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The series goes 1-0 to the Lankans. Dimuth Karunaratne is joined by his teammates as he receives the trophy. The pitches in Zimbabwe are by no means sporty and all we got is two dull, boring matches. Zimbabwe now head to Bangladesh while the Lankans go back home to receive West Indies. Hopefully, those matches should be more entertaining. See ya!

Dimuth Karunaratne, the Sri Lankan skipper, says that Zimbabwe dominated them on all the four days. He also adds that it is not easy to come back after a drubbing but Zimbabwe bounced back. He also mentions that it is not easy to bat on Day 5 but his boys showed great grit and Mendis especially played a great hand. He ends by saying that he is proud of his boys and is looking forward to their series against West Indies.

Man of the Series is Angelo Mathews. He says it is always nice to contribute with the bat. Adds that the support staff did well to support him. Credits Zimbabwe for fighting hard and playing well. Mentions in the first Test the wicket was easy to bat on and in this Test, they had to literally grind out session by session. Ends by praising Kusal Mendis who did well to save the Test match.

Man of The Match, Sikandar Raza says that he feels nice that he channelized the emotions in the right way. Shares that he worked hard when he was off the field. Further says that he had worked hard in the nets and the result is there to be seen. He is satisfied with his performance in this Test. Signs off by saying that he is looking forward to playing a lot more cricket for Zimbabwe.

Sean Williams, the Zimbabwe skipper, says that they are happy with the way they played. He also thanks Brendan Taylor for leading the team in his absence. Applauds the efforts put by Raza for bowling well in the first innings. Adds there are a lot of challenges with the field placing. Williams also says that it was difficult to motivate the boys. Mentions the new faces in the team gave their best. He also shares that the boys are excited for their tour of Bangladesh.

Oshada Fernando's departure did not create a panic situation in the visiting camp as Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews weathered the storm by playing everything that was thrown at them by the Zimbabwean bowlers. Mathews returned to the pavilion courtesy of a good catch by Craig Ervine. Kusal Mendis continued his good play and was ably supported by Dinesh Chandimal who played 75 balls for his 13 runs. Mendis also reached his 7th Test ton in the process. Stay tuned for the presentation...

In the final innings, on the final day, the writing was on the wall in terms of a result. Given that Raza took a 7-fer in the first innings, one might have expected an encore in the second, with the pitch turning. But this time, the Lankans had learnt their lesson. The batsmen dug in, spending time on the wicket, especially the likes of Oshada Fernando and Kusal Mendis and kept the bowlers at bay.

Coming to Sri Lanka, well, they underperformed in this game. They come from a region where playing spin is an art but they meekly surrendered to Raza's off spin in their first innings. They struggled with the ball in both innings, with the bowlers not being that penetrative.

Now, the saying goes that when an opportunity knocks on your door, do not close the door. Zimbabwe perhaps did that. They just could not get a sense of when to declare and kept on batting, in spite of poor forecast on Day 4, which perhaps, killed their chances of a win. Did they feel that Sri Lanka would chase down anything close to even 300 with 3-and-a-half sessions? A bit of more exposure and experience would have made them declare earlier.

They backed it up with a good bowling performance as well, with Raza using the spin on the track to good effect. His 7-fer floored the Lankans and helped the hosts get a lead of 113. Massive, in such circumstances.

Normally, once you get 400-plus on the board, it is very difficult to lose. And Zimbabwe got that total, batting first. Riding high on Sean Williams' century and a couple of half centuries from Sikandar Raza and Brendan Taylor, they did post a good total.

Finally, the game ends. Not surprisingly, in a tame draw. This was always on the cards after rain spoilt the show on Days 3 and 4 but credit to Zimbabwe for not bowing down.

86.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Mendis keeps it out. So there is handshakes all around. THE MATCH ENDS IN A DRAW! SRI LANKA WIN THE SERIES 1-0!

86.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Kusal offers a solid defense on this one.

86.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Mendis looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes just past first slip.

86.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Mendis offers a solid defense on this one.

86.2

1

Flighted delivery on off, Chandimal pushes it towards point for a single.

86.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot.

85.6

.

Full and on off, Mendis drives it to mid off.

85.5

1lb

Full and down the leg side, Dinesh misses the flick and the ball goes off the pads to the keeper who fails to collect it cleanly by going to his left. A leg bye taken.

