellent start to the afternoon session for the Lankans. Lakmal dishes out a full delivery on middle, Taylor without much feet movement looks to push it. It goes uppishly towards silly mid on where Mendis lunges forward and takes the simplest of catches. Just 6 wickets away from victory now.
44.2
.
Fullish delivery on off, Taylor taps it to gully.
44.1
.
Lakmal starts with a full delivery on off, Brendan gets on his front foot and defends it to the bowler.
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.
... Day 5, Session 2 ...
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 the start they got and the match hangs in the balance right now. The second session on Day 5 might decide the final outcome of the game. Join us at 1240 Local (1040 GMT) to find out what happens!
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 11/0(5)
43.6
.
BEATEN! Beautifully played! Good length ball outside off, Williams looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it. LUNCH ON DAY 5.
43.5
.
On off, defended to point off the front foot.
43.4
.
Full delivery on off, Williams pushes it to mid off.
43.3
.
Fullish delivery on off, Williams solidly defends it to the cover fielder.
43.2
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Williams defends it to the bowler.
43.1
.
Good length delivery on off, Sean taps it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
2b
0
Lahiru Kumara 25/0(11)
42.6
.
Back of a length ball on off, Taylor stands tall and defends it to cover off the back foot.
42.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Taylor defends it back to the bowler.
42.4
1
Short ball on middle, Williams pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
42.3
.
On off, defended to point.
42.2
2b
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.
42.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Williams works it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 11/0(4)
41.6
.
Good length ball outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one.
41.5
4
FOUR! Uppish but wide! Full delivery on middle, Taylor whips it uppishly wide of mid on for a boundary.
41.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Taylor drives it to mid on.
41.3
.
Fullish delivery on off, tailing into the batsman, Taylor whips it to deep mid-wicket uppishly for a single.
41.2
.
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.
41.1
.
Good length ball on off, Taylor prods forward and defends it to cover.
Kasun Rajitha is back into the attack. 3-2-7-0, his figures so far. Can he strike once before Lunch?
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Lahiru Kumara 24/0(10)
40.6
.
Very full delivery on off, Williams digs it out to point.
40.5
.
On off, driven to cover.
40.4
.
Full on middle, Williams pushes it back to the bowler.
40.3
.
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.
40.2
.
Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Williams works it to mid-wicket.
40.1
1
Short of a length ball on the pads, Taylor works it to fine leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 6/0(5)
39.6
.
Flighted ball on middle, Williams prods forward and defends it out to mid off.
39.5
.
Looped up ball on off, Williams defends it to point off the front foot.
39.4
.
Floated on middle, Williams defends it to short leg.
39.3
.
Floated on off, Williams defends it out.
39.2
1
Full and on off, Taylor paddles it to fine leg for a run.
39.1
.
Full ball on off, Taylor pushes it to short mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
1
1
1
1
0
Lahiru Kumara 23/0(9)
38.6
.
On middle, pushed down to mid on.
38.5
1
Short of a length ball on middle, Taylor tucks it to backward square leg for a single.
38.4
1
Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Williams works it to square leg.
38.3
1
Back of a length ball on middle, Taylor works it to the leg side for a single.
38.2
1
Length ball on middle, Williams works it to fine leg for a single.
38.1
.
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.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 5/0(4)
37.6
1
Floated on middle, Williams pushes it to mid off for a single.
37.5
.
Fullish delivery on off, Williams blocks it to the off side.
37.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Williams defends it to cover.
37.3
.
Flat one outside off, Williams leaves it alone.
37.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Williams drives it back to the bowler.
37.1
.
De Silva starts with a flatter delivery outside off, Williams pushes it back to the bowler.
Dhananjaya de Silva is into the attack. 1 slip in place. 3-2-4-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
4
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 19/0(8)
36.6
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Taylor defends it out.
36.5
1
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.
36.4
.
Good length ball on off, Williams defends it to cover.
36.3
4
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.
36.2
.
Good length ball on middle and leg, Williams works it to mid-wicket.
36.1
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled down the leg side, Williams ducks under it.
In over# 1
0
4
1
2
1
4
Lasith Embuldeniya 63/0(12)
35.6
.
Very full delivery on middle, Taylor defends it out. There is an appeal for LBW but the umpire is not interested.
35.5
4
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.
35.4
1
Flatter one on middle, Williams works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
35.3
2
Full delivery on middle, Williams paddle sweeps it to fine leg for a couple.
35.2
1
Floated on middle, Taylor pushes it to mid off for a single.
35.1
4
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 14/0(7)
34.6
.
Short ball outside off, Williams looks to pull but fails to get any bat on it.
34.5
.
Nasty! Short of a length ball on the body, Williams looks to sway away from it to third man but gets cramped for room and gets hit on the gloves.
34.4
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Williams defends it to point.
34.3
.
Full ball on off, Williams pushes it back to the bowler.
34.2
.
Low full toss on middle, Williams pushes it to mid off.
34.1
.
Very full delivery on middle, Williams digs it out to the bowler.
In over# 1
1
3
1
0
0
1
Lasith Embuldeniya 51/0(11)
33.6
1
The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. One run added to the total.
33.5
3
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.
33.4
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Williams once again flicks it uppishly past Karunaratne at short mid-wicket. This time though the Lankan skipper cannot get a hand on it and it goes to the deep for a run.
33.3
.
Floated on middle, Williams defends it to cover.
33.2
.
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. Had he held on to that, this could have been a pivotal moment in the game!
33.1
1
Floated on middle, Taylor comes down the track and pushes it down to long off for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 14/0(6)
32.6
.
Short ball around middle and leg, Williams ducks under it.
32.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Williams pushes it back to the bowler.
32.4
1
Back of a length ball on middle, Brendan works it to square leg for a single.
32.3
.
Length ball outside off, Taylor attempts the drive but it takes the bottom edge of the bat and the ball goes to the first slip fielder on the bounce.
32.2
.
Short of a length ball on middle, Taylor stands tall and defends it to short leg.
32.1
.
Back of a length ball on off, Taylor hops and defends it out to the cover fielder.
In over# 1
0
0
1
6
1
2
Lasith Embuldeniya 45/0(10)
31.6
.
On middle, Williams defends it back to the bowler. 10 from the over.
31.5
.
Looped up ball on middle, Williams blocks it out.
31.4
1
Full on middle, Taylor whips it to long on for a single.
31.3
6
SIX! Nailed! Floated on middle, Taylor bends on his knees and slog sweeps it over the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie.
31.2
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Williams drives it past the bowler and collects a single.
31.1
2
Flatter delivery outside off, Williams punches it to deep cover and collects a couple.
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 can. 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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Lahiru Kumara 13/0(5)
30.6
.
Full ball outside off, it it pushed to covers.
30.5
.
Full and around off, keeps slightly low. Taylor does well to push it towards mid on.
30.4
.
Landed outside off on a length, Taylor keeps it out.
30.3
.
Shortish ball outside off, Taylor taps it towards point off the back foot.
30.2
1
Back of a length ball on middle, Williams tucks it towards deep square leg for a single.
30.1
.
Good length ball on middle and leg, Williams flicks it to mid-wicket.
Lahiru Kumara is into the attack. 4-1-12-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
0
0
4
4
1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 35/0(9)
29.6
.
Flighted on middle, swept to square leg.
29.5
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
29.4
4
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.
29.3
4
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.
29.2
1
On off, defended towards point for a single.
29.1
.
Floated on off, Williams pushes it to cover off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 13/3(11)
28.6
.
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.
28.5
.
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.
28.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Taylor lets the ball through to the keeper.
28.3
.
On off, Taylor lunges forward and defends it to cover.
28.2
.
Fullish delivery on middle, Taylor solidly pushes it towards mid on.
28.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Taylor defends it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
4
4
0
4
Lasith Embuldeniya 26/0(8)
27.6
.
Sean again comes onto the front foot and defends it onto the pitch.
27.5
.
Williams comes forward and has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
27.4
4
FOUR! Conventional now! Clever cricket by Sean Williams as this time he slog sweeps this ball towards square leg and bags another boundary.
27.3
4
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.
27.2
.
Floated on off, defended solidly.
27.1
4
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
4
Suranga Lakmal 13/3(10)
26.6
.
Length delivery just outside off, left alone comfortably by Brendan Taylor.
26.5
.
Full delivery on off, driven towards short extra cover.
26.4
.
Good length delivery on the off pole line, pushed towards the man at mid on.
26.3
1
Length ball on off, played towards cover and the batters take a quick single.
26.2
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
26.1
4
FOUR! Driven away! Full ball on off, driven down the ground through mid off for a boundary.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 14/0(7)
25.6
1
Flatter delivery on middle, Williams tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
25.5
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
25.4
.
Tosses this one up on off, Sean blocks it to point.
25.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Williams pushes it to mid off.
25.2
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Williams reverse sweeps it but finds the first slip fielder.
25.1
.
Floats this one up on off, Williams pushes it to cover.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 8/3(9)
24.6
.
Outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one.
24.5
.
Short of a length delivery on middle, Brendon blocks it out onto the pitch.
24.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Taylor lunges forward and defends it to mid off.
24.3
.
Fuller one on middle, Taylor defends it to cover.
24.2
.
On off, Taylor drives but finds the mid on fielder.
24.1
.
Fullish delivery on off, Brendan pushes it to the cover fielder.
In over# 1
2
0
0
1
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 13/0(6)
23.6
2
Quicker delivery on off, Williams taps it towards the point region for a couple. Gets off the mark.
23.5
.
Flighted on middle, Williams lunges and defends it back to the bowler.
23.4
.
Flatter one outside off, Williams leaves it alone.
23.3
1
On off, Brendan pushes it to long off for a single.
23.2
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Taylor defends it out.
23.1
.
Floated on middle, Taylor prods forward and defends it to short leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
2
Suranga Lakmal 8/3(8)
22.6
.
Length ball on off, Williams defends it to point off the front foot.
22.5
.
Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Williams plays it to mid on.
22.4
.
Good length ball on middle, Williams defends it out.
Sean Williams, the skipper is the new man in.
22.3
W
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 mid-wicket but does so uppishly. It goes straight into the hands of Dimuth Karunaratne at short mid-wicket who takes a good catch. Zimbabwe still trail by 118 runs with just 7 wickets in hand. Sri Lanka have certainly breathed life into a match which seemed dead so far!
22.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Ervine whips it to square leg.
22.1
2
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.
In over# 1
1
0
2
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 10/0(5)
21.6
1
On the pads, Ervine has flicked this one towards square leg for a single.
21.5
.
Ervine steps down the pitch and defends the ball back towards the bowler.
21.4
2
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.
21.3
.
On middle now, Ervine defends it towards the leg side.
21.2
.
Floated delivery now, closer to the off pole, Craig defends.
21.1
.
Flatter and full ball on off, defended solidly.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 6/2(7)
20.6
.
Outside off, left alone by Taylor.
20.5
.
Fullish delivery on off, Taylor defends it towards cover.
20.4
.
Good length ball on off, Taylor is solid in defense.
Brendan Taylor makes his way out to the middle.
20.3
W
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, Mudzinganyama is in two minds whether to defend or leave it. He does the latter and the ball goes onto hit his pads outside the off pole line. Lakmal and the rest put 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. The ball must be crashing into the stumps and the decision to leave this ball is a bad one by Mudzinganyama.
20.2
.
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.
20.1
.
Good length ball on off, Brian defends it to cover.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 7/0(4)
19.6
1
Similar delivery, Mudzinganyama pushes this in the gap at cover-point and the batters take a single. Mudzinganyama to retain strike.
19.5
.
Embuldeniya drags his length back and Mudzinganyama pushes this one towards the off side off the back foot.
19.4
.
On off, Mudzinganyama prods forward and defends.
19.3
.
Tossed up on middle now, flicked towards mid-wicket.
19.2
.
Another one floated outside off, driven towards the man at cover by Mudzinganyama.
19.1
.
Floated outside off, left alone by Brian.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0W
0
Suranga Lakmal 6/1(6)
18.6
.
Good length ball on off, Ervine defends it back to the bowler.
18.5
2
Lakmal dishes a full delivery on middle, Ervine whips it through mid-wicket for a couple.
18.4
.
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.
18.3
.
Good length ball outside off, Ervine lets the ball through to the keeper.
Craig Ervine is the new man in.
18.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Lakmal strikes and this is brilliant bowling from the speedster! Length ball outside off, it is angling in but straightens after pitching. Masvaure had to play at this ball and he looks to poke at it. The ball goes off the outside edge and into the mitts of Niroshan 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.
18.1
.
Lakmal bowls a fullish delivery outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to this one.
Surange Lakmal to bowl from the other end. 5-2-4-0, his figures from Day 4.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 6/0(3)
17.6
.
Full delivery outside off, Mudzinganyama leaves it alone. End of the first over of the day.
17.5
1
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.
17.4
.
Flatter one outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to this one.
17.3
1
Full delivery outside off, Brian pushes it to cover and calls Masvaure for a single and they complete it easily.
17.2
1
Loopy delivery on off, Masvaure guides it to point and takes a single. First run of the day.
17.1
.
Embuldeniya starts with a floated ball on off, Masvaure lunges and defends it to cover.
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!
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 wicket. Ends by saying the Zimbabwe batters need to be positive and they need to find a way to score runs.
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 intriguing final day of this Test.
... Day 5, Session 1 ...
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!
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 it is.
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.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 12/0(4)
16.6
2
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!
16.5
.
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.
16.4
.
One more short one on middle, Mudzinganyama ducks under it.
16.3
.
Shorter in length again, this is outside off, nicely left.
16.2
.
Another short one on middle, it is blocked onto the ground.
16.1
.
A short one on off, it is ducked under. 5 balls to play out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 3/0(2)
15.6
.
Loopy ball outside off, Masvrure keeps it out nicely.
15.5
.
Well wide outside off, left alone.
15.4
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
15.3
.
Floats it up on off, defended.
15.2
.
Not sure if this shot is needed at this moment! Outside off, the batter looks to cut but is beaten.
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.
15.1
.
Slower through the air outside off, left alone.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 10/0(3)
14.6
.
Shorter and on middle, the batter does well again to duck under it.
14.5
.
Back of a length and on middle, it is defended onto the ground.
14.4
.
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.
14.3
.
A good short one, Mudzinganyama ducks under it nicely.
14.2
.
Good length and on off, kept out.
14.1
.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
2
Lasith Embuldeniya 3/0(1)
13.6
.
Very full and outside off, it is driven square on the off side towards point.
13.5
.
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.
13.4
.
Loopy ball outside off, blocked solidly.
13.3
1
Outside off, it is guided down towards third man for a run.
13.2
.
Very full outside off, left alone.
13.1
2
Starts off with a loosener! Short and wide outside off, it is slapped through covers for two runs.
Lasith Emduldeniya is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
4
Lahiru Kumara 10/0(2)
12.6
.
Full ball around off, it is defended. 4 more overs to go for the Stumps.
12.5
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
12.4
.
Another length ball around off, it is defended.
12.3
.
Length ball on middle, Masvaure gets behind the line this time to defend it out..
12.2
4
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.
12.1
4
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.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 4/0(3)
11.6
4
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.
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.
11.5
.
Fires it outside off, left alone.
11.4
.
Around off, it is defended.
11.3
.
Flaoted outside off on a fuller length, Mudzinganyama drives it well but straight to the man at covers.
11.2
.
Another full ball on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler again.
11.1
.
Full and on off and middle, Brian pushes it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
0
Lahiru Kumara 2/0(1)
10.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
10.5
.
Back of a length ball around off, Masvaure taps it towards gully.
10.4
.
Length ball around off, it is defended.
10.3
.
Beaten! A length ball just outside off, Masvaure looks to defend but misses.
10.2
2
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.
10.1
.
Length and around off, Masvaure drives it to mid off.
Lahiru Kumara into the attack now.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 0/0(2)
9.6
.
Around off, defended. Back-to-back maidens from de Silva.
9.5
.
Another quicker ball around off, Mudzinganyama leaves it alone. However, it was just past the off pole. A risky leave.
9.4
.
Loopy ball around off, it is pushed towards point.
9.3
.
Fires it on middle, Brian defends it back to the bowler.
9.2
.
On middle, Mudzinganyama comes forward and keeps it out.
9.1
.
Shortish and outside off, it is pushed towards covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 4/0(5)
8.6
.
Back of a length and on off, Masvaure hops onto his toes and defends the ball into the ground.
8.5
.
Length and around off once again, Masvaure blocks it solidly off the front foot.
8.4
.
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.
8.3
.
Short of good length and on off, Masvaure pushes it to point off the back foot.
8.2
.
Back of a length ball on off, Prince hops onto his toes and pushes the ball towards point.
8.1
.
Length and on off, Prince defends it towards cover off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 0/0(1)
7.6
.
Full and around off, pushed to mid off.
7.5
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
7.4
.
Floated around off, Mudzinganyama comes forward and keeps it out.
7.3
.
Full and around off, pushed to the man at covers.
7.2
.
Outside off, left alone.
7.1
.
NOT OUT! A very cheeky attempt from the keeper there. De Silva fires the first ball of his spell outside off, Mudzinganyama lets it be. Dickwella collects the ball and tries to whips the bails off. He though misses it but even if he had dislodged the bails, Brian would've been safe as he never lifted his leg. Now, as he tries to recover from his stride, he lifts his leg and Dickwella whips the bails this time and appeals. The square leg umpire refers it to the TV umpire. Replays roll in and show that Mudzinganyama planted his foot in time in the second attempt too.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 4/0(4)
6.6
.
Landed on middle, tucked towards mid-wicket.
6.5
.
One more length ball around off, pushed to mid on.
6.4
.
Shortish and around off, Masvaure taps it towards point.
6.3
.
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.
6.2
.
Another full ball on middle, Masvaure pushes it to mid on again.
6.1
.
Full ball on middle, pushed to mid on.
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?
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
3
Kasun Rajitha 7/0(3)
5.6
.
Shorter in length and on off, the batter stands tall and keeps it out.
5.5
4
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. First boundary in Test for him.
5.4
.
Very full and outside off, this is jammed out towards point.
5.3
.
One more delivery outside off, not played at.
5.2
.
Just outside off, it is not played at.
5.1
3
Very full and on the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for three.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 4/0(3)
4.6
.
Shortish and around off, Mudzinganyama keeps it out.
4.5
.
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.
4.4
.
Shortish and angled into the body, Mudzinganyama does well to defend it towards square leg.
4.3
1
Length ball around off, Masvaure taps it towards covers for a quick run.
4.2
.
Landed on middle, pushed towards the off side.
4.1
.
Bouncer on off and middle, Masvaure does well to sway away from it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 0/0(2)
3.6
.
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.
3.5
.
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.
3.4
.
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.
3.3
.
Another full ball outside off, Mudzinganyama again leaves it alone.
3.2
.
Fullish ball outside off, Mudzinganyama lets it be.
3.1
.
Length ball angled into the batter, Brian keeps it out off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Suranga Lakmal 3/0(2)
2.6
.
Length ball around off, it is defended.
2.5
.
Length ball around off, Mudzinganyama defends it towards covers.
2.4
.
Full and on off, Masvaure defends it out.
2.3
.
Bouncer on middle, Prince ducks under it.
2.2
1
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.
2.1
.
Landed on middle, Brian defends it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 0/0(1)
1.6
.
Outside off, it is left alone. Maiden to start for Rajitha.
1.5
.
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.
1.4
.
Goes full but outside off again, once again Masvaure offers no shot to it.
1.3
.
In the channel outside off, another leave from Masvaure.
1.2
.
Another ball which is way outside off on a length, Masvaure shoulders arms again.
1.1
.
Rajitha starts his spell with a full ball outside off, Masvaure lets it go to the keeper.
Kasun Rajitha to share the attack from the other end.
In over# 1
0
1nb
1
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 2/0(1)
0.6
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
0.6
1nb
NO BALL! Length ball around off, Mudzinganyama defends it off the back foot. Lakmal has overstepped there.