85.4

2

Length ball on off, Chandimal looks to defend it but gets squared up. The ball takes the leading edge and goes towards point for a couple.

85.3

.

Length ball around off, Chandimal blocks it by coming on the back foot.

85.2

.

Length ball outside off, Chandimal shoulders arms to it.

85.1

.

Full delivery on off, Chandimal plays it to covers.

84.6

.

On middle, Mendis keeps it out.

84.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, Kusal defends it off the front foot.

84.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Mendis drives it to mid on.

84.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Mendis nudges it to square leg.

84.2

4

FOUR! Excellent shot. Full delivery on off, Mendis drives it through mid off for a boundary. 200 up for Sri Lanka.

84.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Mendis plays it to point.

83.6

1

Fuller one on middle and leg, Mendis flicks it wide of the mid on fielder and takes a run.

83.5

2

Overpitched on off, Mendis drives it through mid on and takes an easy couple.

83.4

.

Another one outside off, Mendis is not interested to play at it.

83.3

.

Outside off and seamed away from the batsman. Mendis lets it be.

83.2

.

Length ball and just outside off, Mendis is aware of his off pole. He makes a leave there.

83.1

.

Length ball coming in on off, Mendis pushes it off the back foot towards covers.

82.6

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Chandimal comes forward to defend but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

82.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it to square leg.

82.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Dinesh blocks it off the front foot.

82.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Chandimal keeps it out.

82.2

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery just outside off, Chandimal looks to cut but misses it.

82.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot.

DRINKS BREAK! This also signals the beginning of the last hour of the match. Almost 14 overs remain and still there are no signs of handshakes from either of the teams. See you on the other side of the break.

81.6

.

On a good length on middle, Kusal defends it off the back foot.

81.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Kusal blocks it off the front foot.

81.4

.

Outside off, Mendis leaves it alone.

81.3

.

Bowls a yorker on middle, Mendis digs it out.

81.2

.

On a good length and outside off, Mendis offers no shot to this one.

81.1

.

Outside off, Mendis shoulders arms to this one.

Donald Tiripano is on now. 13-9-10-0 are his figures so far.

80.6

.

Floated delivery on off, Chandimal defends it out.

80.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Chandimal keeps it out.

80.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Chandimal offers a solid defense on this one.

80.3

1

Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it through square leg for a run.

80.2

.

Floated delivery on off, Mendis punches it to point.

80.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Mendis comes down the track and blocks it.

The second new ball is available and it has been taken straightaway.

79.6

.

Short delivery on off, Chandimal cuts it to point.

79.5

.

Floated delivery on off, Chandimal keeps it out.

79.4

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Mendis sweeps it through square leg for a run.

79.3

2

Flighted delivery on middle, Mendis sweeps it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

79.2

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Mendis shoulders arms to this one.

79.1

4

FOUR! That is hammered! Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

78.6

.

Floated on off, pushed off the front foot towards cover.

78.5

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

78.4

.

Another appeal of LBW but the umpire is not interested. He floats on on off and dinesh goes for the flick down the leg side but he misses it and is rapped on the pads. The bowler and his teammates appeal but the umpire is is no mood to give out. Maybe height was an issue here as the ball might be going over the stumps.

78.3

.

Floated on middle, Chandimal tucks it to mid-wicket.

78.2

1

Full on middle, Mendis flicks it off the front foot towards long on and gets to the other end.

78.1

.

Floated outside off, pushed off the front foot towards mid off.

77.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Dinesh defends it out.

77.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it to mid-wicket.

77.4

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot.

77.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Chandimal defends it off the back foot.

77.2

.

BEATEN! That kept low! Flighted delivery outside off, Chandimal looks to cut but misses it as the ball kept very low.

77.1

.

An appeal from Mutombodzi there but the umpire is unmoved. He tosses one up and Chandimal comes to the line of delivery to defend it. But he fails to spot the googly and is rapped on the pads. The bowler appeals but the umpire is unmoved. Maybe the impact was outside off.

76.6

.

On middle, Mendis offers a solid defense on this one.

76.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mendis blocks it off the front foot.

76.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Mendis defends it out.

76.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Mendis drives it to mid on.

76.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.