0.5
1
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.
0.4
.
On the pads on a length, it is worked towards square leg.
0.3
.
Another fuller ball on off, it is defended towards mid on.
0.2
.
A full ball around off this time, Masvaure once again comes forward and defends it out.
0.1
.
Lakmal starts with a length ball around off, Masvaure keeps it out.
So, it is confirmed that Prince Masvaure will have a new opening partner in Brian Mudzinganyama for Zimbabwe.
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 least a couple of wickets in this final hour.
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.
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 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.
176.2
W
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.
176.1
.
On the pads, it is worked towards fine leg.
In over# 1
4
0
0
1
0
0
Sikandar Raza 62/3(16)
175.6
4
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.
175.5
.
On off, it is defended.
175.4
.
Fired on middle, Mathews keeps it out off the back foot.
175.3
1
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.
175.2
.
Full and around off again, Rajitha keeps it out.
175.1
.
Full and outside off, Rajitha pushes it to the man at covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sean Williams 104/1(32)
174.6
.
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.
174.5
.
Short and outside off, Mathews once again finds the point fielder.
174.4
.
On off, Mathews keeps it out. 4th dot in the over.
174.3
.
Short and outside off, Mathews cuts but finds the fielder
174.2
.
Flatter and outside off, Mathews keeps it out.
174.1
.
Short and outside off, Mathews looks to cut but misses.
Sean Williams is back on. 31-2-104-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0W
0W
1
0
0
Sikandar Raza 57/3(15)
173.6
.
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.
Kasun Rajitha walks out to bat now. He will face the hat-trick ball from Sikandar Raza.
173.5
W
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.
Lasith Embuldeniya walks out to bat.
173.4
W
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.
173.3
1
Full and on middle, Mathews flicks it to long on for a run.
173.2
.
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.
173.1
.
Loopy ball around off, Mathews keeps it out.
Sikandar Raza comes onto bowl now. 14-0-56-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
2
Kyle Jarvis 84/0(37)
172.6
.
Another full ball around off, Lakmal comes forward and defends it.
172.5
.
Length ball around off, it is defended.
172.4
.
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.
172.3
1
Full and on off, Mathews flick it wide of the mid-wicket fielder for a run. Moves to 195.
172.2
.
Full and around off, Mathews comes forward and keeps it out.
172.1
2
Back of a length ball on middle, Mathews pulls it to deep square leg and a couple of runs taken. The lead crosses 150 runs for Sri Lanka.
In over# 1
6
1
1
1
0
2
Ainsley Ndlovu 107/0(28)
171.6
6
SIX! He has got all of that! He comes down the track, gets to the pitch of it and tonks it over long on.
171.5
1
The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single. 500 comes up on the board for Sri Lanka.
171.4
1
Shorter, it is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
171.3
1
Eased down to long on for one.
171.2
.
On middle, kept out.
171.1
2
Edgy runs! Flatter and outside off, the batter looks to cut but it goes off the outside edge down towards third man for two.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
1
Kyle Jarvis 81/0(36)
170.6
1
Full on off, driven towards long on for a single.
170.5
.
Length ball around off, Mathews defends it to mid-wicket.
170.4
.
On a good length and around off, Mathews defends it to covers.
170.3
.
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.
170.2
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
170.1
1
On the pads, it is worked around the corner for one.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
0
1
Ainsley Ndlovu 96/0(27)
169.6
1
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.
169.5
.
Lakmal defends this full ball to the off side.
169.4
1
Once again, Mathews works this full ball towards mid-wicket for a single.
169.3
1
Full on off, Lakmal flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
169.2
.
Lakmal looks to defend it to the off side but the ball takes the inside edge and goes onto the pads.
169.1
1
Tossed up on off, tucked to mid-wicket for a single.
Ainsley Ndlovu comes on now.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
1
Kyle Jarvis 79/0(35)
168.6
.
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.
168.5
.
Full ball outside off, Lakmal looks to drive but misses. Lucky not to get an edge on that one.
168.4
1
Short ball outside off, Mathews pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
168.3
.
Length ball on off, Mathews comes forward and defends it nicely.
168.2
.
Down the leg side, Mathews looks to flick but misses. That wasn't too far from the leg pole.
168.1
1
Length ball outside off, Lakmal cuts it to deep point for a run.
Kyle Jarvis comes on now. 34-12-77-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
2
1
1
Sean Williams 104/1(31)
167.6
.
Full ball on middle, Mathews flicks it but the man at mid-wicket makes an excellent stop with a dive to his left.
167.5
1
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.
167.4
.
On off, Lakmal keeps it out.
167.3
2
Full and down the leg side, Lakmal flicks it to fine leg for a couple of runs.
167.2
1
Flatter one on middle, Mathews tucks it towards square leg with gentle hands and they steal another single.
167.1
1
Shortish ball outside off, Lakmal punches it towards cover-point and a single is taken.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
6
1
Donald Tiripano 82/1(31)
166.6
.
Full ball on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.
166.5
.
Length ball on off, it is pushed towards covers.
166.4
.
Landed on middle on a length, worked towards mid-wicket.
166.3
.
Shortish length around off, it is defended.
166.2
6
SIX! Tonked! Brilliantly timed! Length ball around off, Mathews just lofts the ball over mid on and it sails over the long on fence.
166.1
1
Full ball on middle, it is flicked to long on for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Sean Williams 99/1(30)
165.6
.
Around off on a length, Mathews keeps it out.
165.5
.
Full and on middle, Mathews this time finds the mid on fielder to his push.
165.4
.
Short and outside off, Mathews cuts but straight to the man at point.
165.3
1
Shortish and on middle, Lakmal stays on the back foot and pushes it towards mid-wicket for a run.
165.2
.
Slightly shortish and around off, Lakmal looks to cut but under edges it towards the keeper.
165.1
.
Flatter one around off, Lamkal comes forward and pushes it to the man at cover.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
Donald Tiripano 75/1(30)
164.6
1
Short and outside off, Lakmal pulls it to deep square leg for a run. Just 2 from the over.
164.5
.
Full and around off again, it is defended.
164.4
.
Slightly short and around off and middle, it is angled into the batter. Lakmal does well to block it off the back foot.
164.3
.
Full and around off, Lakmal keeps it out coming forward.
164.2
1
Back of a length ball on middle, Mathews pulls it to deep square leg for a run.
164.1
.
Full ball around off from Tiripano, Mathews drives it to mid off.
Donald Tiripano to start from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
6
0
0
Sean Williams 98/1(29)
163.6
.
Flatter and around off, Lakmal keeps it out.
163.5
.
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.
163.4
.
Full and on off, it is defended.
163.3
6
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.
163.2
.
Around off again, it is defended.
163.1
.
Williams floats the first ball around off and on a fuller length, Lakamal keeps it out.
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.
... Day 4, Final session ...
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.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
0
0
Sikandar Raza 56/1(14)
162.6
.
Another full ball around off, Mathews defends it out. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 4!
162.5
1
Full and outside off, Lakmal pushes it towards covers where the fielder misfields and a run is taken.
162.4
.
Very full ball on off, Lakmal keeps it out.
162.3
1
Around off, Mathews pushes it towards covers and takes a run.
162.2
.
Floated on off and middle, Mathews defends it out.
162.1
.
On the pads, this is tucked towards square leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Sean Williams 92/1(28)
161.6
.
Full and around off, Lakmal keeps it out lunging forward.
161.5
.
Short and outside off, Lakmal looks to cut but his misses.
161.4
.
Quicker and shorter outside off, Lakmal looks to drive but mistimes it towrds mid on.
161.3
.
Another very full ball on middle, it is defended.
161.2
1
Full and on middle this time, Mathews strokes it to long on for a single.
161.1
.
Full and on off, it is defended.
Sean Williams is back on. 27-2-91-1 his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0W
1
0
Sikandar Raza 54/1(13)
160.6
2
Lakmal works this tossed up ball through mid-wicket and takes a couple as the fielder in the deep mops it up.
160.5
.
Once again Lakmal is happy to defend this off the front foot and into the ground.
160.4
.
Full on the pads, Lakmal defends it off the front foot.
Suranga Lakmal walks in next.
160.3
W
OUT! LBW! A wicket finally as the partnership is broken. 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 takes his time 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.
160.2
1
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.
160.1
.
Tossed up on off, Mathews taps it to mid on.
In over# 1
1
1
2
1
0
1
Ainsley Ndlovu 92/0(26)
159.6
1
Once again fired up on the pads, Mathews works it to mid-wicket for a run.
159.5
1
Full on the pads, Dickwella works it to the leg side for a single.
159.4
2
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.
159.3
1
Full on off, Mathews taps it to point for a single.
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.
159.2
.
Fired up on middle, Mathews drives it to mid on.
159.1
1
Tossed up on the pads, Dickwella tucks it to square leg for a single.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
Sikandar Raza 51/0(12)
158.6
1
Dickwella pushes this tossed up ball through mid on for a single.
158.5
.
Full on middle and leg, Dickwella pushes it to mid on.
158.4
.
Dickwella plays the sweep but cannot pierce the field at square leg.
158.3
.
Dickwella drives this full ball towards mid off.
158.2
1
Mathews works this full ball towards mid-wicket for a run.
158.1
.
Tossed up around middle and leg, Mathews drives it to mid on.
In over# 1
2
1
1
0
0
4
Ainsley Ndlovu 86/0(25)
157.6
2
Dickwella once again comes down the track and drives this full ball towards long on and takes a couple.
157.5
1
Mathews punches this full ball through covers and gets to the other end.
157.4
1
Niroshan drives this tossed up ball to long on for a single.
157.3
.
Dickwella plays the sweep again but finds the man at square leg.
157.2
.
Full on middle, driven to mid on.
157.1
4
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.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
2
1
Sikandar Raza 49/0(11)
156.6
.
Full and on middle, Mathews flicks but finds mid-wicket.
156.5
1
On middle, Dickwella works it towards mid-wicket for a run.
156.4
.
Flighted ball on off, Dickwella comes forward and pushes it to the man at covers.
156.3
.
Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
156.2
2
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.
156.1
1
Fired on middle, Mathews tucks it towards squre leg and takes a run,
Sikandar Raza is back on.
In over# 1
1
4
0
1
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 78/0(24)
155.6
1
Tossed up on off, Mathews pushes it through covers for a single.
155.5
4
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.
155.4
.
Defended off the front foot to the off side.
155.3
1
Full on middle, Dickwella sweeps to get a top edge towards fine leg. The batsmen take a single.
155.2
.
This time he drives this tossed up ball to mid on.
155.1
.
Dickwella defends this tossed up ball towards the off side.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
1
Victor Nyauchi 69/3(32)
154.6
.
Defended off the front foot with full face of the bat.
154.5
4
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.
154.4
.
Length ball on off, Mathews looks to tuck it to the leg side but gets an outside edge and the ball rolls towards point.
154.3
.
Full on the pads, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.
154.2
.
Mathews again goes back to his tried and tested formula of defending the length ball off the back foot.
154.1
1
Played to the point region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 72/0(23)
153.6
.
Mathews prods forward and defends this one off the front foot.
153.5
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
153.4
1
Floated ball on off, driven through the cover region for a single.
153.3
.
Niroshan comes down the ground and plays this ball back towards the bowler.
153.2
.
Another flatter delivery is played towards the man at mid on.
153.1
.
Flatter delivery on middle, played towards mid on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
4
Victor Nyauchi 64/3(31)
152.6
.
Full and around off, it is defended. 8 from the over.
152.5
.
Full and around off, Mathews keeps it out.
152.4
.
Shortish ball around off, Mathews taps it towards point.
152.3
.
Full ball around off, this time Mathews pushes it to the man at mid off.
152.2
4
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.
152.1
4
FOUR! Nyauchi overpitches and Mathews takes full advantage of it. He drives this fuller one through covers and the ball goes for a boundary.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 71/0(22)
151.6
1
Quick single! Fires it outside off on a fuller length, pushed towards point and a run is taken.
151.5
.
Loppy ball around off, Mathews comes forward and keeps it out.
151.4
.
Quicker one on middle, Mathews keeps it out.
151.3
.
On middle, it is defended.
151.2
.
Full and just outside off, pushed back to the bowler.
151.1
.
Flighted fuller ball around off, Mathews comes forward and keeps it out.
Ainsley Ndlovu is back on. 21-3-70-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 56/3(30)
150.6
.
Full once again, this time Dickwella drives it straight towards mid off.
150.5
.
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 and in a flash 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 make the most of it?
150.4
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
150.3
.
Good length and on off, Dickwella drives it to covers.
150.2
.
Back of a length and outside off, Dickwella defends it towards covers off the back foot.
150.1
.
Length ball on off, Dickwella defends it off the front foot.
Victor Nyauchi returns. 29-6-56-3 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
4
Sikandar Raza 45/0(10)
149.6
.
Flatter on off, Mathews punches it to the off side off the back foot.
149.5
.
Full on the pads, Mathews tucks it to mid-wicket.
149.4
.
Mathews once again plays it off the front foot towards mid on.
149.3
.
Mathews plays this one towards point and looks for a run but is sent back in time by Dickwella.
149.2
1
Full and on middle, Dickwella drives it towards mid on for a run.
149.1
4
FOUR! Shorter in length and outside off, Dickwella rocks on the back foot and cuts it powerfully past point for a boundary.
Drinks!
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Donald Tiripano 73/1(29)
148.6
.
Mathews sees off the over once again with a solid front foot defense.
148.5
.
Once again Mathews is solid in defense on this length ball outside off.
148.4
.
Mathews does what he has been doing all day. He blocks this fuller one off the front foot.
148.3
.
Mathews once again looks to go for the drive but misses it as the ball goes past the outside edge.
148.2
4
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.
148.1
.
Length ball outside off, Mathews taps it towards the bowler.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
1
0
Sikandar Raza 40/0(9)
147.6
1
Mathews works this full ball off his pads towards mid-wicket for a single.
147.5
.
Mathews tucks this full ball off his pads to the leg side.
147.4
1
Dickwella drives this tossed up ball past mid on for a single.
147.3
.
Tossed up on middle, Dickwella defends it solidly.
147.2
1
Full on the pads, Mathews tucks it past mid-wicket for a run. With this the Sri Lankan lead also reaches 50!
147.1
.
Flatter on middle and leg, Mathews works it to short fine leg.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
1
Donald Tiripano 69/1(28)
146.6
1
Mathews drives this full ball towards mid on and takes a quick single.
146.5
1
Dickwella opens the face of the bat and steers this length ball outside off past point. A run added to the total.
146.4
.
Length delivery outside off, Dickwella taps it to point.
146.3
.
Length ball on off, defended to covers off the front foot.
146.2
.
Fuller one on off, Dickwella drives it to mid on.
146.1
1
Short ball on middle, Mathews pulls it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Sikandar Raza 37/0(8)
145.6
.
Flatter and on off, Dickwella cuts it to point.
145.5
.
Dickwella drives it to the left of the bowler who fields it in his followthrough.
145.4
.
Full ball on the pads, Dickwella sweeps it to find short fine leg.
145.3
2
Flatter and outside off, Dickwella steers it past point for a couple.
145.2
.
Full and on off, defended off the front foot by Dickwella.
145.1
.
Floated on off, Dickwella looks to go for the cut but the ball bounces a bit more to beat the outside edge. The keeper too fails to gather it cleanly.
Sikandar Raza is back on. 7-0-35-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Donald Tiripano 66/1(27)
144.6
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
144.5
.
Full ball just around off, defended solidly.
144.4
.
Good length ball just outside off, driven towards the man at mid off.
144.3
1
Length ball outside off, played towards the point region for a single.
144.2
.
Full ball on off, played towards the man at mid on.
144.1
.
Length ball on off, defended towards the off side.
In over# 1
4
0
0
3
3
1
Sean Williams 91/1(27)
143.6
4
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!
143.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, pushed towards mid off.
143.4
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
143.3
3
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.
143.2
3
On the pads, tickled fine down the leg side and the batters take three as the fielder mops it up.
143.1
1
Floated on middle, pushed down towards mid on for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
2
Donald Tiripano 65/1(26)
142.6
.
On off, defended solidly towards the cover-point region.
142.5
.
Down the leg side, Mathews looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
142.4
.
Full ball on middle, defended out.
142.3
.
Good length ball on middle, defended back towards the bowlers.
142.2
1
Length ball on off, played towards point for a single.
142.1
2
Beautiful! Full delivery wide outside off, Dickwella creams it through the cover region but gets just a couple due to the slow outfield.
Donald Tiripano is back on. 25-3-62-1 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
1
0
Sean Williams 80/1(26)
141.6
.
Mathews plays it towards the man at mid on again. The game going at a snail's pace.
141.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, played towards the fielder at silly mid on.
141.4
.
On off, blocked out.
141.3
1
Dickwella flicks this floated ball on the pads towards mid-wicket for a single.
141.2
1
On the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.
141.1
.
Shortish ball on middle, played towards long on.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 77/0(34)
140.6
1
Length ball outside off again, Mathews plays it towards point for a single.
140.5
.
Length ball on off, Mathews plays it towards the man at short cover where he dives and makes the stop.
140.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Mathews looks to punch but the ball goes off the inside edge and onto the pitch.
140.3
.
Similar delivery, pushed to the man at mid off this time.
140.2
.
Fuller ball on off, pushed towards the man at cover.
140.1
.
Outside off, played towards cover.
In over# 1
2
0
1
0
0
0
Sean Williams 78/1(25)
139.6
2
Floated ball on middle and leg, Dickwella sweeps it fine down the leg side for a couple.
139.5
.
On the pads of Niroshan, he flicks it towards the man at mid-wicket.
139.4
1
On the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.
139.3
.
Floated on middle now, pushed towards the man at mid on.
139.2
.
Another quicker and shorter delivery on middle, Mathews plays it towards the man at mid-wicket.
139.1
.
Williams bowls a flatter delivery just outside off, defended towards the off side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 76/0(33)
138.6
.
Another full ball, angling into Dickwella, he defends it towards the off side.
138.5
.
Fuller ball on off, pushed towards the man at cover.
138.4
.
Good length ball around the middle and off pole line, defended towards the man at mid on.
138.3
.
Length ball just outside off, defended towards the man at cover.
138.2
.
Length ball on middle, defended back towards the bowler.
138.1
.
Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Sean Williams 75/1(24)
137.6
.
Williams drags his length back on middle, Mathews goes onto the back foot and defends.
137.5
.
On off, blocked out.
137.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Mathews defends.
137.3
.
On the pads of Mathews, he works it down the leg side.
137.2
.
Floated on middle and leg, defended back towards the bowler.
137.1
1
Down the leg side, Dickwella paddles it fine down the leg side for a single.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
4
Kyle Jarvis 76/0(32)
136.6
1
Back of a length ball on middle, pulled towards square leg for a single.
136.5
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
136.4
.
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.
136.3
.
Another length ball just outside off, played towards the man at gully.
136.2
.
Good comeback by Jarvis as he bowls a length ball around the off pole line. Dickwella stands tall and defends.
136.1
4
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.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Sean Williams 74/1(23)
135.6
.
Loopy delivery around off, Mathews defends off the front foot.
135.5
.
Floated on off, pushed to the man at mid off.
135.4
1
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.
135.3
.
Williams drags his length back and Dickwella punches this off the back foot towards cover.
135.2
.
On off, Dickwella prods forward and defends.
135.1
.
Floated on middle and off, defended by Dickwella.
Sean Williams to bowl from the other end. 22-2-73-1, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
2
Kyle Jarvis 71/0(31)
134.6
.
Length ball on middle, punched back towards the bowler. The man from mid on runs to his left and cuts it off.
134.5
1
Good length ball on off, played towards the man at point for one.
134.4
1
Back of a length ball on middle, pulled towards the man at square leg for one.
134.3
.
Length ball on middle and off, Mathews defends it off the front foot.
134.2
.
Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off.
134.1
2
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.
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.
... Day 4, Session 2 ...
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 what they are doing now, that is keeping it tight. Join us in a while for the afternoon session.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1
0
Sean Williams 73/1(22)
133.6
.
Floated on middle, Dickwella keeps it out off the back foot. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 4!
133.5
1
Full outside off, Mathews punches the ball past mid off and gets to the other end.
133.4
.
Flatter on off, Mathews punches the ball off the back foot towards mid off.
133.3
1
Floated on middle, Dickwella flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
133.2
1
Flatter and on middle, Mathews works it towards mid-wicket for a single.
133.1
.
Tossed up ball on off, Mathews defends it solidly off the front foot.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
1
0
Sikandar Raza 35/0(7)
132.6
2
Full on the leg stump, Dickwella paddles it fine down the leg side for a couple.
132.5
.
Full and on off, Dickwella punches it to mid off.
132.4
.
Full and on the pads, Dickwella tucks it to square leg.
132.3
.
Full and on off, Dickwella taps it to point.
132.2
1
Flatter on middle, Mathews punches it off the back foot towards mid-wicket for a single.
132.1
.
Tossed up on middle, Mathews tucks it to square leg.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
1
Sean Williams 70/1(21)
131.6
1
Floated on off, pushed towards the man at cover for a single. Mathews will retain strike for the next over.
131.5
.
Loopy on middle, defended back to the bowler.
131.4
1
On middle, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.
131.3
.
On off, defended back towards the bowler.
131.2
.
Tossed up on middle, pushed towards mid on.
131.1
1
Floated ball on the middle, worked towards mid-wicket for one.
Sean Williams to bowl now. 20-2-67-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
1
2
Sikandar Raza 32/0(6)
130.6
.
Short and around off, defended.
130.5
.
On middle, it is defended towards the leg side.
130.4
1
Loopy ball on middle, Mathews tucks it towards short fine leg for a single.
130.3
.
Fires it on the pads, worked towards mid-wicket.
130.2
1
Short and around off, Dickwella pushes it towards cover for a run.
130.1
2
Flatter ball outside off, Dickwella guides it late towards third man and picks a couple. With this, Sri Lanka have now taken the lead. How much will they be able to swell the lead from here?
Sikandar Raza comes into the attack for the first time on Day 4. 5-0-28-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
0
1
Ainsley Ndlovu 70/0(21)
129.6
.
Full and on off, Mathews drives it straight to mid on.
129.5
4
FOUR! Flatter and shorter outside off, Mathews punches this through point and the ball races to the fence for a boundary.
129.4
1
Tossed up on off, Dickwella works it towards square leg and gets to the other end.
129.3
.
Floated on middle, Dickwella flicks it to find mid-wicket.
129.2
.
Dickwella premeditates the reverse sweep off the full ball but finds short third man.
129.1
1
Mathews taps one towards point and takes a single.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
Victor Nyauchi 56/3(29)
128.6
1
Full and on off, Mathews drives only to get an inside edge past the stumps. The ball rolls towards fine leg for a single.
128.5
.
Once again Mathews drives this length ball but straight to covers.
128.4
.
Mathews this time plays a free-flowing drive off this full ball but finds the fielder at covers to perfection.
128.3
.
Mathews punches this full ball off the back foot to covers.
128.2
1
Full and on the pads, Dickwella flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
128.1
.
Length and on off, Dickwella defends it to covers off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
1
1
Ainsley Ndlovu 64/0(20)
127.6
.
Full on middle, Mathews drives it to mid on.
127.5
.
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.
127.4
.
This time Mathews punches this full ball towards covers.
127.3
1
Dickwella drives it towards covers for a run.
127.2
1
Full and on the pads, Mathews flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
127.1
1
Tossed up on off, Dickwella pushes it off the back foot towards long on for a single.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 54/3(28)
126.6
.
Once again full and on off, Mathews defends it to silly mid on.
126.5
4
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.
126.4
.
On a length and on off, Mathews defends it to covers off the front foot.
126.3
.
Length and in the channel of uncertainty. Mathews has a feel for it but luckily the ball goes past the outside edge.
126.2
.
On a good length and on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot towards mid on.
126.1
.
Length ball outside off, Mathews lets it be.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 61/0(19)
125.6
.
Dickwella once again punches this full ball towards mid-wicket.
125.5
.
Dickwella defends this full ball towards mid on.
125.4
1
Full on the pads, Mathews drives this through mid on for a run.
125.3
.
Flighted on off, Mathews drives this to mid off.
125.2
.
Once again floated on off, Mathews pushes it to covers.
125.1
.
Tossed up on off, defended back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Victor Nyauchi 50/3(27)
124.6
.
Once again on a length and Dickwella punches it to covers.
124.5
.
Full and on off, driven to mid off.
124.4
.
Full on off, defended to covers.
124.3
.
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.
124.2
1
Mathews punches this length ball outside off through covers for a single.
124.1
.
Full ball on off, Mathews punches the ball back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 60/0(18)
123.6
.
Full and on off, Dickwella defends it off the back foot.
123.5
1
Once again floated on off, Mathews pushes it through covers for a single.
123.4
.
Mathews punches this flatter one down the ground for a single.
123.3
1
Full on off, Dickwella paddles it towards fine leg for a single.
123.2
1
Another tossed up ball on off, Mathews punches it through covers for a run.
123.1
.
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 hits the outer part of the glove of Chakabva and then drops onto the ground. Not an easy chance, he had to react really quickly which he could not.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 49/3(26)
122.6
1
On off, played towards the man at point.
122.5
.
On middle, pushed towards the man at mid on.
122.4
.
The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
122.3
.
Full ball on off, Mathews has played that one towards mid off but it goes uppishly. However, it falls short of the man there.
122.2
.
Closer to the off pole line, defended onto the pitch now.
122.1
.
Good length ball on the off side, defended.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
1
Ainsley Ndlovu 57/0(17)
121.6
.
Shortish one around off, this is pushed towards mid-wicket off the back foot.
121.5
.
Fires it outside off on a fuller length, Dickwell looks to sweep but misses.
121.4
.
On middle, it is tucked towards mid-wicket.
121.3
.
Full and on off, flicked to mid-wicket.
121.2
1
A run off 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.
121.1
1
Tossed up on off, Dickwella punches it down the ground towards long on for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
3
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 48/3(25)
120.6
.
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.
120.5
.
Full again and on middle for the right-hander. Mathews pushes it to mid on.
120.4
3
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.
120.3
.
Fuller and around off, Dickwella keeps it out lunging forward.
120.2
.
Length ball around off, it is defended.
120.1
.
Good length ball around off, Dickwella taps it towards point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 55/0(16)
119.6
.
Full and on middle, it is pushed towards mid off.
119.5
.
Flighted and around off, it is defended.
119.4
.
Quicker and shorter, Mathews cuts again but it is straight to the fielder again.
119.3
.
Flatter and around off, defended towards the off side.
119.2
.
Full and on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.
119.1
.
Short and just outside off, Mathews cuts but straight to point.
DRINKS! 36 runs have come in the first hour of play on Day 4 for Sri Lanka but they have lost Dhananjaya de Silva in the process. The good thing for the Lankan Lions is that Angelo Mathews is still there after reaching his ton and the visitors would want that he can take the visitors to a commanding position. The Zimbabwe bowlers would be happy with their efforts and will now be looking to take more wickets after the dismissal of de Silva. Can they do it? Ndlovu to start proceedings after the mini-break!
In over# 1
0
0
0
3
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 45/3(24)
118.6
.
Full ball outside off, Dickwella creams the drive but it goes straight to the man at cover-point.
118.5
.
Full and around off, pushed to mid off.
118.4
.
Shortish and around off, Dickwella taps it towards the off side.
118.3
3
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.
118.2
.
Length ball outside off, this time Mathews shoulders arms.
118.1
.
Full ball just outside off, pushed to mid off.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 55/0(15)
117.6
1
Short and on off again, Mathews plays is to long off for a run.
117.5
1
Full ball outside off, Dickwella sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
117.4
.
Quicker one on middle, Dickwella pushes it back to the bowler.
117.3
.
Full and around off, it is defended.
117.2
1
Another short ball outside off, this time Mathews goes back and punches it to deep cover for a single.
117.1
.
Flatter and shorter one on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Ainsley Ndlovu is on now. 14-2-52-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
4
Victor Nyauchi 42/3(23)
116.6
.
Another full ball on the pads, Dickwella flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.
116.5
.
Full and on middle, Niroshan flicks it to mid-wicket.
116.4
.
Another full ball on off, Dickwella defends it to mid on.
116.3
.
Full and on off, Dickwella taps it to mid on.
Niroshan Dickwella walks in to bat.
116.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Nyauchi has done it again for his team. He was called to break this stand and he delivers. 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 the easiest of catches. The 98-run stand is finally broken and Zimbabwe would be happy to finally see the back of de Silva.
116.1
4
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.
Victor Nyauchi is on! He has two wickets so far, Zimbabwe would love for him to take another.
In over# 1
1
2
1
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 62/1(25)
115.6
1
Good length and on off, de Silva punches it off the back foot. The batsmen take a single.
115.5
2
Back of a length and on off, Mathews pulls it past the man at forward short leg for a couple.
115.4
1
Full and angled into the pads, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
115.3
.
Full and once again on off, Mathews defends it off the inside half of his bat to the leg side.
115.2
.
Full and on off, driven straight towards mid on.
115.1
.
Shorter and around off, this is pushed towards mid on.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
1
0
Kyle Jarvis 67/0(30)
114.6
1
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.
114.5
1
A little too straight, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
114.4
.
Good length and on off, de Silva stays back and keeps it out nicely.
114.3
1
Shortish again and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one. He moves onto 99.
114.2
1
Shorter and on middle, de Silva pulls it through mid-wicket for one.
114.1
.
Fuller and on off, de Silva strokes it to mid off.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 58/1(24)
113.6
.
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.
113.5
1
A single as de Silva works it through square leg.
113.4
.
Fuller in length and on middle, this is worked towards mid on.
113.3
.
Outside off, de Silva throws his bat at it away from the body but gets an inside edge towards the left of the keeper.
113.2
.
Shorter and around off, de Silva guides it to the man at gully.
113.1
.
This is angled into the batter, de Silva stays back and keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
1
Kyle Jarvis 63/0(29)
112.6
.
Very full ball on middle, Mathews strokes it to mid on.
112.5
.
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.
112.4
.
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. Jarvis cannot believe it as he seems there was clearly bat involved. Replays later on roll in and with limited technology options, it is very inconclusive.
112.3
1
Back of a length ball on off, de Silva pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
112.2
.
Good length and outside off, de Silva is happy to let that go.
112.1
1
Length ball on the pads, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
2
Donald Tiripano 57/1(23)
111.6
.
On a length and on off, de Silva drives it to mid on.
111.5
1
Full and on the pads, Angelo flicks it towards mid-wicket where the fielder makes a half stop and the ball rolls towards mid on. As it rolls towards that side, Mathews takes off for the single. However, de Silva is not ball watching. But once he sees Mathews, he responds and takes off. The fielder gets to the ball and fires the throw at the striker's end but misses. Would not have mattered as Mathews was home.
111.4
.
An appeal of LBW but the umpire stays putt. Tiripano bowls one on a fuller length and brings the ball into Mathews, Angelo there makes the leave but gets rapped on the pads. The bowler appeals loudly but the umpire is unmoved. Maybe the ball was going over the stumps and that is why the umpire has given it not out.
111.3
.
Once again on a length and outside off, Mathews lets it be.
111.2
.
Length ball outside off, Mathews is happy to let that go.
111.1
2
Full and on the pads, Mathews flicks it past mid on. The fielder there gives the chase and the batsmen in the mean time take a couple.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 61/0(28)
110.6
.
Length ball wide outside off, Dhananjaya looks to cut at this one but the ball whizzes past his outside edge.
110.5
.
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.
110.4
.
On off again, punched towards the off side.
110.3
.
Length ball outside off, played towards point.
110.2
.
Outside off, de Silva does not fiddle with it.
110.1
.
Length ball outside off, left alone.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 54/1(22)
109.6
2
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.
109.5
.
Full ball on off, played towards the off side.
109.4
.
Good length ball on the off pole line, defended towards the mid on region.
109.3
.
On off, played towards the man at cover.
109.2
.
Good length ball on middle, worked towards the man at short mid-wicket.
109.1
.
Length ball just outside off, dabbed towards the off side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Kyle Jarvis 61/0(27)
108.6
.
Fuller this time, de Silva pushes this one towards the man at cover.
108.5
.
Similar delivery, left alone again.
108.4
.
Length ball outside off, left alone.
108.3
.
On off, played towards the man at cover-point.
108.2
.
Good length ball on middle, pushed towards mid off.
108.1
2
Too straight from Jarvis, de Silva picks it from just around middle and flicks it towards mid-wicket for a couple.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 52/1(21)
107.6
.
On a good length and on off, Mathews defends it off the back foot to the off side.
107.5
1
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?
107.4
.
Length and on off, defended to the off side.
107.3
.
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.
107.2
.
Length ball on off, de Silva defends with a forward block to the off side.
107.1
.
Full and on off, de Silva defends it towards the leg side.
Donald Tiripano to bowl from the other end. 20-3-51-1 from him so far.
In over# 1
3
0
0
0
0
4
Kyle Jarvis 59/0(26)
106.6
3
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.
106.5
.
Length delivery and on off, punched off the back foot towards covers.
106.4
.
Length ball around off, de Silva taps it to point and looks for a non-existent run. He is sent back.
106.3
.
On a good length and outside off, de Silva lets it be. The ball also keeps low as the keeper takes it.
106.2
.
This is shortish and outside off, de Silva lets it be.
106.1
4
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.
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!
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.
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. If the hosts fail in doing so, they will then look to limit the damage. Let's see what Day 4 has in store for us. Stay tuned.
...Day 4, Session 1...
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!
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, Dhananjaya de Silva combined with Mathews to take Sri Lanka to Stumps without further casualty.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
4
Sean Williams 67/1(20)
105.6
.
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!
105.5
.
Another full ball around off, Mathews patiently taps it towards the leg side.
105.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Mathews offers a solid defensive shot on this one.
105.3
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
105.2
.
Floated delivery on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it off the front foot.
105.1
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Dhananjaya pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 52/0(14)
104.6
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
104.5
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
104.4
.
BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses it.
104.3
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Short delivery on middle, Mathews pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Angelo moves into the 90s.
104.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Angelo blocks it off the back foot.
104.1
.
Floated delivery on off, Mathews keeps it out.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Sean Williams 62/1(19)
103.6
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Tossed up delivery on middle, Dhananjaya comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.
103.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it well.
103.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Dhananjaya taps it towards the off side.
103.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Dhananjaya looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.
103.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Dhananjaya plays it to point.
103.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 48/0(13)
102.6
.
Around off again, Mathews comes forward and pushes it towards covers.
102.5
.
On middle, Mathews defends it right in front of his eyes.
102.4
4
FOUR! Poor delivery from Ndlovu. Full toss on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
102.3
.
Full and around off, Mathews pushes it to cover.
102.2
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
102.1
.
Tossed up ball on off, it is defended.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
0
Sean Williams 58/1(18)
101.6
1
Floated ball around off, Mathews pushes it through mid off for a single.
101.5
.
Loopy ball around off, Mathews works it towards the leg side.
101.4
.
On middle, it is defended.
101.3
1
Fifty-run stand is up between de Silva and Mathews. Full ball on the pads of the Dhananjaya, it is worked behind square leg for a run.
101.2
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
101.1
.
Short and outside off from Williams, de Silva slaps it well but straight to the man at cover-point.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
1
Ainsley Ndlovu 44/0(12)
100.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the back foot. Just 5 overs remaining in the day.
100.5
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Dhananjaya comes down the track and drives it towards mid on for a single.
100.4
.
Loopy delivery outside off, Dhananjaya looks to sweep but misses it.
100.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Dhananjaya punches it towards the off side.
100.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Dhananjaya punches it towards the off side.
100.1
1
Full delivery on middle, Mathews drives it towards mid on for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
4
Sean Williams 56/1(17)
99.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot.
99.5
.
Driven through mid on by the batsman.
99.4
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it towards square leg for a run.
99.3
1
Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it through covers for a single.
99.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Dhananjaya punches it to point.
99.1
4
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 42/0(11)
98.6
.
On off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot.
98.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews makes room and punches it to point.
98.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Mathews defends it out.
98.3
2
Floated delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
98.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Angelo plays it towards point.
98.1
.
The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
Ainsley Ndlovu is back on. 10-2-40-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
1
0
Sean Williams 50/1(16)
97.6
2
Short delivery on middle, Dhananjaya pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
97.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it off the front foot.
97.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Dhananjaya taps it towards point.
97.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Dhananjaya plays it towards the off side.
97.2
1
Flighted delivery on off, Mathews punches it towards point for a single.
97.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Mathews defends it towards short leg.
Sean Williams is back on. 15-2-47-1 are his figures so far. Can he strike at least once before Stumps?
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 38/2(22)
96.6
.
Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid off.
96.5
.
On middle, Dhananjaya keeps it out.
96.4
.
On a good length on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it off the front foot.
96.3
2
Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it over mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.
96.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Dhananjaya defends it off the back foot.
96.1
.
On a good length on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the front foot.
Victor Nyauchi is back on. 21-6-36-2 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
1
Donald Tiripano 51/1(20)
95.6
.
On a good length on off, Mathews defends it off the back foot.
95.5
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Length delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. The deficit is now below 100.
95.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot.
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.
95.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Mathews drives it to mid on.
95.2
.
Length delivery on off, Mathews punches it towards point.
95.1
1
On a length on middle, Mathews flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 52/0(25)
94.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot.
94.5
.
On a length on middle, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.
94.4
.
Again outside off, Mathews offers no shot to this one.
94.3
.
On a good length on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot.
94.2
.
Outside off, Mathews does not bother to play at that.
94.1
.
Play and a miss! Short delivery outside off, Mathews looks to pull but misses it.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 46/1(19)
93.6
.
Outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one.
93.5
1
Full delivery on middle, Angelo drives it towards mid on where Masvaure makes a fine stop. The batsmen still take a single.
93.4
.
Full again on middle, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.
93.3
.
Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it to covers.
93.2
.
Full delivery outside off, Mathews shoulders arms to this one.
93.1
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 52/0(24)
92.6
.
Outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one.
92.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot.
92.4
1
On a length on middle, Angelo defends it towards mid-wicket for a single.
92.3
.
On a good length on off, Mathews blocks it off the back foot.
92.2
.
BEATEN AGAIN! Good length delivery outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses it.
92.1
.
BEATEN! Good shape on this one. On a good length and outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses it due to the outswing on this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
3
0
Donald Tiripano 45/1(18)
91.6
.
Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it to mid off.
91.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid on.
91.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot.
91.3
1
On a length on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
91.2
3
Length delivery on off, Dhananjaya punches it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.
91.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 51/0(23)
90.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Mathews drives it towards mid on.
90.5
.
On a good length on off, Angelo blocks it off the front foot.
90.4
.
Full again on off, Mathews drives it to covers.
90.3
.
Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it towards the bowler where Jarvis makes a good stop.
90.2
.
Outside off, Mathews shoulders arms to this one.
90.1
.
On a good length on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot.
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 store for us in the final hour of Day 3.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1nb
1
0
0
Donald Tiripano 41/1(17)
89.6
.
Outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one.
89.5
.
On a length on off, Dhananjaya punches it towards point.
89.4
.
Short delivery on middle, Dhananjaya pulls it to mid-wicket. 250 up for Sri Lanka.
89.4
1nb
NO BALL! Tiripano oversteps! Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it to point.
89.3
1
Full delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
89.2
.
Outside off, Angelo leaves it alone.
89.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.
Donald Tiripano is back on. 16-3-39-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
1
0
Kyle Jarvis 51/0(22)
88.6
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Dhananjaya looks to defend but misses it.