76.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Mendis keeps it out.

Aleem Dar is back! He is seen taking his accessories back from Christopher Phiri.

75.6

.

On off, Chandimal blocks it well.

75.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it towards short leg.

75.4

.

Outside off, Dinesh shoulders arms to this one.

75.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Chandimal keeps it out.

75.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Chandimal blocks it off the back foot.

75.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Chandimal drives it to mid off.

74.6

.

Flatter and on off, blocked to the off side off the back foot.

74.5

.

Flatter and on off, pushed of the back foot towards covers.

74.4

6

SIX! That's a ton for Mendis. He gets there with a hit. 7th one off his Test career. Raza floats one on middle and Mendis dances down the track and lofts it over the long on fence for a biggie. He has done his job by taking Sri Lanka to safer shores. He has ensured that his team does not lose from here.

74.3

1

Floated on middle and off, Dinesh punches it off the back foot towards covers.

74.2

.

Fuller and around off, Chandimal blocks it with soft hands towards short leg.

74.1

1

Short ball wide outside off, Mendis pulls it towards mid wicket for a run.

Sikandar Raza is back on. 25-8-48-1 are his figures so far.

73.6

.

Floated on off, blocked off the front foot towards the off side.

73.5

.

Another floated ball on off and middle and Chandimal blocks it off the front foot.

73.4

.

Tossed up around middle, Chandimal pushes it back to the bowler.

73.3

1

Flatter on leg, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.

73.2

.

Full and around off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.

73.1

1

Full and on the pads, Dinesh tucks it to short fine leg for a run.

72.6

1

Full delivery on off, Chandimal drives it towards point for a single.

72.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Chandimal blocks it off the front foot.

72.4

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it towards fine leg for a single.

72.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Kusal blocks it off the front foot.

72.2

.

Outside off, Mendis offers no shot to this one.

72.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Mendis defends it off the back foot.

71.6

.

Another tossed up ball on off and Chandimal is forward in defense.

71.5

.

Tossed up around off, Dinesh blocks it off the front foot.

71.4

2

Flatter and outside off, Chandimal drives it thriugh cover-point and gets a couple.

71.3

.

Tossed up on off, Chandoimal pushes it off the front foot.

71.2

1

Full and on the leg stump, Mendis pulls it towards mid-wicket and gets a run.

71.1

.

Tossed up on middle and leg, defended toward short leg.

70.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Dinesh keeps it out.

70.5

.

On middle, Chandimal offers a solid defense on this one.

70.4

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Chandimal blocks it off the front foot.

70.3

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

70.2

4

FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

70.1

1

Floated delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

69.6

.

On off, Mendis offers a forward defense on this one.

69.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mendis defends it off the back foot.

69.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Mendis blocks it off the back foot.

69.3

2

Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

69.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.

69.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mendis keeps it out.

Aleem Dar is walking off the field. Not sure what has happened. He was seen holding his neck as he trudged off the field. Christopher Phiri is the reserve umpire who will dispense the duties in place of Aleem Dar. But he will only be standing at the square leg position.

68.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

68.5

.

Floated and spinning away outside off, Chandimal lets it be.

68.4

.

another tossed up ball on off, Chandimal drives it to covers.

68.3

.

Tossed up, Chandimal punches it off the back foot towards covers.

68.2

3

Tossed up outside off, Mendis drives it through covers for a comfortable three.

68.1

1b

Loopy ball down the leg side, Chandimal misses the flick and the ball roll towards short fine leg. A bye taken

67.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Mendis keeps it out.

67.5

.

Outside off, Mendis offers no shot to this one.

67.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

67.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Mendis keeps it out.

67.2

1

Flighted delivery on off, Chandimal punches it towards point for a single.

67.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot.

We are back for the final session of the match. The players are out in the middle. Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal will resume their batting for Sri Lanka. Sean Williams will start the proceedings for Zimbabwe in the final session.

... Day 5, Session 3 ...

Another session comes to an end and we are heading closely to the end of this Test. Just a session more and we all know the outcome here. 30 overs bowled by the Zimbabwean bowlers and Sri Lanka just waiting for the game to end. With 205 runs needed more for Sri Lankan win, it looks impossible that the Islanders will go behind it. The Zimbabwean hopes of a win are almost lost after the 81-run stand between Oshada Fernando and Kusal Mendis took the momentum away from the hosts. Sri Lanka lost Mathews against the run of play. Mendis continues to shine and hold one end up. 29 overs still remain in the game and Zimbabwe need 7 wickets to get an unlikely win here. With lights too fading a draw is what is the likely outcome. Join us back in about 20 minutes.

66.6

.

Floated delivery on middle, Mendis nudges it to square leg. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 5!

66.5

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Chandimal looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.

66.4

.

Outside off, Dinesh lets it go.

66.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Dinesh plays it to point.

66.2

.

Flighted delivery outside off, Chandimal offers no shot to this one.

66.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Chandimal defends it out.

Tinotenda Mutombodzi is finally here to bowl in the second innings.

65.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Kusal keeps it out.

65.5

.

On a good length on off, Mendis blocks it off the back foot.

65.4

2

Length delivery on off, Mendis punches it through point. The batsmen pick up a couple.

65.3

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery on leg, Mendis flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.

65.2

2

Length delivery on off, Mendis taps it through point. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

65.1

.

On a good length on middle, Mendis blocks it off the back foot.

64.6

.

Flighted delivery on leg, Dinesh flicks it towards short fine leg.

64.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Chandimal keeps it out.

64.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Chandimal blocks it off the front foot.

64.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Chandimal nudges it to mid-wicket.

64.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Dinesh keeps it out.

64.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Chandimal offers a solid defense on this one.

63.6

.

On a good length on off, Mendis keeps it out. Just 1 run from the over.

63.5

.

Full delivery outside off, Mendis looks to drive but gets a bottom edge on this one.

63.4

1

Almost a run out there! Length delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it towards square leg and takes a quick single. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it. The keeper, Regis Chakabva too fails to gather the ball cleanly as the whips the bails off without being in contact with the ball. Mendis gets in safely.

63.3

.

Full delivery on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot.

63.2

.

On a good length on off, Mendis defends it towards point.

63.1

.

Bowls a yorker on middle, Chandimal digs it out.

62.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Kusal offers a solid defense on this one.

62.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Mendis blocks it off the back foot.

62.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.

62.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Mendis tucks it towards the leg side.

Kusal Mendis is in a bit of pain here. He is struggling with his back. The physio is out in the middle. He seems to be fine to continue after some pain relief gel is applied on his lower back.

62.2

4

FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

62.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mendis pushes it to mid-wicket.

61.6

.

On a good length on off, Dinesh offers a solid defense on this one.

61.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Chandimal keeps it out.

61.4

1

Full delivery on off, Mendis looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes past first slip towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.

61.3

1

On a length on middle, Chandimal flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets off the mark.

Dinesh Chandimal is the new man in.

61.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Soft dismissal for Mathews. On a good length on middle, Mathews pushes it uppishly towards silly mid on where Craig Ervine takes a sharp catch. The ball was travelling quickly towards Ervine but he holds onto it. Is there any more drama left in this Test?

61.1

.

On a good length on middle, Mathews defends it off the front foot.

60.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it to square leg.

60.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket.

60.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Mendis blocks it well.

60.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Mendis keeps it out.

60.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Mendis plays it to point.

60.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Mendis drives it back towards the bowler.

59.6

.

On a good length on middle, Mathews defends it off the back foot.

59.5

.

Length delivery outside off, Mathews punches it to covers.

59.4

.

On a good length on off, Angelo keeps it out.

59.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Mathews blocks it off the front foot.

59.2

.

On a good length on off, Mathews defends it out.

59.1

.

Outside off, Mathews offers no shot to this one.

58.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it to square leg.

58.5

.

On middle, Mendis keeps it out.

58.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Kusal offers a solid defense on this one.

58.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Mendis blocks it well.

58.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Mathews drives it through mid on for a single.

58.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mathews blocks it off the back foot.

57.6

.

Outside off, Mendis offers no shot to this one.

57.5

.

On a good length on off, Mendis blocks it off the back foot.

57.4

4

FOUR! Amazing shot. Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

57.3

.

Outside off, Mendis shoulders arms to this one.

57.2

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Mendis cuts it hard through point for a boundary.

57.1

.

On a good length on middle, Mendis nudges it to mid-wicket.

56.6

.