88.5
.
Outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one.
88.4
4
FOUR! Excellent shot. Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
88.3
.
Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid off.
88.2
1
Full delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. Dhananjaya wants the second but Mathews sends him back.
88.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Mathews shoulders arms to this one.
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...
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Sean Williams 47/1(15)
87.6
.
Outside off, Dhananjaya does not bother to play at that.
87.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it off the front foot.
87.4
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Dhananjaya comes down the track and plays it towards the off side.
87.3
1
Full delivery on middle, Mathews drives it towards mid on for a run.
87.2
.
Floated delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot.
87.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Mathews punches it to covers.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 46/0(21)
86.6
.
Good length ball around off, it is defended.
86.5
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
86.4
.
Full ball around off, pushed to the man at covers.
86.3
.
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 fielder. Taylor saves a certain boundary.
86.2
.
Length ball just outside off, de Silva looks to drive but gets a bottom edge which goes towards the bowler.
86.1
.
Good length ball outside off, it is tapped towards gully.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sean Williams 46/1(14)
85.6
.
Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it to covers.
85.5
.
Williams bowls it down the leg side, Mathews looks to flick but misses it.
85.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Mathews defends it off the back foot.
85.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Angelo punches it towards point.
85.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it towards the leg side.
85.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 46/0(20)
84.6
.
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.
84.5
.
Outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one.
84.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid on where Prince Masvaure makes a fine stop.
84.3
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Dhananjaya pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
84.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid on.
84.1
.
On a good length on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot.
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.
In over# 1
0
3
1
0
0
1
Sean Williams 46/1(13)
83.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Angelo blocks it well.
83.5
3
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.
83.4
1
Floated delivery on off, Mathews punches it through point for a run.
83.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot.
83.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews defends it off the back foot.
83.1
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Dhananjaya guides it towards third man for a single.
In over# 1
3
0
0
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 39/1(16)
82.6
3
Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get three runs.
82.5
.
On a good length on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the back foot.
82.4
.
Outside off, Dhananjaya shoulders arms to this one.
82.3
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery just outside off, Dhananjaya looks to drive but misses it.
82.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid on.
82.1
.
On a good length on off, Dhananjaya defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
3
0
0W
0
1
4
Sean Williams 41/1(12)
81.6
3
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 struggling. End of an eventful over!
81.5
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Dhananjaya de Silva walks in next.
81.4
W
OUT! Caught! Yes, it did hit the boot straight so Chandimal has to go. Zimbabwe celebrate. Chandimal is not happy but he has to depart. A fullish ball around middle and leg, Chandimal skips down the track and looks to flick but the ball takes the bottom edge and then lobs towards the bowler. The Zimbabwean skipper catches it and appeals. The umpires get together and refer it upstairs with the soft signal as not out. Now, the replays roll in. It looks like the ball hit the boot directly and not the turf and then it ballooned towards the bowler. The third umpire takes his time and checks different angles. There's very limited technology in this Test series. Eventually, Langton Rusere feels that there are clear shreds of evidence to overturn the soft call. Another good looking stand has been broken. Sri Lanka trail by 131 runs with 6 wickets in hand.
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.
81.3
.
Full again on off, Chandimal drives it to mid off.
81.2
1
Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it through mid off for a single.
81.1
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Mathews pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Still no signs of the second new ball. Sean Williams to continue...
In over# 1
4
0
2
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 36/1(15)
80.6
4
FOUR! Cut away! Short and wide outside off, Chandimal goes back and cuts it through point for his first boundary.
80.5
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Chandimal ducks under it.
80.4
2
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.
80.3
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
80.2
.
Shortish and around off, Chandimal keeps it out.
80.1
.
Confusion but safe in the end. Full ball around off, Chandimal pushes it back past the bowler. He wants a 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 initially 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 realized it and has enough time to get back safely.
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.
In over# 1
0
6
0
0
0
0
Sean Williams 33/0(11)
79.6
.
Flatter and on middle and leg, pushed towards mid-wicket. Second new ball is available now!
79.5
6
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.
79.4
.
Flatter ball outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses.
79.3
.
Flatter and outside off, cut to the man at point.
79.2
.
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.
79.1
.
Shortish length ball on middle, Mathews punches it to mid on off the back foot.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 36/2(21)
78.6
1
Another ball which is angled into the batter, Mathews works it behind square leg for a single.
78.5
.
Good length ball angled in, Mathews keeps it out.
78.4
.
Good length ball around off, it is defended.
78.3
.
Full ball on middle, firmly driven to mid on once again.
78.2
.
Good length ball on off, pushed to mid on by Mathews.
78.1
.
Full ball on middle, Mathews strokes it to mid on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Sean Williams 27/0(10)
77.6
.
Flatter ball on off, Chandimal keeps it out lunging forward.
77.5
.
On off, it is defended.
77.4
.
Another full ball around off, pushed to mid off again.
77.3
.
Flatter ball around off, it is defended off the back foot.
77.2
1
Floated ball around off, Mathews strokes it to mid off for a single.
77.1
.
Full ball around off, pushed to mid off.
In over# 1
0
0
3
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 35/2(20)
76.6
.
Length ball around off, Chandimal keeps it out.
76.5
.
In the channel outside off, left alone.
76.4
3
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 rope. The batsmen get three runs.
76.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot.
76.2
.
Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it to covers.
76.1
.
On a length on off, Mathews taps it to point.
Victor Nyauchi to bowl from the other end. 19-6-32-3 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sean Williams 26/0(9)
75.6
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Chandimal defends it off the front foot.
75.5
.
Floated delivery on off, Chandimal punches it to point.
75.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Dinesh keeps it out.
75.3
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Chandimal blocks it off the front foot.
75.2
.
Full delivery on off, Chandimal drives it to covers.
75.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Chandimal drives it towards mid on.
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...
... Day 3, Session 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 bank. Do join us in a short while for the evening session as another 31 'entertaining' overs are left in the day's play.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Victor Nyauchi 32/2(19)
74.6
.
Another good length ball around off, it is defended. AND THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 3.
74.5
.
Another length ball around off, easily negotiated by Mathews.
74.4
.
Length ball on off, Mathews presents straight bat to defend it out.
74.3
.
Full and outside off, Mathews looks to drive but the ball takes the bottom edge and rolls towards covers.
74.2
.
Shortish and around off, it is tapped towards mid off.
74.1
2
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.
In over# 1
1
6
0
0
0
1
Ainsley Ndlovu 40/0(10)
73.6
1
Flatter delivery on off, Mathews plays a late cut wide of first slip and takes a single.
73.5
6
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!
73.4
.
Loopy and full on off, Mathews pushes it with an angled bat to cover-point.
73.3
.
Mathews has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
73.2
.
Too full in length on middle, pushed back in the direction of the bowler.
73.1
1
Driven towards the mid off region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 30/2(18)
72.6
.
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.
72.5
.
Lands it on a length and around off, angling in, Angelo meets it with a dead bat and pushes it out to short cover.
72.4
.
Flicks a full ball across the line but finds one of the two short mid-wicket fielders.
72.3
.
Puts it in the line of the off stump, Mathews brings down a straight bat and defends it from the middle.
72.2
.
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.
72.1
.
Fires in a fuller length ball close to off, Mathews strides forward and defends it off the inner half to short mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 32/0(9)
71.6
.
Chandimal has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
71.5
.
Loopy and full on middle, DC presses forward and blocks it back to the bowler.
71.4
.
Loopy full ball around off, Chandimal drives but finds short cover.
71.3
1
A full toss on off, pushed towards deepish mid on for a run.
71.2
.
Flattish and shortish on off, punched from the back foot to covers.
71.1
.
Flighted ball on middle, defended off the inner half to short mid-wicket.
In over# 1
1
2
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 30/2(17)
70.6
1
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.
70.5
2
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.
70.4
.
Slightly fuller and outside off, this is pushed towards covers.
70.3
.
Full ball around off, Mathews strokes it well but straight to mid off.
70.2
.
Full and around off, it is defended.
70.1
.
Length ball around off, Mathews keeps it out off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
3
Ainsley Ndlovu 31/0(8)
69.6
.
Full and around off, it is defended.
69.5
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
69.4
1
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.
69.3
.
Floated ball around off and middle, Mathews keeps it out.
69.2
.
Around off and middle, it is defended.
69.1
3
Low full toss on middle, Chandimal strokes it towards mid on where the fielder fumbles and the batters get an extra. Three taken.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 27/2(16)
68.6
.
Full ball just outside off, Mathews pushes it towards gully.
68.5
.
Another length ball around off, Mathews taps it to the man at covers.
68.4
.
Good length ball around off and middle, Mathews defends it nicely.
68.3
.
Full and on middle, it is pushed towards mid on.
68.2
.
Shortish and around off, Mathews taps it towards point for nothing.
68.1
.
Good length ball around off, it is defended off the front foot by Mathews.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
1
Ainsley Ndlovu 27/0(7)
67.6
.
On off and middle, full too. It is worked to the man at mid-wicket.
67.5
.
Slightly short one on middle, Chandimal pushes it back to the bowler.
67.4
.
Floats it on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
67.3
1
Full and on middle, Mathews strokes it to long off for a run.
67.2
.
Floated ball on off, Mathews comes forward and defends it out.
67.1
1
Flatter ball on middle, Chandimal works it towards mid-wicket for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0W
0
Victor Nyauchi 27/2(15)
66.6
.
Landed on middle, worked towards mid-wicket. End of a successful over for Zimbabwe.
66.5
.
Good length ball around off, it is defended.
66.4
.
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.
66.3
1
Slightly short of a length ball on the body, Chandimal works it towards fine leg to get off the mark.
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.
66.2
W
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 had been leaving these deliveries so far 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 runs behind.
66.1
.
Length ball angled into the pads, Mendis works it to the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Ainsley Ndlovu 25/0(6)
65.6
.
Loopy ball on off, Mathews pushes it to the left of the bowler who dives to that side and parries the ball towards covers.
65.5
.
Another full toss, this is around of, pushed back to the bowler.
65.4
.
Very full ball around off, Mathews digs it out to mid off.
65.3
.
Another ball in the line of the stumps, it is defended.
65.2
.
On off, It is defended back to the bowler.
65.1
1
Full toss on middle and leg, Mendis sweeps it for a run to deep square leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 26/1(14)
64.6
.
On middle, flicked towards short mid-wicket.
64.5
.
Another fuller ball, this is outside off, Mathews drives it well but finds the fielder at cover.
64.4
.
Full ball around off, Mathews strokes it straight to mid off.
64.3
.
Good length ball just outside off, Mathews pushes it to covers.
64.2
.
Full and outside off, this is stroked to mid off.
64.1
.
Length ball around off, it is defended.
In over# 1
1
1
1
4
0
2
Ainsley Ndlovu 24/0(5)
63.6
1
Quicker and shorter ball around off, Mendis stays on the back foot and pushes it to long on for a single.
63.5
1
Fires it wide outside off, Mendis guides it towards third man and takes a single.
63.4
1
Flatter one on off, it is worked towards the leg side for a single.
63.3
4
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.
63.2
.
Around off, it is defended.
63.1
2
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.
Ainsley Ndlovu (4-2-15-0) is back into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 26/1(13)
62.6
.
Length ball around off, Mendis keeps it out off his back foot.
62.5
.
Full and around off, it is defended.
62.4
.
Landed around off, it is defended towards covers.
62.3
.
Length ball just around off, keeping a touch low. Mendis gets his bat down in time to work it towards mid-wicket.
62.2
.
Full and around off, Mendis comes forward and keeps it out.
62.1
.
Length ball around off, Mendis pushes it towards covers.
Victor Nyauchi returns. 12-2-26-1 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
4
0
1
Sikandar Raza 28/0(5)
61.6
.
Floated ball around off, it is defended.
61.5
1
Full ball around off and middle, Mendis strokes it to long on for a run.
61.4
.
Flatter ball around off, Mendis keeps it out.
61.3
4
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.
61.2
.
On off, it is defended.
61.1
1
Full and outside off, Mathews pushes it to mid off for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 30/1(14)
60.6
.
On middle, worked towards the leg side.
60.5
.
Good length ball around off, Mendis keeps it out off his back foot.
60.4
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
60.3
.
Full ball around off, Mendis comes forward and keeps it out.
60.2
.
Full and around off, pushed towards covers.
60.1
.
Good length ball just outside off, Mendis taps it towards the man at gully.
DRINKS! Another wicket-less hour for the hosts. They have been working really hard out in the middle but are unable to break 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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Sikandar Raza 22/0(4)
59.6
.
Another ball around off, it is defended.
59.5
.
Flights this one and lands it around off, worked towards mid-wicket.
59.4
.
Another full ball, it is pushed back to the bowler.
59.3
.
Flatter ball on off, worked towards the leg side.
59.2
.
Very full ball on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
59.1
1
Full ball on middle, Mendis works it to deep mid-wicket and changes ends.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 30/1(13)
58.6
.
Around off on a length, it keeps a bit low. Mathews does well to keep it out.
58.5
.
Full again and this time it is around off, Mathews pushes it back to the bowler.
58.4
.
Very full ball on middle, this is stroked well but straight to mid off.
58.3
.
Shorter in length and around off, Mathews stays on the back foot and defends it out.
58.2
.
Good length ball around off, Mathews defends it off his front foot.
58.1
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
In over# 1
2
1
1
0
0
0
Sikandar Raza 21/0(3)
57.6
2
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.
57.5
1
Full ball on off, Mathews strokes it to long off for a single.
57.4
1
Full and on middle, Mendis pushes it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
57.3
.
This one is slightly short and around off, Mendis turns it towards square leg.
57.2
.
On off again, another forward defensive shot from Mendis.
57.1
.
Flatter and on off, Mendis comes forward and keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 30/1(12)
56.6
.
Landed on middle, Mathews keeps it out off the back foot.
56.5
.
Length ball just outside off, it is pushed to covers.
56.4
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
56.3
.
Length ball on off, it is pushed towards point. Mathews wanted a single there but they decided against it seeing the rushing fielder.
56.2
.
On middle, it is blocked by Mathews.
56.1
.
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.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
1
Sikandar Raza 17/0(2)
55.6
1
A single to end the over as Mathews eases this loopy ball through mid on.
55.5
.
Loopy ball around off, Mathews gets behind the line of the ball to block.
55.4
.
Another fuller ball around middle, this time Mathews tucks it to mid-wicket.
55.3
.
Full and and on off, it is pushed to mid on.
55.2
.
Fires it on the pads, Mathews looks to tuck it towards the leg side but misses.
55.1
1
A leg spinner from the offie, it is on the pads, Mendis works it to fine leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 30/1(11)
54.6
.
Around off on a good length, it is defended.
54.5
.
A full ball around off now, Mathews pushes it to mid off.
54.4
1
A back of a length ball on middle, Mendis pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
54.3
.
Good length ball on off, worked towards mid-wicket.
54.2
.
Full and around off, Mendis pushes it to mid off.
54.1
.
Length ball around off, Mathews keeps it out off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
2nb
4
4
4
0
1
Sikandar Raza 15/0(1)
53.6
.
Shortish ball around off, blocked off the back foot. 15 from the over!
53.6
2nb
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.
53.5
4
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.
53.4
4
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.
53.3
4
FOUR! Pulled away! A half-tracker on middle, Mendis goes back and hammers it to deep mid-wicket for a powerful boundary.
53.2
.
Full and on off, it is defended.
53.1
1
Raza starts with a flatter ball outside off, pushed through point for a single.
Sikandar Raza is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 29/1(10)
52.6
.
Landed around off on a length, Mendis keeps it out.
52.5
.
Good length ball on the pads, it is worked towards the leg side.
52.4
2
Shortish ball on middle, it is worked towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.
52.3
.
Length ball around off, Mendis comes forward and keeps it out.
52.2
.
Full ball outside off, pushed to covers.
52.1
.
Tiripano starts with a length ball on middle, it is defended.
Doanald Tiripano returns. 9-0-27-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
1
1
0
2
Sean Williams 26/0(8)
51.6
.
Flat one on the pads, pushed to mid on.
51.5
1
Quicker one outside off, it is guided to third man for a single.
51.4
1
Shortish ball outside off, Mathews forces it through covers for a single. 50-run stand is up between the two.
51.3
1
Fires it on the pads, Mendis tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a run.
51.2
.
On off, it is defended.
51.1
2
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 42/0(19)
50.6
.
On a driving length outside off, Mathews takes his front leg close to the line of the ball but then shoulders arms.
50.5
.
Lands it full and around off, Mathews drives it back to the bowler.
50.4
.
A length ball on off, Mathews pushes it off his front foot to covers.
50.3
.
Full in length and close to off, Mathews defends it close to his front pad.
50.2
.
A length ball around off, Mathews offers a straight bat in defense.
50.1
.
Probes with a full length ball close to off, Mathews is half forward in defense.
In over# 1
3
0
0
0
2
0
Sean Williams 21/0(7)
49.6
3
Skidding down the leg side, tucked to fine leg for three runs. 50 overs done!
49.5
.
Drags his length short and bowls it around off, it's cut from the back foot but straight to point.
49.4
.
Leans forward to a full ball and blocks it safely.
49.3
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
49.2
2
Quicker through the air again, it's on middle and has been tickled down to fine leg for a couple.
49.1
.
Flatter and shorter on off, Mathews pushes it out to short cover from his back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 42/0(18)
48.6
.
On a length and close to off, Mendis stands across the stumps and taps it down with an angled bat to point. Maiden.
48.5
.
A delivery on a driving length outside off, Mendis is not lured into any kind of shot.
48.4
.
Pitches it up and around off, Kusal presses forward and pushes it to mid off.
48.3
.
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.
48.2
.
Hurls in a good length delivery close to off, Mendis guards his stumps and then shoulders arms.
48.1
.
Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
In over# 1
4
0
0
1
0
2
Sean Williams 16/0(6)
47.6
4
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.
47.5
.
Tickles a full ball off his pads to the leg side but finds the fielder.
47.4
.
Defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
47.3
1
Flatter and shorter on middle, turned across the line from the crease but wide of mid-wicket. A single is taken.
47.2
.
Full and flighted on off, it's defended back off the front foot.
47.1
2
Delicate. Short in length outside off, Mendis plays a late cut to beat backward point. They take a couple.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Kyle Jarvis 42/0(17)
46.6
.
Very full and around leg, Mathews plays the on drive but finds mid on.
46.5
.
Beaten! Shortish delivery outside off, shaping away, Mathews pokes inside the line and misses.
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.
46.4
.
A good looking cover drive by Mathews but he finds the fielder.
46.3
.
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.
46.2
.
Good areas from Jarvis. Spears in a fuller length ball on off, Mathews brings his bat down in time and defends it back.
46.1
1
Back of a length ball outside off, Mendis pushes it off his back foot to point and takes a run.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Sean Williams 9/0(5)
45.6
.
Shortish ball on off, punched from the back foot to covers.
45.5
.
Angelo has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
45.4
1
Goes on the back foot and cuts it to point for a run.
45.3
.
Arm ball on middle, skidding in, Mendis hangs back to defend but it takes the inner half and rolls to mid-wicket.
45.2
.
Presses forward to a full ball and defends it back to the bowler.
45.1
.
Shortish ball on off, skidding in, Mendis goes back and pushes it to short cover.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 41/0(16)
44.6
.
This one is pitched up again by Jarvis, Mathews plays a well-timed drive but finds mid off.
44.5
.
Lands it very full and close to off, Mathews prods forward and defends it back from the bottom half of his bat.
44.4
.
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.
44.3
.
On a length and close to off, Angelo remains on the back foot and defends it to the off side.
44.2
.
Pitches it up and outside off, Mathews drives confidently off his front foot but finds the cover fielder.
44.1
.
Good length delivery outside off, holding its line, Mathews shoulders arms.
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.
... DAY 3, SECOND SESSION ...