Floted on off, pushed towards the off side off the back foot.

56.5

.

Tossed up on middle and leg, Mathews dances down the track and flicks it but only to find the fielder at short mid-wicket.

56.4

.

Fuller and down the leg side, Mathews lets it go. The keeper collects it by going down low on his left.

56.3

.

Mendis is once again lucky. Raza tosses one up outside off, Mathews drives it towards covers. Mendis though calls him for a single and both the batsman take off. Tinotenda Mutombodzi though is quick in the field at covers as he gathers the ball and releases it quickly towards Raza. Mathews though has an eye on the ball and sends his partner in a hurry. Raza collects the ball and whips the bails off but Mendis had by that time made his ground safe.

56.2

1

Short and turning in, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket and gets a run.

56.1

.

Flatter and on off, Mendis plays it off the back foot towards mid-wicket.

55.6

.

Length delivery on off, Angelo plays it to point.

55.5

.

On a good length on off, Mathews looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes safely towards the slip region.

55.4

1

On a length on middle, Mendis flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

55.3

.

On a good length and outside off, Mendis leaves it alone.

55.2

.

Outside off, Kusal shoulders arms to this one.

55.1

.

Full delivery on off, Mendis drives it back towards the bowler.

Victor Nyauchi is back on. 6-2-23-0 are his figures so far.

54.6

.

Flatter and on the pads, Mathews works it towards the leg side.

54.5

.

Oohs and Aahs from the Zimbawe close-in fielder! Flatter on middle and leg, Mathews looks to tuck it off the back foot towards the leg side but the ball takes the inside edge and falls on the boots of Mathews. Later the ball rolls past the leg stump too.

54.4

.

Floated on middle and leg, Mathews tucks it towards mid-wicket.

54.3

.

Tossed up around middle and leg, Mathews punches it off the back foot towards mid on.

54.2

.

Flatter and on middle and leg, Mathews looks to tickle it fine but can only block it back to the bowler.

54.1

.

Full and on off and middle, flicked towards mid-wicket.

Drinks Break! It has been a good hour for Sri Lanka despite losing Oshada Fernando early on in the hour. But Mendis has continued to play his part and Mathews has joined him in the middle to manoeuvre the Sri Lankan innings slowly and steadily. Another sedate hour awaits.

53.6

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Mendis punches it off the back foot towards covers.

53.5

.

Outside off, left alone this time by Mendis.

53.4

.

Fuller and around off, Mendis defends it towards covers.

53.3

.

Another short of good length ball on off, Mendis pushes it towards mid on off the front foot.

53.2

.

Short of length and outside off, Mendis drives it to mid off.

53.1

.

Full and angled on the off pole, Mendis plays it right under his eyes.

52.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Mathews keeps it out.

52.5

.

Raza bowls it down the leg side, Mathews lets it go.

52.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.

52.3

.

Full on middle, Mathews comes down the track and drives it to mid on.

52.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews defends it towards mid on.

52.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot.

51.6

.

Fuller in length and around off, Mendis keeps it to the offside.

51.5

.

Full ball and on off, Mendis plays the cover drive but finds the fielder there.

51.4

.

Length ball around off, Mendis blocks it off the back foot towards covers.

51.3

.

EDGED AND SAFE! Mendis is lucky once more as the edge drops short of the first slip. Tiripano bowls one fuller and angles into the off pole. Mendis plays for the original line but the ball straightens a bit to take the outside edge. The ball goes towards the first slip fielder but the ball bounces in front of him. Lucky escape there for Mendis for the umpteenth time.

51.2

.

Full and around off, Mendis pushes it towards covers off the front foot.

51.1

.

Length ball outside off, Mendis makes a leave.

50.6

.

Tossed up on middle and leg, Mathews tucks it towards mid-wicket.

50.5

.

Tossed up and turning down the leg side, Mathews goes for the tuck fine down the leg side but he misses it. The keeper collects it and appeals for a strangle down the leg side but the umpire is unmoved.

50.4

.

Tossed up on middle, Mathews tucks it to square leg.

50.3

4

Short and wide outside off, Mathews rocks on the back foot and punches it through cover-point and the ball races to the fence.

50.2

1

Full ball on middle, flicked towards mid-wicket.