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 those and would be hoping to make merry in the afternoon. Zimbabwe have bowled well with little to no support from the surface. They still have a 234-run lead in their pocket but will have to spend it carefully. Hoping for yet another absorbing session in a short while. Do join us.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Sean Williams 8/0(4)
43.6
.
Full and flighted on off, Mendis is on the front foot again as he defends it. LUNCH ON DAY 3!
43.5
.
Leans forward to a full ball and defends it solidly.
43.4
.
Flighted and around off, Kusal eases himself on the back foot in defense.
43.3
.
Mendis has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
43.2
.
Once again Williams is on the shorter side, Mendis punches it from the back foot but finds mid-wicket.
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.
43.1
2
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 41/0(15)
42.6
.
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.
42.5
.
A little short this time, around off, Mathews gets the opportunity to go on the back foot and defend it back to the bowler.
42.4
.
Around off, on a length, Mathews defends it from the crease to the off side.
42.3
.
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.
42.2
.
Once again Jarvis keeps his line close to off, this time Mathews covers the delivery and blocks it back.
42.1
.
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.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
2lb
Sean Williams 6/0(3)
41.6
.
Loopy and full on off, Kusal lunges and defends it solidly.
41.5
1
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.
41.4
.
Fuller in length on middle, blocked safely off the front foot.
41.3
.
Full and flighted on off, defended back again by Angelo.
41.2
.
Mathews has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
41.1
2lb
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Kyle Jarvis 41/0(14)
40.6
.
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.
40.5
.
Pitches it right up there outside off, Mendis drives it off his front foot to mid off.
40.4
.
Angles in a fuller length ball on middle, Mendis leans forward with a vertical bat in defense.
40.3
.
Fullish ball around off, going straight on, Mendis strides forward and across before shouldering arms.
40.2
1
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.
40.1
.
Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Mathews offers no shot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Sean Williams 5/0(2)
39.6
.
Tossed up ball on off, defended back off the front foot again.
39.5
.
Kusal has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
39.4
.
Pulls his length back and lands it close to off, Mendis cuts it off his back foot but finds the point fielder.
39.3
.
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.
39.2
.
Flighted and full on off, Mendis stretches forward in defense.
39.1
1
Arm ball on middle, shorter in length, Mathews goes back and helps it through square leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 40/0(13)
38.6
.
Good lines from Jarvis. Once again he is on and around off, a fuller length delivery, Mendis defends it right under his watchful eyes.
38.5
.
Delivers it full and outside off, Kusal prods forward in defense.
38.4
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
38.3
.
On a good length around off, defended from the back foot to the off side.
38.2
.
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.
38.1
.
A gentle good length delivery in the zone outside off, going straight on after landing, Mendis has nothing to do with it.
Kyle Jarvis (12-2-40-0) returns for another spell in the morning session.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Sean Williams 4/0(1)
37.6
4
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.
37.5
.
Gets on the front foot and blocks it with a straight blade.
37.4
.
Mathews has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
37.3
.
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.
37.2
.
Quicker arm ball on middle, Mathews defends it from the inner half of his bat.
37.1
.
Flighted full ball on off, Mathews defends it back.
Skipper Sean Williams brings himself into the attack. A slip and short leg in place.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Victor Nyauchi 26/1(12)
36.6
.
Fullish and outside off, Mendis drives it nice and straight towards mid off.
36.5
.
Good length delivery outside off, Mendis walks across the stumps and then makes a leave.
36.4
.
Fuller length ball outside off, Kusal drives it off his front foot to mid off.
36.3
.
Mendis has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
36.2
1
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.
36.1
.
A fuller length ball on middle, Mathews inside edges his attempted flick to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
4
0
3
0
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 15/0(4)
35.6
4
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.
35.5
.
Mendis has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
35.4
3
Once again the length is on the shorter side outside off, Angelo cracks it to deep point and collects three runs.
35.3
.
Short and outside off, forced off the back foot to point.
35.2
.
Once again it's flat and short on middle, Angelo turns it to mid-wicket.
35.1
.
Flatter ball on off, Mathews goes back and punches it to mid on.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 25/1(11)
34.6
2
Full in length and outside off, Mendis presses forward and drives it through point for a couple of runs.
34.5
.
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 batsman is safe and there is no technology to check who is correct.
34.4
.
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.
34.3
.
Pitches it up and around off, Kusal draws forward and defends it to the off side.
34.2
.
Fullish ball on middle, Mendis defends it back solidly and it goes on to hit the stumps at the bowler's end.
34.1
.
Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Mendis offers no shot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 8/0(3)
33.6
.
Lunges to a full ball around off and defends it back calmly.
33.5
.
Goes a bit short on middle, Mathews moves back to stroke it towards mid on.
33.4
.
Slower through the air, full and around leg, Angelo defends it to short leg.
33.3
.
Quicker through the air, fired in full on off, defended to the off side.
33.2
.
Flighted and too full around off, Mathews defends it off his front foot.
33.1
.
Flatter ball, around middle, Mathews goes on the back foot and defends it to the off side.
In over# 1
1
0
2
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 23/1(10)
32.6
1
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.
32.5
.
Slants in a very full ball around off, Mathews has his bat down in time as he digs it out back to the bowler.
32.4
2
Off the mark! Short in length around off, Mathews rocks back and punches it through the gap at covers for a brace.
32.3
.
Good length ball on middle and off, Mathews gets inside the line and works it on the leg side. Not in the gap.
32.2
.
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.
32.1
.
Wicket to wicket line. A little bit of movement in. On a length around off, Angelo blocks it from the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ainsley Ndlovu 8/0(2)
31.6
.
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.
31.5
.
Mendis has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
31.4
.
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.
31.3
.
Leans forward to a full ball and pushes it on the off side safely.
31.2
.
Tossed up delivery, landing full on middle, Kusal presses forward with a straight bat in defense.
31.1
.
Floated full ball on off, Mendis is on the front foot in defense.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 20/1(9)
30.6
.
A length ball angling in around off, blocked to end a maiden over.
30.5
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
30.4
.
Pitches it up and outside off, Mathews brings down a straight bat and pushes it down off the inner half to mid on.
30.3
.
Covers the line of the delivery and offers a straight bat in defense.
30.2
.
A length ball on off, angling in, Mathews sticks back and defends it to the off side.
30.1
.
Mathews has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
In over# 1
0
2
0
4
0
2
Ainsley Ndlovu 8/0(1)
29.6
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
29.5
2
Short and pulled to deep mid-wicket for a couple. 100 up!
29.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot.
29.3
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
29.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.
29.1
2
Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.
Drinks Break! Finally a breakthrough for Zimbabwe after toiling hard in the first hour. They would like to pick a few more in the next segment and put some pressure on the Lankan middle order. Angelo Mathews is the next batsman in. Ainsley Ndlovu is into the attack as well.
In over# 1
0W
2
2b
0
1
1
Victor Nyauchi 20/1(8)
28.6
W
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 across the line but does so uppishly. Ndlovu stationed at short mid-wicket goes down low and takes a sharp catch. The 60-run stand is broken, Sri Lanka trail by 266 runs.
28.5
2
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.
28.4
2b
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.
28.3
.
On a good length on middle, Karunaratne blocks it off the front foot.
28.2
1
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.
28.1
1
Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it through point for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Donald Tiripano 27/1(9)
27.6
.
On a good length on off, Mendis defends it out.
27.5
.
On middle, Kusal blocks it off the back foot.
27.4
.
On a good length on off, Mendis keeps it out.
27.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Kusal offers a solid defense on this one.
27.2
.
On a good length on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.
27.1
1
Length delivery on middle, Karunaratne flicks it towards square leg for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Victor Nyauchi 16/0(7)
26.6
.
Outside off, Mendis does not bother to play at that.
26.5
.
Full delivery on off, Kusal drives it towards mid off.
26.4
.
Length delivery on off, Mendis punches it towards point.
26.3
.
Outside off, Kusal offers no shot to this one.
26.2
.
On a good length on middle, Mendis defends it off the front foot.
26.1
1
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.
In over# 1
1
0
0
4
0
1
Donald Tiripano 26/1(8)
25.6
1
Short and outside off, Karunaratne cuts it through point for a single.
25.5
.
Full delivery on off, Dimuth drives it towards mid off.
25.4
.
On a good length on off, Karunaratne blocks it off the back foot.
25.3
4
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.
25.2
.
Length delivery on off, Karunaratne punches it to mid on.
25.1
1
Short delivery on leg, Mendis pulls it through square leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Victor Nyauchi 15/0(6)
24.6
.
Outside off, Dimuth offers no shot to this one. Slow going so far. Sri Lanka looking to preserve their wickets more than scoring runs.
24.5
.
Full again on off, Karunaratne drives it towards mid off.
24.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Dimuth drives it towards mid on.
24.3
.
On a good length on off, Karunaratne blocks it off the front foot.
24.2
1
Length delivery outside off, Mendis taps it towards point for a run.
24.1
.
Outside off, Mendis offers no shot to this one.
Victor Nyauchi to bowl. 5-1-14-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1nb
0
0
0
1
0
Donald Tiripano 20/1(7)
23.6
1
On a length on middle, Mendis flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
23.6
1nb
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.
23.5
.
On a good length on middle, Mendis keeps it out.
23.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Kusal defends it off the back foot.
23.3
.
Full again on middle, Mendis drives it towards mid on.
23.2
1
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.
23.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Karunaratne shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 40/0(12)
22.6
1
Full again on middle, Karunaratne drives it through mid on for a run.
22.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Dimuth drives it towards mid on.
22.4
1
Short delivery outside off, Mendis cuts it through point for a single.
22.3
.
Outside off, Kusal offers no shot to this one.
22.2
.
Full delivery on off, Mendis drives it to covers. Good timing but not-so-good placement.
22.1
.
Length delivery on off, Mendis pushes it towards covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Donald Tiripano 17/1(6)
21.6
.
Full again on off, the skipper drives it to mid off again.
21.5
.
Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it towards mid off.
21.4
.
Outside off, Dimuth shoulders arms to this one.
21.3
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Karunaratne looks to defend but misses it.
21.2
.
On a good length on off, Dimuth blocks it off the back foot.
21.1
1
Length delivery on off, Mendis guides it towards third man for a run.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 38/0(11)
20.6
1
On a good length on off, Mendis defends it towards point for a single.
20.5
.
Outside off, Mendis shoulders arms to this one.
20.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Kusal offers a solid defense on this one.
20.3
.
Full delivery on off, Mendis drives it towards mid off.
20.2
.
On a good length on middle, Mendis blocks it off the back foot.
20.1
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Mendis looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
3
0
1
0
1
Donald Tiripano 16/1(5)
19.6
.
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.
19.5
3
Length delivery outside off, Mendis punches it through point. The batsmen get three runs.
19.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.
19.3
1
On a length on middle, Karunaratne flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single.
19.2
.
Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it towards mid off.
19.1
1
Short delivery on leg, Mendis pulls it through square leg for a single.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
1
Kyle Jarvis 37/0(10)
18.6
1
Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.
18.5
.
Outside off, Mendis offers no shot to this one.
18.4
1
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.
18.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Dimuth does well to duck under it.
18.2
.
Outside off, Karunaratne shoulders arms to this one.
18.1
1
On a good length on off, Mendis guides it towards third man for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Donald Tiripano 11/1(4)
17.6
.
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.
17.5
.
Length delivery on off, the skipper taps it to point.
17.4
.
Outside off, Dimuth offers no shot to this one.
17.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Karunaratne blocks it off the front foot.
17.2
.
Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it towards mid off.
17.1
1
On a good length on off, Mendis defends towards point. The batsmen cross ends.
In over# 1
3
1
0
0
0
4
Kyle Jarvis 34/0(9)
16.6
3
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.
16.5
1
Length delivery outside off, the skipper taps it towards point for a single.
16.4
.
Outside off, Dimuth leaves it alone.
16.3
.
On a good length and outside off, Karunaratne shoulders arms to this one.
16.2
.
Outside off, Dimuth offers no shot to this one.
16.1
4
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.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
1
0
Donald Tiripano 10/1(3)
15.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Mendis drives it towards mid on.
15.5
4
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.
15.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket.
15.3
.
Length delivery on middle, Mendis tucks it towards mid-wicket.
15.2
1
On a length on middle, the skipper flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
15.1
.
Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it towards mid off.
Donald Tiripano to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
1nb
1
4
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 26/0(8)
14.6
.
On a good length on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot.
14.6
1nb
NO BALL! Jarvis oversteps! Outside off, Mendis shoulders arms to this one.
14.5
1
On a length on middle, Dimuth flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single.
14.4
4
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.
14.3
.
Length delivery on off, Karunaratne punches it to covers.
14.2
.
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.
14.1
.
BEATEN! Jarvis starts with a good length delivery outside off, Karunaratne looks to poke at it but misses.
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...
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 experience in the visitors' middle order and one cannot write them off just because they haven't been among the runs of late. Let's see which way this Test match moves on the moving day. Stay tuned for more...
... Day 3, Session 1 ...
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!
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.
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.
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.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Donald Tiripano 5/1(2)
13.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, Mendis blocks it off the back foot.
13.5
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Mendis drives it through mid off for a boundary.
13.4
.
Outside off, Kusal offers no shot to this one.
13.3
.
On a good length on off, Mendis keeps it out.
13.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Mendis defends it off the back foot.
13.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Mendis shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
1
0
Kyle Jarvis 20/0(7)
12.6
4
FOUR! Slashed! Length ball outside off, Karunaratne rocks back and has cut this one through the point region for a boundary.
12.5
.
Another one outside off, left alone by Karunaratne.
12.4
.
The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
12.3
.
Full ball on middle, driven towards the man at mid on.
12.2
1
Full ball on the pads, worked towards the leg side for a single.
12.1
.
Outside off, left alone by Mendis.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
0W
Donald Tiripano 1/1(1)
11.6
1
Another one on off, this time Mendis plays it towards the point region for a single. Mendis is off the mark.
11.5
1
Outside off, played towards the man at point.
11.4
.
Another length ball on off, defended towards cover.
11.3
.
On middle and leg, flicked towards the man at mid-wicket.
11.2
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended towards cover.
Drinks Break! Kusal Mendis is the new batsman in.
11.1
W
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. The opening stand is broken and Zimbabwe will be looking to make further inroads now.
Donald Tiripano is into the attack.
In over# 1
2
0
1
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 15/0(6)
10.6
2
Full delivery on off, Dimuth drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.
10.5
.
Full again on middle, Karunaratne drives it towards mid on.
10.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Oshada drives it towards mid on for a single.
10.3
.
Length delivery outside off, Fernando guides it towards second slip.
10.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Fernando defends it off the front foot.
10.1
.
Outside off, Oshada offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
3
0
Victor Nyauchi 14/0(5)
9.6
.
On a good length on middle, Karunaratne looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
9.5
.
Outside off, Dimuth shoulders arms to this one.
9.4
2
On a length on middle, Karunaratne flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
9.3
.
Nyauchi bowls it down the leg side, Dimuth looks to flick but misses it.
9.2
3
Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it through mid off. The fielder chases and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.
9.1
.
Length delivery on off, Fernando dabs it towards short third man.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 12/0(5)
8.6
.
Outside off, Karunaratne offers no shot to this one.
8.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Dimuth drives it towards mid on.
8.4
1
On a length on off, Fernando plays it towards covers for a single.
8.3
1
Length delivery on middle, Karunaratne flicks it towards square leg for a run.
8.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Dimuth drives it towards mid on.
8.1
.
Bowls a bouncer, Karunaratne does well to duck under it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Victor Nyauchi 9/0(4)
7.6
.
On off, Oshada blocks it off the front foot.
7.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Fernando flicks it to mid-wicket.
7.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Oshada defends it out.
7.3
.
Outside off, Fernando shoulders arms to this one.
7.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Fernando drives it towards mid on.
7.1
1
On a length on middle, Karunaratne defends it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 10/0(4)
6.6
.
On a good length on off, Fernando defends it off the back foot.
6.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, Fernando offers a solid defense on this one.
6.4
.
On a good length on middle, Oshada blocks it off the back foot.
6.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Fernando defends it out.
6.2
.
On a good length on middle, Oshada keeps it out.
6.1
.
Good length delivery on off, Fernando blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
1lb
0
0
1
1
2
Victor Nyauchi 8/0(3)
5.6
1lb
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.
5.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Fernando blocks it off the back foot.
5.4
.
Outside off, Oshada shoulders arms to this one.
5.3
1
On a length on leg, Karunaratne flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
5.2
1
Full delivery on off, Oshada drives it towards mid off for a run.
5.1
2
On a length on middle, Fernando flicks it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 10/0(3)
4.6
.
On a good length on off, Karunaratne blocks it well.
4.5
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Dimuth looks to cut but misses it.
4.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Karunaratne does well to duck under it.
4.3
.
Full delivery on off, Dimuth drives it towards mid off.
4.2
.
Good length delivery outside off, the skipper shoulders arms to this one.
4.1
.
On a good length on off, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Victor Nyauchi 4/0(2)
3.6
.
Another full ball, this time on middle, it has been driven towards the man at mid on.
3.5
.
Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off.
3.4
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery
3.3
.
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.
3.2
.
On the pads, flicked towards the man at mid-wicket.
3.1
.
Way outside off again, Fernando leaves it alone.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
0
0
Kyle Jarvis 10/0(2)
2.6
.
The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
2.5
1
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.
2.4
.
Down the leg side, Fernando looks to flick but misses.
2.3
1
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.
2.2
.
Way outside off, Dimuth does not fiddle with it.
2.1
.
Length ball just outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
2
1lb
Victor Nyauchi 4/0(1)
1.6
.
Full ball on off, driven straight to the man at cover.
1.5
2
On the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for a couple.
1.4
.
Another length ball, this time Fernando walks across and plays this towards the leg side.
1.3
.
Length ball outside off, angling in, left alone.
1.2
2
Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.
1.1
1lb
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.
Victor Nyauchi to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
4
0
4
0
1lb
0
Kyle Jarvis 8/0(1)
0.6
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on middle, Oshada flicks it through square leg for a boundary.
0.5
.
On a length on middle, Fernando flicks it to mid-wicket.
0.4
4
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.
0.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Fernando blocks it off the front foot.
0.2
1lb
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.
0.1
.
Jarvis starts with a length delivery down the leg side, Karunaratne looks to flick but misses it.
So, what will be the Sri Lankan's intentions as they come out to bat? Will they want to attack and make up for some lost time as Zimbabwe have batted for almost two days or will they start slow and then grow into the game. Oshada Fernando and Dimuth Karunaratne are stepping out to answer all your questions with Kyle Jarvis bowling first up to them!
The Lankans toiled for 2 long hard days in the field but finally got the reward for their patience. Embuldeniya was the star with the ball for Sri Lanka as he picked up a 5-fer. Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara also chipped in with 3 and 2 wickets each. They will not be mightily pleased with how long it has taken them to dismiss the Zimbabwe batters but will make do with what they have now.
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 added valuable runs to the total and guided the hosts to a total of 358 runs. Craig Ervine though was the pick of the batters as he scored 85 runs showing his class.
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.
147.6
W
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!!!
147.5
4
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.
147.4
1
On off, defended towards the point region for a single.
147.3
2
Full ball on middle, flicked towards mid-wicket for a couple.
147.2
.
Similar line and length, defended by Tiripano.
147.1
.
Length ball just outside off, left alone.
Lakmal to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 55/0(29)
146.6
.
Bowls a bouncer, Nyauchi lets it sail through to the keeper.
146.5
.
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.
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.
146.4
.
Short delivery on off, Nyauchi looks to fend at it but gets an outside edge. It lands safely towards the slip region.
146.3
2
On a length on middle, Nyauchi flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
146.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Nyauchi offers a solid defense on this one.
146.1
.
On a good length on off, Nyauchi defends it off the back foot.
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.
... Day 2, Session 3 ...
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 as he can before they lose their last wicket. When the 9th wicket fell, the session was extended by a further 30 minutes but that did not help the Lankans as they could not manage to take the last wicket. Tiripano and Victor Nyauchi have done well to grind out the latter part of this session. Tiripano has faced close to a 100 balls and has done well to not throw away his wicket. Join us back in a bit to find out what will happen in the last session of the day as Zimbabwe hold on to their last wicket and the Lankans toil hard on the field.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 46/2(26)
145.6
.
Good length ball on middle, worked towards the man at mid on. AND THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2!
145.5
.
Length ball angling in, Tiripano looks to defend but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.
145.4
.
Full ball on middle, defended.
145.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
145.2
.
Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off.
145.1
.
Full ball on middle and leg, driven towards the man at mid on.
Suranga Lakmal is back on. 25-9-46-2 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 114/5(42)
144.6
.
Nyuauchi prods forward and defends this one. Does well to get through the over.
144.5
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
144.4
.
On off again, played towards point.
144.3
.
Floated on off, defended towards cover-point.
144.2
.
Outside off, Nyauchi looks to play at it but misses.
144.1
.
Tossed up delivery around off, defended towards point.
In over# 1
4
3
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 82/2(29)
143.6
4
FOUR! This time it has! Very full ball on off, Tiripano has driven this one through the cover region for a smacking boundary.
143.5
3
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.
143.4
.
Bouncer on middle and off, the batter sways away from it.
143.3
.
Back of a length ball on off, played towards the man at cover.
143.2
.
Length ball on off, played towards point.
143.1
.
Length ball just outside off, Nyauchi looks to fend at it but misses.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 114/5(41)
142.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out.
142.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Donald punches it towards point.
142.4
1
Floated delivery on middle, Nyauchi flicks it towards square leg for a run.
142.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Nyauchi comes down the track and plays it towards mid on.
142.2
1
Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano plays it towards point for a single.
142.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano blocks it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
3
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 75/2(28)
141.6
.
Bowls a yorker on off, Nyauchi does well to dig it out.
141.5
.
BEATEN! Short and outside off, Nyauchi looks to cut but misses it.
141.4
.
On a good length on middle, Nyauchi blocks it off the back foot.
141.3
3
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.
141.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Tiripano taps it towards point.
141.1
.
On a length on off, Tiripano defends it towards covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
2
Lasith Embuldeniya 112/5(40)
140.6
.
Loopy on middle and off, defended.
140.5
.
Nyauchi comes onto the front foot and defends.
140.4
.
On the pads, Nyauchi looks to flick but misses. Stifled appeal turned down.
140.3
1
Tiripano has played that one through the mid on region for a single.
140.2
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
140.1
2
Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.
In over# 1
5
0
0
1
0
0W
Lahiru Kumara 72/2(27)
139.6
5
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. The ball is going towards the third man fence but does not have the legs. The batters take two. Nyauchi wants the third and sets off. He gets to the striker's end almost but Tiripano sends him back. The throw goes at the non-striker's end where Nyauchi is well short but no one collects the ball as the throw is wild one and it results in overthrows. This time the ball goes almost into the fence at mid off but does not cross the ropes and the batters take another three runs. Five runs taken in total. Bizarre stuff!
139.5
.
Another full ball, pushed towards the man at mid off.
139.4
.
Full ball on middle, driven towards mid on.
139.3
1
Full ball on off, Nyauchi pushes it towards cover for a single. First run for the debutant in Test cricket.
139.2
.
Bouncer on off, Nyauchi looks to go for the upper cut but misses.
Victor Nyauchi, the debutant, is the last man in.
139.1
W
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!
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 109/5(39)
138.6
.
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.
138.5
.
Down the leg side, left alone.
138.4
1
Flatter delivery on middle, played towards mid on for one.
138.3
1
Floated delivery on off, played towards the cover region for one.
138.2
.
Similar delivery, blocked out.
138.1
.
Flatter delivery on middle, defended by Tiripano.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 66/1(26)
137.6
.
Another bouncer, this time on the leg pole line, Ndlovu ducks under it and lets it go.
137.5
.
Bouncer but way outside off and Ndlovu leaves it alone.
137.4
.
Kumara comes 'round the wicket and bowls on the body of Ndlovu. He plays it wide of the man at short leg.
137.3
.
Length ball on off, played towards cover-point.
137.2
.
Length delivery on off, the batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
137.1
.
Length delivery outside off, left alone.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 107/5(38)
136.6
4
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.
136.5
.
Shortish delivery on middle, played back towards the bowler by Tiripano.
136.4
.
Very full floated delivery, Tiripano plays it towards the man at mid-wicket.
136.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, played towards cover.
136.2
.
On the pads, defended out.
136.1
.
Floated delivery on off, pushed towards cover.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 66/1(25)
135.6
1
Back of a length delivery on middle, pulled towards the man at deep square leg and Tiripano takes a run to keep strike.
135.5
.
On the pads, defended towards the leg side.
135.4
.
Back of a length delivery on middle, Tiripano hops and works this one behind square but does not take a run.
135.3
.
Good length ball on middle, played towards the man at mid on.
135.2
.
Bouncer on middle, ducked under.
135.1
.
Back of a length delivery on off, defended towards the man at short leg.
Lahiru Kumara is back on. 24-7-65-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 103/5(37)
134.6
.
On off, defended solidly to get through the over.
134.5
.
Another one tossed up on off, defended by Ndlovu towards the off side.
134.4
.
Floated delivery on middle and off, defended.
134.3
4
FOUR! Floated delivery on off, Ndlovu gets down on one knee and has smashed that one towards the mid-wicket region for a boundary.
134.2
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
134.1
.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 53/0(28)
133.6
.
Length ball outside off, left alone by Donald.
133.5
.
Length ball on middle, played towards point.
133.4
4
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.
133.3
.
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.
133.2
.
Length ball on middle, pulled towards the man at square leg.
133.1
.
Donald comes onto the front foot and defends this length ball.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 99/5(36)
132.6
.
On the pads, flicked towards the man at mid-wicket.
132.5
.
Ndlovu comes onto the front foot and pushes it back towards the bowler.
132.4
.
Ndlovu prods forward and defends it back towards Embuldeniya.
132.3
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano plays it towards cover and takes a single.
132.2
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
132.1
.
Floated delivery on off, Tiripano blocks it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1lb
2
0
Kasun Rajitha 49/0(27)
131.6
.
Outside off, Ndlovu shoulders arms to this one.
131.5
.
On a length on off, Ndlovu plays it to point.
131.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Ndlovu blocks it off the front foot.
131.3
1lb
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.
131.2
2
Full delivery on middle, Tiripano drives it through mid on. The batsmen get two runs.
131.1
.
Rajitha bowls it down the leg side, Tiripano lets it go.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0W
Lasith Embuldeniya 98/5(35)
130.6
.
Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
130.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Ndlovu keeps it out.
130.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Ndlovu defends it off the back foot.
130.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Ndlovu looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
130.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Ndlovu blocks it off the front foot.
Ainsley Ndlovu is the next batsman in.
130.1
W
OUT! BOWLED! 5-fer for Lasith Embuldeniya. A tossed up delivery on middle, it is the straighter one, Jarvis fails to pick it up and looks to defend off the front foot but misses the line of the delivery. The ball sneaks through the bat and pad and shatters the stumps. The middle stump has gone for a toss. Zimbabwe tumbling at the death here!
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 47/0(26)
129.6
1
Full delivery on off, Jarvis drives it through covers for a single.
129.5
.
Bowls a bumper, Jarvis lets it sail through to the keeper.
129.4
1
Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it through covers for a run.
129.3
.
Length delivery on off, Tiripano punches it towards point.
129.2
.
Bowls a bouncer, Tiripano does well to duck under it.
129.1
.
On a good length on off, Tiripano blocks it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 98/4(34)
128.6
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Jarvis defends it out.
128.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Jarvis blocks it off the front foot.
Kyle Jarvis is the new batsman in.
128.4
W
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.
128.3
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
128.2
3
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.
128.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 45/0(25)
127.6
.
Length delivery outside off, Raza taps it towards the off side.
127.5
.
On a length on middle, Raza looks to defend but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes towards mid-wicket.
127.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Raza drives it towards mid on.
127.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Raza blocks it off the front foot.
127.2
.
Bowls a bumper, Raza does well to duck under it.
127.1
.
On a good length on off, Raza offers a solid defense on this one.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 95/3(33)
126.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano blocks it off the back foot.
126.5
.
Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it to covers.
126.4
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Raza drives it towards point for a run.
126.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot.
126.2
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Raza keeps it out.
126.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Raza defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 45/0(24)
125.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Tiripano drives it towards mid on.
125.5
1
Full delivery on off, Raza drives it through covers for a run.
125.4
4
FOUR! Short delivery on leg, Raza looks to pull but gets it off the gloves. It goes towards fine leg for a boundary. 300 up for Zimbabwe.
125.3
.
Length delivery on off, Sikandar punches it towards point.
125.2
.
On a good length on middle, Raza defends it off the back foot.
125.1
.
Good length delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
4
Lasith Embuldeniya 94/3(32)
124.6
.
On off, Tiripano keeps it out.
124.5
1
Floated delivery on off, Raza punches it towards covers for a single.
124.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Raza defends it off the front foot.
124.3
.
Flighted delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot.
124.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Raza offers a solid defense on this one.
124.1
4
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.
Drinks Break!
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 40/0(23)
123.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Donald blocks it off the front foot.
123.5
.
On a good length on middle, Tiripano defends it out.
123.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Donald blocks it well.
123.3
.
On a length on middle, Tiripano flicks it to mid-wicket.
123.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out.
123.1
.
On a good length on off, Tiripano blocks it off the back foot.
Kasun Rajitha to bowl. 22-7-40-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 89/3(31)
122.6
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano taps it towards point for a single.
122.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Tiripano defends it out.
122.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out.
122.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Donald blocks it off the back foot.
122.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out.
122.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Tiripano defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
4
4
1
0
0
1
Lahiru Kumara 65/1(24)
121.6
4
FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Sikandar Raza. Length delivery on the pads, Raza flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
121.5
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Raza pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
121.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Tiripano drives it towards mid on for a single.
121.3
.
On a good length on middle, Tiripano keeps it out.
121.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot.
121.1
1
On a length on middle, Raza flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 88/3(30)
120.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot.
120.5
.
Outside off, Tiripano shoulders arms to this one.
120.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Donald punches it towards point.
120.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Tiripano plays it to point.
120.2
.
Full delivery on off, Tiripano drives it towards mid off.
120.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
1
0
4
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 55/1(23)
119.6
.
Bowls a bouncer, Raza does well to duck under it.
119.5
1
On a length on middle, Tiripano flicks it towards fine leg for a run.
119.4
.
Short delivery on off, Tiripano rises on his toes and blocks it.
119.3
4
FOUR! Nicely played! On a good length on off, Tiripano defends it with soft hands towards third man for a boundary.
119.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Tiripano keeps it out.
119.1
.
On a good length on off, Tiripano defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
2
Lasith Embuldeniya 88/3(29)
118.6
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Raza defends it out.
118.5
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Raza drives it through covers for a boundary.
118.4
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Raza keeps it out.
118.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Raza punches it to covers.
118.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot.
118.1
2
Tossed up delivery on middle, Raza plays a paddle sweep towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.
In over# 1
0
0
1
2
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 50/1(22)
117.6
.
On a good length on off, Tiripano plays it towards point.
117.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Tiripano blocks it off the front foot.
117.4
1
On a length on middle, Raza flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
117.3
2
Length delivery on off, Raza punches it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.
117.2
.
On a good length on off, Raza defends it off the back foot.
Update 1110 Local (1640 GMT) - 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 and has gone away quickly. Kumara will continue his over.
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 onto the field to cover the pitch.
117.1
.
On a good length on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 82/3(28)
116.6
.
Floated delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out.
116.5
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
116.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Tiripano blocks it off the front foot.
116.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot.
116.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano blocks it well.
116.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Tiripano looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 47/1(21)
115.6
.
Bowls a quick short delivery, Raza looks to duck but gets hit on the arm.
115.5
1
Length delivery on middle, Tiripano flicks it towards square leg for a single.
They are checking for concussion. Tiripano gets hit on the helmet. But he is fine to continue.
115.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Tiripano looks to duck but gets hit on the helmet.
115.3
1
On a length on off, Raza defends it towards covers and takes a single.
115.2
.
Length delivery on off, Raza punches it to point.
115.1
.
On a good length on off, Raza blocks it off the front foot.
Lahiru Kumara is on. 20-7-45-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 82/3(27)
114.6
.
Floated delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out.
114.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Tiripano blocks it off the back foot.
114.4
.
Flighted delivery on off, Tiripano keeps it out.
114.3
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Donald Tiripano is the new batsman in.
114.2
W
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. Chakabva goes without troubling the scorers too much.
114.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 46/2(25)
113.6
.
Full delivery on off, Raza drives it towards Lakmal where he tries to stop it but it goes through his hands towards mid off.
113.5
.
On a good length on off, Raza defends it off the back foot.
113.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Raza defends it to mid-wicket.
113.3
.
Outside off, Raza does not bother to play at that.
113.2
.
On a good length on middle, Raza defends it out.
113.1
.
Good length delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
1
Lasith Embuldeniya 82/2(26)
112.6
.
On a good length on off, Regis keeps it out.
112.5
.
Outside off, Chakabva offers no shot to this one.
112.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Chakabva blocks it off the back foot.
112.3
.
The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
112.2
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Raza comes down the track and hits it towards mid off for a run.
112.1
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
2
2
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 46/2(24)
111.6
.
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.
111.5
.
On a good length on middle, Raza blocks it off the back foot.
111.4
2
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.
111.3
2
Full delivery on middle, Raza flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.
111.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Raza defends it off the back foot.
111.1
.
On a good length on off, Raza offers a solid defense on this one.
Suranga Lakmal to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 80/2(25)
110.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Chakabva drives it towards mid on.
110.5
.
BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, Chakabva looks to cut but misses it.
110.4
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot.
110.3
.
Short delivery on off, Chakabva cuts it towards point.
110.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Chakabva offers a solid defense on this one.
110.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Chakabva blocks it off the front foot.
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.
... Day 2, Session 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 Islanders. Considering that it's a very flat pitch, the hosts would be hoping that the remaining batsmen contribute well and take their first innings' total close to 350, if not more. Let's see what happens next in the afternoon session. Do join us in a short while for all the action.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
4
Suranga Lakmal 42/2(23)
109.6
.
Full delivery on off, Raza keeps it out. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2!
109.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot.
109.4
.
On a good length on off, Raza defends it to covers.
109.3
1
On a length on middle, Chakabva flicks it through square leg for a single.
109.2
.
BEATEN! On a good length and just outside off, Chakabva looks to defend but misses it.
109.1
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Chakabva pulls it over square leg for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
2
4
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 80/2(24)
108.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Raza keeps it out.
108.5
2
Flighted delivery on leg, Raza sweeps it towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.
108.4
4
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.
108.3
.
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.
108.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Raza keeps it out.
108.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Raza defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
0W
0
Suranga Lakmal 37/2(22)
107.6
2
On a length on middle, Chakabva flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
107.5
.
Bowls a bouncer, Chakabva does well to duck under it.
107.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Chakabva keeps it out.
107.3
.
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.
Regis Chakabva is the new man in.
107.2
W
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.
107.1
.
On a good length on off, Ervine blocks it off the back foot.
Suranga Lakmal is back on. 21-8-35-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 74/2(23)
106.6
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Raza keeps it out.
106.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Raza blocks it off the front foot.
106.4
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Raza defends it towards mid on.
Sikandar Raza walks out to bat next.
106.3
W
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.
106.2
1
Flighted delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the back foot.
106.1
.
BEATEN! Tossed up delivery just outside off, Ervine looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
1
0
Kasun Rajitha 40/0(22)
105.6
.
On a good length on off, Sean blocks it off the back foot.
105.5
.
Outside off, Williams does not bother to play at that.
105.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Ervine drives it back towards the bowler.
105.3
1
On a length on middle, Ervine flicks it towards square leg for a run.
105.2
1
Length delivery on leg, Williams flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
105.1
.
On a good length on off, Williams keeps it out.
In over# 1
1
2
0
1
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 73/1(22)
104.6
1
Full delivery on off, Williams drives it through covers. The batsmen cross ends.
104.5
2
Flighted delivery on off, Williams looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.
104.4
.
Outside off, Williams shoulders arms to this one.
104.3
1
Floated delivery on off, Ervine defends it towards covers and takes a single.
104.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine punches it towards the off side.
104.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Ervine blocks it off the back foot.
Lasith Embuldeniya is on. 21-6-69-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
4
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 38/0(21)
103.6
2
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.
103.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Full and outside off, Williams drives it through covers for a boundary.
103.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Williams keeps it out.
103.3
.
Good length delivery outside off, Williams shoulders arms to this one.
103.2
.
On a good length on off, Williams blocks it off the front foot.
103.1
.
Outside off, Williams offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
4
2
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 50/0(21)
102.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Ervine blocks it off the front foot.
102.5
4
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.
102.4
2
Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.
102.3
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine drives it towards mid off.
102.2
.
Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it towards mid off.
102.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Ervine drives it towards covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 32/0(20)
101.6
.
Full delivery outside off, Williams plays it to covers.
The ball has gone out of shape. So the umpires have decided to change it.
101.5
.
Full delivery on off, Williams drives it to covers.
101.4
.
Outside off, Williams offers no shot to this one.
101.3
.
Full delivery on off, Williams looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
101.2
.
On middle, Williams blocks it off the back foot.
101.1
.
On a good length on off, Williams defends it out.
In over# 1
0
1
6
1nb
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 44/0(20)
100.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the back foot.
100.5
1
Full delivery on middle, Williams drives it through mid on for a single.
100.4
6
SIX! Amazing shot. Floated delivery on middle, Williams lofts it over long on for a maximum.
100.4
1nb
NO BALL! Dhananjaya oversteps! Loopy delivery on middle, Williams blocks it well.
100.3
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Williams blocks it well.
100.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Williams offers a solid defense on this one.
100.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Williams defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 32/0(19)
99.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Ervine keeps it out.
99.5
.
Outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to this one.
99.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Ervine drives it towards mid on.
99.3
.
Short delivery on off, Ervine stands tall and defends it off the back foot.
99.2
.
On a good length on off, Ervine defends it off the back foot.
99.1
.
Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it towards covers.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 36/0(19)
98.6
1
Full delivery on middle, Ervine drives it towards mid on for a single.
98.5
.
On middle, Ervine offers a solid defense on this one.
98.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Ervine punches it towards point.
98.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Ervine keeps it out.
98.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Ervine blocks it off the back foot.
98.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 32/0(18)
97.6
.
BEATEN AGAIN! Good length delivery just outside off, Williams looks to play inside the line but misses it.
97.5
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Ervine looks to guide but misses it.
97.4
1
Length delivery on middle, Ervine flicks it through square leg for a run.
97.3
.
Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it towards mid off.
97.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Ervine blocks it off the back foot.
97.1
.
On a good length on middle, Ervine defends it off the back foot.
Drinks Break! Kasun Rajitha to bowl. 17-5-31-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1nb
Dhananjaya de Silva 35/0(18)
96.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Williams blocks it off the front foot.
96.5
.
Full delivery on off, Sean drives it towards mid off.
96.4
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Williams drives it to covers.
96.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Williams blocks it off the front foot.
96.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Williams drives it towards mid off.
96.1
1
Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it through mid off for a single.
96.1
1nb
NO BALL! Dhananjaya de Silva oversteps! Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 35/1(21)
95.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Williams flicks it towards mid-wicket where the fielder dives and does well to stop it.
95.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Williams defends it off the back foot.
95.4
1
On a length on middle, Ervine flicks it towards square leg for a single.
95.3
.
Good length delivery outside off, Ervine offers no shot to this one.
95.2
.
On a length on off, Ervine taps it to point.