50.1

1

Full and on middle and leg, Mathews flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

49.6

.

Full and on off, Mendis plays it to point off the front foot.

49.5

.

Another ball outside off and Mendis does not fiddle with it.

49.4

.

Good length and around off, Mendis shows the full face of the bat and drives it to mid on.

49.3

.

Length ball outside off, Mathews lets it be.

49.2

.

Full and outside off, Mendis plays it back to the bowler who fails to get a hand to it. The ball goes towards mid on where the fielder fields it.

49.1

.

Full and angling on off, played off the front foot towards covers.

48.6

.

Floated delivery on middle, Angelo nudges it to mid-wicket.

48.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mathews blocks it well.

48.4

.

Full delivery on off, Mathews drives it to mid off.

48.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, Mendis comes down the track and drives it through mid on for a single.

48.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Angelo flicks it through square leg for a run.

48.1

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Mathews looks to defend but gets hit on the pads.

47.6

.

Another short of length ball on off, Mendis plays it off the front foot to the off side.

47.5

.

Back of a length ball on off, Mendis blocks it off the back foot towards covers.

47.4

.

Fuller in length and on off, Mendis plays the back foot punch towards mid off.

47.3

.

Oh! Mendis has edged one but is lucky to not get it to the fielder. He is in two minds as he plays it. Tiripano bowls a length ball on off, Mendis is on the back foot to play it. The ball jags back a bit and catches the face of the bat and the ball rolls towards the slip cordon. Lucky for him that it was played with soft hands.

47.2

.

Length ball around off, Mendis makes a leave.

47.1

.

Length delivery outside off, punched off the back foot towards covers.

46.6

.

Another one on middle, driven towards mid on.

46.5

.

Tossed up ball on off, pushed to mid on.

46.4

.

Tossed up on middle, Mathews looks to tuck it past short leg but gets an inside edge past the short leg fielder towards short fine leg.

46.3

.

Floated around off, Angelo pushes it to covers.

46.2

.

Tossed up around off, Mathews pushes it back to the bowler.

46.1

.

Tossed up on middle, tucked towards short leg.

45.6

.

Length delivery on off, safely negotiated.

45.5

.

Length ball and on off, Mendis blocks it off the inside half of the bat towards leg side. There is a bit of extra bounce there too as Mendis' one hand comes off the handle as he defends it.

45.4

.

Fuller and outside off, shaping away from Mendis. He makes a leave once more.

45.3

.

Length ball and well wide of off stump, Kusal shoulders arms to it.

45.2

.

Good length ball on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot and right under his eyes.

45.1

.

Length ball outside off, shaping away from the right-hander. Mendis makes a leave.

Donald Tiripano is back on. 8-4-10-0 are his figures so far.

44.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Mathews defends it out.

44.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it to square leg.

44.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Mathews drives it to mid on.

44.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Angelo offers a solid defense on this one.

44.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Mathews comes down the track and blocks it.

44.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mendis drives it through mid on for a run.

43.6

1

Flatter and on off, Mendis punches it off the back foot towards covers for a run.

43.5

1

Flatter and on the pads, Mathews tucks it towards the leg side and takes a quick single this time.

43.4

.

Full on off, Mathews pushes it to covers.

43.3

.

Rip and turn for Williams. He bowls it flatter and outside off, Mathews adjusts well to drop his wrists there as the ball bounces and goes past him towards the bowler.

43.2

.

Shorter and on off, a bit of bounce there as well. Mathews punches the ball off the back foot. The ball is in the air for a bit of time but no harm done.

43.1

1

Flatter and on middle and leg, Mendis tucks it to square leg and takes a run.

42.6

.

Floated on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot and back to the bowler.

42.5

1

Flatter and on middle and leg, Mendis pulls it towards mid-wicket and takes a run.

42.4

.

Flatter and on leg, tucked to square leg.

42.3

.

Flatter and outside off, Mendis punches it to covers off the back foot.

42.2

.

Fuller and on middle, Mendis tucks it to square leg.

42.1

1

Flatter and on middle and leg, Mathews works it to mid-wicket and gets off the strike.

41.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Mendis defends it out.

41.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Kusal offers a solid defense on this one.

41.4

1

Floated delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

41.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Mathews keeps it out.

41.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews blocks it off the back foot.