95.1
.
Outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 33/0(17)
94.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Williams blocks it off the back foot.
94.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Williams blocks it well.
94.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Williams blocks it off the front foot.
94.3
.
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.
94.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Williams blocks it off the back foot.
94.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Williams drives it to covers.
In over# 1
2
2
0
1
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 34/1(20)
93.6
2
Full delivery on leg, Ervine flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
93.5
2
On a length on middle, Ervine flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.
93.4
.
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.
93.3
1
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.
93.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Williams offers a solid defense on this one.
93.1
.
On a good length on off, Williams defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 32/0(16)
92.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Ervine defends it towards the off side.
92.5
.
On off, Ervine punches it towards point.
92.4
.
Floated delivery on leg, Ervine looks to defend but gets hit on the pads.
92.3
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Ervine keeps it out.
92.2
2
Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Ervine flicks it towards fine leg for a couple.
92.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Ervine blocks it off the front foot.
Dhananjaya de Silva to bowl. 15-7-31-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
1
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 29/1(19)
91.6
.
Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Williams allows it through to the keeper.
Sean Williams is the new batsman in.
91.5
W
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 the pads, they appeal and the finger goes up. 44-run stand has been broken. There's an opening now, can Sri Lanka create more inroads?
91.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Taylor offers a solid defense on this one.
91.3
1
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.
91.2
.
On a good length on off, Ervine defends it towards the off side.
91.1
.
Good length delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the back foot.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 45/1(20)
90.6
.
On a good length on off, Taylor blocks it well. Solidly negotiated, a maiden.
90.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, Taylor keeps it out.
90.4
.
On a good length on off, Taylor blocks it off the back foot.
90.3
.
Short again and outside off, Taylor looks to cut but misses it.
90.2
.
Short delivery on off, Taylor stands tall and blocks it off the back foot.
90.1
.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
3
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 28/0(18)
89.6
.
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.
89.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Ervine keeps it out.
89.4
.
On a good length on middle, Ervine blocks it off the back foot.
89.3
3
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.
89.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Taylor defends it towards gully.
89.1
.
On a good length on off, Taylor defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
1
Lahiru Kumara 45/1(19)
88.6
1
On a good length on off, Taylor pushes it through covers for a single.
88.5
.
Outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one.
88.4
1
Bowls a yorker again on middle, Ervine manages to dig it out. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends.
88.3
.
BEATEN! Bowls a yorker outside off, Ervine tries to dig it out but misses it.
88.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Ervine defends it off the front foot.
88.1
1
Appeal for a run out! 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. One added to the total.
In over# 1
0
2
1
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 25/0(17)
87.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Ervine blocks it off the front foot. Smooth going again for Zimbabwe!
87.5
2
Full and outside off, Ervine drives it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.
87.4
1
Full again and outside off, Taylor drives it towards mid off where the fielder tries to stop it but misfields and concedes a run.
87.3
.
Full delivery on off, Taylor drives it towards mid off.
87.2
.
Good length delivery outside off, Taylor offers no shot to this one.
87.1
.
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.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
1
0
Lahiru Kumara 42/1(18)
86.6
.
Outside off, Ervine offers no shot to this one.
86.5
2
Short delivery on middle, Ervine pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.
86.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Ervine blocks it off the back foot.
86.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Ervine drives it towards mid on.
86.2
1
Short delivery on middle, Taylor pulls it through square leg for a run.
86.1
.
On a good length on off, Taylor defends it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 22/0(16)
85.6
.
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.
85.5
.
On a length on off, Ervine defends it towards covers.
85.4
.
On a good length on off, Ervine offers a solid defense on this one.
85.3
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it through mid off for a boundary. 1000 runs for Craig Ervine in Tests.
85.2
.
BEATEN! Full again and outside off, Ervine looks to defend but misses it.
85.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Ervine drives it towards mid on.
Suranga Lakmal to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
Lahiru Kumara 39/1(17)
84.6
1
Length delivery on middle, Ervine flicks it towards square leg for a run.
84.5
.
On a good length and outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to this one.
84.4
.
The batsman fails to put bat on ball as he pushes inside the delivery outside off.
84.3
.
Bowls a yorker on off, Ervine does well to dig it out.
84.2
1
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.
84.1
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
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.
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 trying to re-establish themselves alongside the big boys, we can understand that they want to take things cautiously. Having said all that, the onus also falls on Sri Lanka, who are supposed to be a better team, to pick wickets which they failed to do. That brings the pitch into picture which wears a flat look at the moment but is expected to break in the coming days. Will the African minnow up their scoring rate today and get a substantial first innings total? Or are we going to see the Lankan Lions roar back to show what they got? We are not too far away from the first ball...
... Day 2, Session 1 ...
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 at 1000 Local (0800 GMT) for another engrossing day of Test match cricket. Until then, good night.
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.
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 looked set for a ton but missed out on a full toss as he fell. Since then, Taylor and Ervine managed to play out the remaining overs before bad light stopped play. Their run rate might be a little on the slower side but will be happy going into Day 2.
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.
The umpires bring out the light meter and check for bad light.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 18/0(15)
83.6
.
BEATEN! Beautiful piece of bowling from Craig Ervine. Full delivery outside off, Ervine looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.
83.5
.
Full delivery outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to this one.
83.4
.
Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it straight back to the bowler.
83.3
.
Fullish delivery on middle, Craig solidly defends it to the bowler.
83.2
.
Outside off, left alone by Ervine.
83.1
.
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.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 31/0(17)
82.6
.
Full delivery outside off, Taylor leaves it alone.
82.5
1
Fullish delivery on the pads, Ervine tucks it to backward square leg for a single.
82.4
.
Back of a length delivery on middle, Ervine blocks it back to the bowler.
82.3
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Ervine ducks under it.
82.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Ervine pushes it back to the bowler.
82.1
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 18/0(14)
81.6
.
On middle, flicked to mid-wicket.
81.5
.
Taylor defends this full delivery on off back to the bowler.
81.4
.
Fullish on middle, Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket.
81.3
.
Back of a length delivery outside off, Taylor lets the ball go to the keeper.
81.2
.
Fullish on off, driven towards mid off for nothing.
81.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Taylor defends it to the bowler.
Suranga Lakmal returns. 13-6-18-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
2
Kasun Rajitha 30/0(16)
80.6
.
Very full delivery on middle, Ervine defends it to mid-wicket.
80.5
.
On middle, flicked to mid-wicket.
80.4
4
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.
80.3
.
Fuller one on off, Ervine drives it to mid off.
80.2
.
On a length on middle, Ervine pushes it off the back foot to mid on.
80.1
2
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.
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.
In over# 1
0
1lb
2
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 37/1(16)
79.6
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Taylor ducks under it.
79.5
1lb
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.
79.4
2
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.
79.3
.
Short ball around middle, Ervine ducks under it.
79.2
.
Full delivery on off, Ervine digs it out back to the bowler.
79.1
.
Length ball on off, Ervine defends it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
4
2
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 69/1(21)
78.6
4
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.
78.5
2
Floated on middle, Taylor comes down and whips it uppishly towards deep mid-wicket for a couple.
78.4
.
Full on middle, Taylor pushes it down to mid on.
78.3
.
Floated on the pads, Taylor looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.
78.2
.
Floated on middle, Brendan defends it back to the bowler.
78.1
.
Flatter one outside off, Taylor punches it to point.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
1
0
Lahiru Kumara 35/1(15)
77.6
.
Slower delivery outside off, Ervine guides it to the slip cordon.
77.5
1
Short of a length ball on off, Taylor pushes it to cover and crosses over for a single.
77.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one.
77.3
.
Full delivery outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one.
77.2
1
Back of a length ball on middle, Ervine pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
77.1
.
Short ball down the leg side, Ervine sways away from it.
In over# 1
6
0
0
0
0
1
Lasith Embuldeniya 63/1(20)
76.6
6
SIX! Massive! Floated on middle, Brendan Taylor comes down the track and hammers it over the bowler's head for a biggie.
76.5
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
76.4
.
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.
76.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Taylor dances down and defends it to short leg.
76.2
.
Floated on middle, Taylor defends it off the front foot.
76.1
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Ervine pushes it down to long on for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 33/1(14)
75.6
.
The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball but fails.
75.5
.
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.
75.4
.
Short of a length ball outside off, Taylor looks to play at first but then decides to let the ball go to the keeper.
Brandan Taylor comes out to the middle.
75.3
W
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.
75.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Kasuza pushes it to mid on.
75.1
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Kasuza ducks under it.
In over# 1
1
1
4
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 56/1(19)
74.6
1
Full on middle, Kasuza works it down to long off for a single.
74.5
1
Flatter one on off, pushed to the leg side and crosses over for a single.
74.4
4
FOUR! Beautifully swept! Full delivery on middle, Ervine sweeps it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.
74.3
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
74.2
.
Looped up on middle, Ervine flicks it to mid-wicket.
74.1
.
Floated on middle, Ervine prods forward and defends it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 33/0(13)
73.6
.
Slower delivery on middle, Kasuza picks it and pushes it to mid off.
73.5
1
Short of a length ball on middle, Ervine pulls it to fine leg for a single.
73.4
.
Short ball on off, pushed to mid off.
73.3
.
On off, defended out.
73.2
.
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.
73.1
.
Short delivery on middle, Ervine pulls it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
1
2
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 49/1(18)
72.6
1
Floated on middle, Ervine lunges and defends it to cover off the front foot and takes a single.
72.5
2
On middle, Ervine sweeps it to fine leg for a couple.
72.4
.
On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
72.3
.
Looped up ball on middle, Ervine flicks it to square leg.
72.2
.
Floated on middle, Ervine flicks it to mid-wicket.
72.1
.
Floated on middle, Ervine defends it out.
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.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
2
0
Lahiru Kumara 32/0(12)
71.6
2
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.
71.5
.
BEATEN! Short of a length ball outside off, Kasuza looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.
71.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Kasuza pushes it to cover.
71.3
.
Length ball on off, Kasuza defends it solidly to cover.
71.2
2
Short ball outside off, Kasuza punches it through point for an easy couple.
71.1
.
Starts with a back of a length ball on middle, Kasuza defends it out off the back foot.
Lahiru Kumara is back on. 11-5-28-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 47/1(17)
70.6
1
Full delivery on middle, Kevin pushes it down to mid on for a single.
70.5
1
Flatter delivery on off, Ervine punches it down to long on for a single.
70.4
.
Flighted on middle, defended out by Ervine.
70.3
.
On middle, Ervine tucks it to mid-wicket.
70.2
.
Loopy one on off, Ervine dances down the track and then defends it to the cover fielder.
70.1
.
Floated on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 18/0(13)
69.6
1
Full delivery on the pads, Ervine flicks it to the leg side for a single.
69.5
.
Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
69.4
.
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.
69.3
.
On a length on off, Ervine taps it to gully.
69.2
.
Good length ball on off, Ervine defends it to cover.
69.1
.
Short ball around off, Ervine sways away from it.
In over# 1
1
0
0
2
4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 44/1(16)
68.6
1
Floated on middle, pushed to cover for a single.
68.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Ervine pushes it to mid on.
68.4
.
The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man.
68.3
2
Loopy delivery on the pads, Ervine flicks it it to fine leg and takes a couple.
68.2
4
FOUR! Some innovation this time! Floated outside off, Ervine plays the reverse sweep to the third man region for a boundary.
68.1
.
Flatter one on middle, Ervine pushes it back to the bowler.
Lasith Embuldeniya is back on. 15-6-38-1, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 17/0(12)
67.6
.
Good length ball on middle, solidly defended.
67.5
.
Full delivery on the pads, Kevin pounches it to mid-wicket where the fielder dives and makes a stop.
67.4
.
Good length ball on off, Kasuza defends it off the back foot to cover.
67.3
.
On middle, worked to mid-wicket.
67.2
.
Fullish ball outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to it.
67.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Kasuza defends it to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
6
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 31/0(15)
66.6
.
Floated on middle, Ervine is solid in defense.
66.5
.
On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
66.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, defended out.
66.3
6
SIX! That is an extraordinary shot from Ervine! Floated ball on off, Ervine lifts it over the extra cover region for a biggie.
66.2
.
Loopy on middle, defended out onto the pitch.
66.1
.
Floated on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 17/0(11)
65.6
.
Fullish outside off, Kasuza leaves it alone.
65.5
.
On off, Kasuza blocks it out towards mid off.
65.4
.
On a length on off, Kevin is once again solid in defense.
65.3
.
Length ball on off, Kasuza defends it out to the bowler.
65.2
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Kevin does not fiddle with it and lets it go to the keeper.
65.1
.
Good length ball outside off, Kevin shoulders arms to this one.
Suranga Lakmal is back into the attack. 10-4-17-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 25/0(14)
64.6
.
Floated on middle, Ervine tucks it to mid-wicket.
64.5
.
On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
64.4
.
Floated on middle, Ervine works it to square leg.
64.3
.
Flatter one outside off, left alone by Ervine.
64.2
.
Floated on off, pushed to cover.
64.1
.
Floated on middle, Ervine defends it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
2
0
2
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 24/0(15)
63.6
2
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.
63.5
.
Fullish delivery on off, defended to cover off the front foot.
63.4
2
Short of a length ball outside off, Kasuza punches it through the cover region for a couple.
63.3
.
Full delivery on off, Kasuza drives it to cover.
63.2
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Kasuza ducks under it.
63.1
.
Short ball outside off, Kasuza punches it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 25/0(13)
62.6
.
Flatter one on middle, Ervine solidly blocks it out.
62.5
.
On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
62.4
.
Loopy on middle, Ervine defends it out onto the pitch.
62.3
.
Floated on off, pushed towards mid off.
62.2
6
SIX! Ervine is going after Dhananjaye de Silva. Full delivery on middle, Ervine thrashes it over long off for another biggie.
62.1
.
Floated on off, Ervine defends it to the point region.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
2
1
Kasun Rajitha 21/0(14)
61.6
.
Fullish on off, Kasuza defends it to the cover fielder.
61.5
.
Good length ball outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to it.
61.4
1
Good length ball on middle, Ervine works it to square leg for a single.
61.3
.
On off, defended out onto the pitch.
61.2
2
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.
61.1
1
Good length ball on middle, Kasuza flicks it to mid-wicket where the fielder misfields allowing the batters to take a single.
In over# 1
6
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 19/0(12)
60.6
6
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.
60.5
.
Floated on middle, Ervine pushes it back to the bowler.
60.4
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
60.3
.
Full on middle,pushed down to mid on.
60.2
.
Looped up on middle, Ervine prods and defends it out.
60.1
.
On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1lb
0
3
Kasun Rajitha 16/0(13)
59.6
.
Outside off,left alone.
59.5
.
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.
59.4
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Kasusa shoulders arms to this one.
59.3
1lb
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.
59.2
.
On middle, Ervine solidly defends it out.
59.1
3
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.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 13/0(11)
58.6
1
Driven towards the mid on region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
58.5
.
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.
58.4
1
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.
58.3
.
Floated on off, Craig lunges and blocks it out.
58.2
.
Flatter one on middle, whipped to square leg.
58.1
.
Floated on middle, Ervine pushes it back to the bowler.
Dhananjaya de Silva will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 13/0(12)
57.6
.
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.
57.5
.
On a length on middle, defended back to the bowler.
57.4
.
BEATEN! Nicely bowled! Full delivery outside off, Kasuza looks to drive without moving his feet. Misses the ball completely.
57.3
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Kevin ducks under it.
57.2
.
Length ball on off, defended to the cover fielder.
57.1
.
Good length ball on off, Kasuza guides it to gully.
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.
... Day 1, Session 3 ...
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 let Zimbabwe get away with the game. An interesting session awaits us. Join us in a while to find out.
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.
In over# 1
1
0
2
0
0
1
Dhananjaya de Silva 11/0(10)
56.6
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Kevin plays it down to long on for a single. TEA ON DAY 1.
56.5
.
Floated on middle, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket.
56.4
2
Short ball outside off, Kevin punches it through the cover region for a couole.
56.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Kasuza solidly defends it out.
56.2
.
Flatter one outside off, Kasuza punches it to cover.
56.1
1
Flatter one on middle, pushed down to long on for a single.
Dhananjaya de Silva is back on.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 13/0(11)
55.6
1
Driven towards the mid on region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
55.5
.
The batsman has driven that ball straight back.
55.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Ervine lets it go to the keeper.
55.3
.
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.
55.2
.
Fuller one on off, Ervine gets on his front foot and defends it out to the bowler.
55.1
.
Good length ball on off, Ervine defends it to cover.
Kasun Rajitha comes back on. 10-4-12-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 38/1(15)
54.6
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
54.5
.
BEATEN! Some spin there! Floated ball outside off, Kasuza looks to drive but gets beaten duw to the spin on it.
54.4
.
On middle, defended back to the bowler.
54.3
2
Loopy one on middle, Kevin danxces down and flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.
54.2
.
Flatter one on middle, punched to mid-wicket.
54.1
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Kasuza defends it off the front foot to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1lb
0
Lahiru Kumara 28/0(11)
53.6
.
Full delivery on off, Ervine drives it to mid off.
53.5
.
Short of a length ball on middle, Ervine hops and defends it out solidly.
53.4
.
Full delivery outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to it.
53.3
.
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.
53.2
1lb
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.
53.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 36/1(14)
52.6
.
Looped up ball on middle, pushed to mid on.
52.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Ervine defends it out.
52.4
.
Flatter one on middle, Ervine works it to square leg.
52.3
2
Ervine is off the mark. Floated on the pads, Ervine whips it towards fine leg for a couple. 100 up for the hosts.
52.2
1
Full delivery on middle, Kasuza drives it towards mid on and takes a single.
52.1
.
Flatter one outside off, Kasuza lets it go to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Lahiru Kumara 28/0(10)
51.6
.
Length ball outside off, Craig does not fiddle with it as he leaves this one alone.
51.5
.
Fullish on off, driven to mid off for nothing.
51.4
.
Fullish ball outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to it.
51.3
.
Short ball outside off, Ervine sways away from it.
51.2
1
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.
51.1
.
Good length ball on middle, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0W
Lasith Embuldeniya 33/1(13)
50.6
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Craig defends it out onto the pitch. A successful over comes to an end.
50.5
.
Short one on middle, Ervine punches it to mid-wicket.
50.4
.
Flatter one on middle,, Ervine defends it back to the bowler.
50.3
.
On off, pushed down to mid on.
50.2
.
Floated on middle, Ervine defends it back to the bowler.
Craig Ervine is the new man in.
50.1
W
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 27/0(9)
49.6
.
Full delivery on middle, driven to mid on.
49.5
.
Kumara bends his back and digs out a short one on middle, Kasuza hops and defends it onto the pitch.
49.4
.
On a length on middle, Kasuza pushes it to mid on.
49.3
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Kevin pushes it to cover.
49.2
.
Short ball around middle, Kasuza ducks under it.
49.1
.
Short ball down the leg side, Kasuza shoulders arms to it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 33/0(12)
48.6
.
Flatter delivery on the pads, Masvaure looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pads.
48.5
.
Floated one outside off, Masvaure uses his feet and plays it towards mid off.
48.4
.
On middle, defended out onto the pitch.
48.3
.
Very full delivery on middle, Prince digs it out.
48.2
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Prince dances down the track and whips it to mid-wicket.
48.1
.
Loopy delivery on the pads, Masvaure defends it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 27/0(8)
47.6
.
Short ball outside off, left alone by Kasuza.
47.5
.
Short ball around middle, ducked under.
47.4
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Kasuza ducks under it. The keeper jumps and collects it.
47.3
.
Short of a length ball, Kasuza works it nicely comfortably to short leg.
47.2
.
Full delivery on off, Kevin drives but finds the mid off fielder.
47.1
.
Back of a length on middle, Kasuza defends it off the back foot to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
4
Lasith Embuldeniya 33/0(11)
46.6
1
Floated on off, driven down to long off for a single.
46.5
.
Flatter one on off, pushed to point off the back foot.
46.4
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
46.3
.
Loopy one on middle, played back to the bowler.
46.2
.
Flatter one on middle, Kasuza pulls it to mid-wicket.
46.1
4
FOUR! Floated ball on middle and leg, Kasuza bends on his knee and sweeps it towards the deep square leg region for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 27/0(7)
45.6
.
Full delivery on middle and leg, Prince works it to mid-wicket.
45.5
4
FOUR! That's extremely well played from Masvaure! Short delivery on off, Prince upper cuts it over the gully fielder for a boundary.
45.4
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Masvaure stands tall and defends it solidly onto the pitch.
45.3
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Masvaure sways away from it.
45.2
.
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.
45.1
.
Short delivery around middle, Masvaure sways away from it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
6
1
Lasith Embuldeniya 28/0(10)
44.6
.
Floated on middle, Kevin tucks it to mid-wicket.
44.5
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
44.4
.
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.
44.3
.
Full delivery on middle, driven back to the bowler.
44.2
6
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.
44.1
1
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.
Lasith Embuldeniya is back on. 9-4-21-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 23/0(6)
43.6
.
Full toss on middle, Kasuza misses out as he plays it towards mid on.
43.5
.
Fuller one on middle, pushed down to mid on for another dot ball.
43.4
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Kasuza ducks under it.
43.3
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Back of a length delivery outside off, Kasuza looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it.
43.2
.
On middle, Kasuza drives it to mid on for nothing.
43.1
.
Full delivery outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to this one.
Drinks! Lahiru Kumara is back on. 5-1-23-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 7/0(9)
42.6
.
Looped up ball on off, Masvaure defends it to the off side.
42.5
.
Flighted ball outside off, pushed to cover off the back foot.
42.4
.
On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
42.3
.
Floated outside off, Masvaure defends it to point off the back foot.
42.2
.
On off, punched to cover.
42.1
.
Full delivery on middle, pushed to mid off.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 17/0(10)
41.6
.
Back of a length ball on off, Masvaure pushes it to mid off.
41.5
.
Fuller one on off, pushed to deep cover.
41.4
.
On middle, driven back to the bowler.
41.3
.
Full delivery outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to this one.
41.2
.
Length ball on middle, Kasuza defends it to cover.
41.1
.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 7/0(8)
40.6
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
40.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Masvaure flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a isngle.
40.4
.
Floated on middle, Masvaure looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and the ball goes to mid-wicket.
40.3
.
Looped up ball on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.
40.2
.
Fullish delivery on off, Masvaure drives it to covder.
40.1
.
Floated on off, Masvaure defends it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Suranga Lakmal 17/0(9)
39.6
.
Back of a length delivery on off, Kasuza guides it to gully off the back foot.
39.5
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Kasuza looks to defend but misses to get any bat on it.
39.4
.
Lakmal goes full and outside off, Kevin does not have any problems in leaving this ball alone.
39.3
.
Good length ball outside off, Kasuza lets the ball go to the keeper.
39.2
1
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.
39.1
.
Short of a length ball on off, tapped to gully.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
1
Dhananjaya de Silva 7/0(7)
38.6
.
Flatter one on middle, Kasuza punches it to mid-wicket off the back foot.
38.5
.
Looped up ball on middle, Kasuza defends it to short leg.
38.4
4
FOUR! Smashed! Short of a length delivery outside off, Kasuza stands tall and punches it through thr cover region for a boundary.
38.3
.
Full on middle, defended back to the bowler.
38.2
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Kevin prods forward and defends it out.
38.1
1
Shorter delivery on off, Masvaure pushes it to deep cover for a single. Moves to 49 with this.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 16/0(8)
37.6
1
On a length on off, Masvaure pushes it to deep point for a single.
37.5
.
Fullish ball outside the off stump line, Masvaure lets the ball go to the keeper.
37.4
.
Short of a length delivery outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to it.
37.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Prince defends it towards mid on for nothing.
37.2
.
BEATEN! Short of a length ball outside off, Masvaure looks to defend off the back foot but fails to get any bat on it.
37.1
.
Full delivery on off, Masvaure gets on his front foot and defends it to the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 2/0(6)
36.6
.
On middle, solidly blocked.
36.5
.
Flighted on middle, Kasuza defends it back to the bowler.
36.4
.
Flatter one on middle,played back to the bowler.
36.3
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
36.2
.
Looped up ball on middle, Kasuza blocks it to short leg.
36.1
.
Floated one on middle, Kasuza defends it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Suranga Lakmal 15/0(7)
35.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Masvaure defends it back to the bowler.
35.5
.
Good length ball on off, Masvaure defends it to the cover fielder.
35.4
.
Better from Masvaure! Full delivery outside off, Masvaure does not throw his bat at this one as he leaves this one alone.
35.3
.
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.
35.2
.
Short of a length ball on off, pushed towards cover off the back foot.
35.1
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Short of a length delivery outside off, Masvaure cuts it through the point region for a boundary.
Suranga Lakmal is back into the attack. 6-3-11-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 2/0(5)
34.6
1
Loopy one on off, driven down to long off for a single.
34.5
.
Floated one outside off, Masvaure pushes it to cover.
34.4
.
The batsman drives this through the covers.
34.3
.
Floated ball on off, Masvaure is solid in his defense.
34.2
.
Looped up ball on off, blocked to the cover fielder.
34.1
.
Flatter one on off, Masvaure defends it out to cover.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 12/0(10)
33.6
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
33.5
.
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.
33.4
.
Short of a length ball on off, punched off the back foot to the cover fielder.
33.3
.
Good length ball on off, Kasuza looks to defend but gets an outside edge and the ball goes towards point.
33.2
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle. Kasuza ducks under it.
33.1
.
Good length ball on off, Kevin drives it to mid off for nothing.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 1/0(4)
32.6
.
On off, driven to mid off.
32.5
.
Fuller one on middle, Maswaure pushes it back to the bowler.
32.4
.
Looped up ball on off, Masvaure defends it to cover.
32.3
1
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.
32.2
.
Flatter one on middle, Kasuza works it to short leg.
32.1
.
Floated on off, Kevin lunges and defends it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 12/0(9)
31.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Masvaure squeezes it to mid-wicket for a single.
31.5
.
Good length ball on middle, Masvaure looks to flick but gets hit in the thigh pad. No harm done.
31.4
.
Good length ball on the pads, worked to square leg.
31.3
.
Fullish ball on off, Masvaure blocks it towards mid off.
31.2
.
On a length on off, Masvaure stands tall and defends it to the off side.
31.1
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Masvaure drives but finds the cover fielder.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 0/0(3)
30.6
.
Flatter one on off, blocked solidly by Kasuza.
30.5
.
Loopy delivery on off, Kasuza goes on his front foot and defends it out.
30.4
.
On middle, Kasuza defends it back to the bowler off the back foot.
30.3
.
Floated on middle, Kevin defends it back to the bowler.
30.2
.
Loopy delivery on the pads, worked to mid-wicket.
30.1
.
Flatter one on middle, Kasuza pushes it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 12/0(8)
29.6
.
Outside off, left alone by Masvaure.
29.5
1
Full delivery on the pads, Kasuza flicks it to fine leg and crosses over for a single.
29.4
.
Length ball on off, Kasuza pushes it to cover off the back foot.
29.3
.
Length ball on middle and leg, Kasuza whips it to square leg.
29.2
.
Fullish on off, Kevin is solid in his defense and does so towards the bowler.
29.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Kasuza defends it to mid on.
Kasun Rajitha is back on. 7-2-11-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 0/0(2)
28.6
.
Looped up ball outside off, Masvaure drives it towards cover.
28.5
.
Fuller one on middle, Prince pushes it back to the bowler.
28.4
.
Full delivery outside off, Masvaure drives it to mid off for nothing.
28.3
.
On off, defended out by the batsman.
28.2
.
Loopy delivery on off, Prince blocks it to cover.
28.1
.
Floated on middle, Masvaure defends it to mid-wicket.
Dhananjaya de Silva will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 21/0(9)
27.6
.
On middle, Kevin defends it to the bowler.
27.5
4
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.
27.4
.
Floated on middle, blocked solidly.
27.3
.
Floated on off, Kevin is solid in defense and does so towards the off side.
27.2
.
Looped up on off, Kasuza defends it out to the cover fielder.
27.1
.
Floated on middle, defended back to the bowler.
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.
... Day 1, Session 2 ...
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 this game? Do join us in a while to find out.
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 side into the break.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 11/0(7)
26.6
1
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.
26.5
.
Outside off, Kevin shoulders arms to it.
26.4
.
Fullish delivery outside off, angling into the batsman. Kasuza makes a good leave to this one.
26.3
.
On a length on middle and leg, Kevin solidly defends it towards mid on.
26.2
.
Full delivery outside off, left alone by Kasuza.
26.1
.
Good length ball on middle, Kasuza defends it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 0/0(1)
25.6
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
25.5
.
Full on off, Masvaure drives it to mid off.
25.4
.
On middle, blocked out.
25.3
.
Flatter one on middle, Masvaure works it to square leg.
25.2
.
Looped up ball on middle, Masvaure looks to defend but it hits the thigh pad and rolls to the point region.
25.1
.
Floated on middle, Masvaure defends it back to the bowler.
Dhananjaya de Silva comes on for the first time today.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
1
Kasun Rajitha 10/0(6)
24.6
.
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.
24.5
.
Good length ball outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to it.
24.4
.
Fullish delivery on off, Kevin prods forward and blocks it to cover.
24.3
.
Good length ball on middle, Kevin solidly defends it out to mid on.
24.2
2
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.
24.1
1
Full delivery around off, Masvaure drives it to deep cover for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 17/0(8)
23.6
.
Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Kevin works it to the leg side for nothing.
23.5
.
Floated on middle, Kasuza pushes it to extra cover.
23.4
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
23.3
.
On middle, Kasuza prods forward and defends it out.
23.2
.
Floated on middle, pushed to cover off the front foot.
23.1
.
Loopy delivery on off, Kasuza defends it to the cover fielder.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 7/0(5)
22.6
.
Full delivery outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to it.
22.5
4
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.
22.4
.
Outside off, left alone.
22.3
.
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.
22.2
.
Full on middle, defended out.
22.1
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to it.
Kasun Rajitha comes back on. 4-2-3-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
2
1
1
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 17/0(7)
21.6
1
Flatter delivery outside off, Masvaure punches it to the cover-point region for a single.
21.5
2
Flighted ball on the pads, Masvaure sweeps it to fine leg for a couple.
21.4
1
Floated on middle, Kevin drives it down to long on for a single.
21.3
1
Full on off, pushed to covers for a single. 50-run stand is up between the two.
21.2
.
Loopy delivery on middle, defended out solidly.
21.1
.
Floated on middle, defended back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
2
1
0
0
2
Lahiru Kumara 23/0(5)
20.6
.
Short of a length ball on off, Kasuza punches it to point.
20.5
2
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.
20.4
1
Good length ball on middle, Prince tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
20.3
.
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.
20.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Masvaure defends it out.
20.1
2
Full toss on middle, Masvaure tucks it through mid-wicket for a couple.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 12/0(6)
19.6
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
19.5
.
Looped up ball on off, Kasuza looks to drive but it goes off the inside edge and it goes towards mid off who collects it on the bounce.
19.4
.
On middle, defended out by Kasuza.
19.3
.
Play and a miss! Floated ball outside off, Kasuza looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.
19.2
.
Loopy delivery down the leg side, Kasuza looks to sweep but misses it.
19.1
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
In over# 1
4
0
4
0
0
1
Lahiru Kumara 18/0(4)
18.6
4
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.
18.5
.
Short delivery on off, punched to point off the back foot.
18.4
4
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.
18.3
.
On off, Masvaure solidly drives it down to mid off.
18.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Prince pushes it to mid off.
18.1
1
Short ball down the leg side, Kevin works it to deep square leg for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 12/0(5)
17.6
1
Loopy one on off, pushed to mid off for a single.
17.5
1
Full delivery on middle, Masvaure pushes it down to long on for a single.
17.4
.
On middle, Masvaure defends it back to the bowler off the back foot.
17.3
1
Flat one on off, Kevin pushes it to cover-point and collects a single.
17.2
.
Floated on off, pushed to cover.
17.1
.
Floated down the leg side, Kasuza looks to flick but misses.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 9/0(3)
16.6
.
Full one on middle and leg, Masvaure is solid in defense and does so towards mid on.
16.5
.
Short ball around off, Masvaure sways away from it.
16.4
.
Short of a length ball on off, Prince stands tall and defends it to the off side.
Time for the mandatory concussion test. The physio is out to check on him and he is going to continue. Good signs.
16.3
.
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.
16.2
.
Fullish on off, Masvaure pushes it down to mid off.
16.1
.
Good length ball on middle, Prince tucks it to square leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 9/0(4)
15.6
.
Outside off, driven to cover for nothing.
15.5
.
Full on middle, Kasuza pushes it to the cover fielder.
15.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Kevin prods forward and defends it out.
15.3
.
Floated on off, defended out to cover.
15.2
.
Flatter one outside off, Kevin cuts it but straight to the point fielder.
15.1
.
Fullish delivery on middle, defended back to Lasith.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Lahiru Kumara 9/0(2)
14.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Masvaure defends it to cover.
14.5
.
Short of a length ball on off, Masvaure guides it to gully where Oshada makes a good diving stop.
14.4
.
Good length ball on off, defended to cover off the back foot.
14.3
4
FOUR! Short of a length ball outside off, Masvaure stands tall and plays it uppishly over the gully fielder for a boundary.
14.2
.
Fuller one on off, pushed to mid off.
14.1
.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
3
1
1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 9/0(3)
13.6
.
Full on middle, Kazusa defends it back to the bowler.
13.5
.
Floated on off, blocked out solidly.
13.4
3
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.
13.3
1
Floated on middle, driven to long off for another run.
13.2
1
Loopy delivery on off, Masvaure comes down the track and pushes it down to long on for a single.
13.1
.
Flatter delivery on middle, worked to mid-wicket.
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.
In over# 1
0
1
1
1
0
2
Lahiru Kumara 5/0(1)
12.6
.
Full delivery on middle and leg, Kazusa defends it to mid on off the front foot.
12.5
1
Good length ball on middle, Kasuza works it to the leg side for a single.
12.4
1
Short of a length ball on middle and leg, Kazusa tucks it to backward square leg for a single.
12.3
1
Good length ball on the pads, Masvaure works it to square leg.
12.2
.
Length ball on middle, Prince defends it back to the bowler.
12.1
2
Short ball outside off, Masvaure rocks on his back foot and punches it through the cover region for a couple.
Lahiru Kumara is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 4/0(2)
11.6
.
On middle, defended back to the bowler.
11.5
.
Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket.
There is some issue with the ball and Dimuth Karunaratne is having a discussion with the umpire.
11.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Fullish delivery on middle, Kazusa stands and drives it straight past the bowler and into the long on fence.
11.3
.
Flatter one on off, Kasuza defends it out to cover.
11.2
.
Looped up ball on middle, defended back to the bowler.
11.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Kevin pushes it down to mid on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 11/0(6)
10.6
.
On off, pushed towards mid off.
10.5
.
On off, Prince prods forward and then defends it to cover.
10.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Masvaure makes another leave.
10.3
.
Fullish ball outside off, Masvaure lets it go to the keeper.
10.2
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Prince stands tall and blocks it back to the bowler.
10.1
.
Good length ball outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lasith Embuldeniya 0/0(1)
9.6
.
Flighted ball on middle, defended towards mid off.
9.5
.
On middle, blocked out.
9.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Kasuza prods forward and defends it out.
9.3
.
Floated on middle, pushed to mid off.
9.2
.
Very full delivery on middle, Kevin digs it out safely.
9.1
.
Embuldeniya starts with a floated ball on middle, Kevin defends it out.
First change! Lasith Embuldeniya is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 11/0(5)
8.6
.
Good length ball outside off, Prince shoulders arms to this one.
8.5
.
Full delivery on off, Masvaure pushes it to defend.
8.4
1
Good length delivery on middle, Prince works it to the leg side for a single.
8.3
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Kevin rocks on his back foot to the bowler.
8.2
.
Length ball outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to it.
8.1
.
Length ball outside off, Prince shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 3/0(4)
7.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Prince pushes it back to the bowler.
7.5
2
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.
7.4
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled down the leg side, Prince ducks under it.
7.3
.
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.
7.2
.
Full delivery angling into the batsman, Masvaure watches the ball closely and then leaves it alone to the keeper.
7.1
.
Length ball down the leg side, Masvaure shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 10/0(4)
6.6
.
Length ball on middle, Kasuza defends it out to the bowler.
6.5
4
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.
6.4
1
Fullish ball on middle, Prince tucks it to deep square leg for a single.
6.3
.
Outside off, left alone by the batter.
6.2
.
Length ball outside off, Masvaure lets it go to the keeper.
6.1
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Good length ball outside off, Prince looks to punch it off the back foot but misses it altogether.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 1/0(3)
5.6
.
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.
5.5
.
Length ball on middle, Kasuza looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards point. No harm done.
5.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Kevin lets the ball go to the keeper.
5.3
1
Back of a length ball on middle, Masvaure flicks it to square leg for a single. 1st run after the first over.
5.2
.
Short ball around middle and leg, Masvaure ducks under it.
5.1
.
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.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 5/0(3)
4.6
.
Kasuza solidly defends this good length ball to mid off. 4 maidens in a row.
4.5
.
Lakmal goes full on the fourth stump line, Kasuza shoulders arms to it.
4.4
.
On off, Kasuza blocks it to the cover fielder.
4.3
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Kasuza has no problems in leaving it alone.
4.2
.
Length ball on off, Kevin prods forward and defends it to mid off.
4.1
.
Short ball outside off, Kasuza lets it through to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 0/0(2)
3.6
.
Good length ball down the leg side, Prince looks to flick but misses.
3.5
.
This time, Rajitha dishes a full length ball outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to it.
3.4
.
Good length ball angling into the batsman, Masvaure makes a good leave to the keeper.
3.3
.
Outside off, Prince shoulders arms to this one.
3.2
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Masvaure ducks under it.
3.1
.
Low full toss on off, Masvaure pushes it to the cover fielder.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 5/0(2)
2.6
.
Good length ball outside off, Kasuza lets it go to the keeper.
2.5
.
Full one on off, Kasuza goes on his front foot and defends it out to mid off.
2.4
.
Well left! Full delivery swinging away. It invites Kasuza into the drive but the batter is not interested as he shoulders arms.
2.3
.
Good length ball on off, Kasuza lunges forward and then defends it to the cover region.
2.2
.
Outside off, left alone by Kasuza.
2.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Kasuza defends it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kasun Rajitha 0/0(1)
1.6
.
Fullish delivery outside off, moving away from the batter. Masvaure shoulders arms to it.
1.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Masvaure drives it crisply towards the bowler but Rajitha gets hit boot behind it. Saved a certain boundary.
1.4
.
Fullish ball on middle, Masvaure defends it to mid-wicket.
1.3
.
Rajitha bowls a length ball on off, Masvaure pushes it to mid off for nothing.
1.2
.
The batsman has played it to the point region.
1.1
.
Rajitha starts with a length ball outside off, Masvaure leaves it alone.
Kasun Rajitha will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
0
0
Suranga Lakmal 5/0(1)
0.6
.
Length ball outside off, left alone by the batter.
0.5
1
On middle, whipped to mid-wicket for a single.
0.4
4
FOUR! Nicely whipped! Good length ball on middle, Masvaure whips it to the fine leg region for the first boundary of the game.
0.3
.
On middle, pushed to mid-wicket.
0.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Masvaure pushes it to mid off.
0.1
.
Good length ball on off, Masvaure defends it to the cover region.
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.
The players are out there for their respective National Anthems.
Toss - Zimbabwe won the toss and they choose to bat first.
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.
Home