41.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot.

40.6

1

Floated on leg, Mathews works it down the leg side and retains the strike.

40.5

.

Full ball once again on middle and leg, Mathews flicks it only to find the man at mid-wicket.

40.4

1

Tossed up ball on middle and leg, Mendis tucks it towards square leg and gets to the other end.

40.3

1

Full and on middle and leg, Mathews works it towards mid-wicket and gets a single.

40.2

.

Full and on off, Mathews punches it off the back foot towards the bowler.

40.1

1

Floated on middle and leg, Mendis turns it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end. He also brings up his 12th fifty. A superb hand he has played there. He will look to continue and stay a bit longer in the middle.

39.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Angelo defends it out.

39.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Angelo keeps it out.

39.4

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot.

39.3

.

BEATEN! Turn and bounce on this one. Loopy delivery just outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses it due to the turn on this one.

39.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Mendis drives it through mid on for a single.

39.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mendis defends it off the back foot.

38.6

.

Flatter and on middle, Mathews tucks it to the leg side.

38.5

1

Tossed up ball on middle, Mendis tucks it towards mid wicket and gets to the other end.

38.4

.

Full and on middle and leg, Mendis drives it towards mid on.

38.3

.

Flatter and around leg, Mendis tucks it towards square leg.

38.2

1

Flatter and around off, Mathews punches it towards mid on and takes a run to get off the mark.

Angelo Mathews is the new batsman in.

38.1

W

OUT! LBW! Oshada Fernando looks distraught as he takes the long walk back. It is that man Sikandar Raza who strikes in his first ball after the Lunch break. Raza bowls from round the wicket and tosses one up on middle and off, Fernando there goes for the sweep but is beaten there. The ball hits his pads flush in front of the stumps. Raza and his teammates appeal and up goes the finger of the umpire. Replays show that the ball might be hitting middle and leg.

Sikandar Raza to bowl from the other end.

37.6

.

Tossed up and outside off, Mendis leaves it.

37.5

.

Floated on off, Mendis keeps it out with a forward push.

37.4

.

Another flighted ball on off, Mendis is happy to block it off the front foot.

37.3

1

Tossed up and on off, Fernando defends it towards point for a single.

37.2

1

Floated on off, Mendis runs it down towards third man and gets to the other end.

37.1

.

Tossed up around off, Mendis keeps it out with a forward block.

We are back for the second session. The players are out in the middle. Oshada Fernando and Kusal Mendis will resume their batting for Sri Lanka. It is a bit gloomy out there. Still there are no signs of rain. It might come in the later part of the day. But looking at the current scenario a draw looks on the cards but let us see what this session brings in. Sean William will start the proceedings for the second session.

... Day 5, Session 2 ...

It took just one ball for Zimbabwe to declare. Sri Lanka have lost one wicket and Fernando and Mendis have done well to stay there. The Zimbabwe bowlers have done well to keep it tight but are not able to strike quickly. The visitors lost Karunaratne early but Oshada and Kusal have ensured to frustrate the hosts out there by stitching a fifty- run stand. Still 59 overs left in the day and it seems like Sri Lanka have made up their mind of playing for a draw. Is there still drama left in the day? Join us back at 1240 local (1040 GMT) to know more.

36.6

1

Full and angled on middle, Mendis flicks it towards mid-wicket and retains the strike. With this the umpire flicks the bails off. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 5!

36.5

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Mendis punches it off the back foot towards mid on.

36.4

.

Another one angled on middle and on fuller length too. Mendis blocks it off the front foot towards mid-wicket.

36.3

.

Full and angled on middle, Mendis turns it off the front foot towards mid-wicket.

36.2

.

Back of a length ball on off, Mendis blocks it to the off side off the front foot.

36.1

1

Full and around off and middle, Oshada flicks it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

35.6

1

Flighted delivery on off, Fernando punches it towards long on for a run.

35.5

.

BEATEN! Tossed up delivery just outside off, Fernando looks to defend but misses it.

35.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Oshada punches it to point.

35.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Kusal keeps it out.

35.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Mendis pushes it towards mid on for a run.

35.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot.

34.6

.

On a good length on off, Fernando looks to defend but gets a bottom edge on this one.

34.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Fernando keeps it out.

34.4

.

On a length on off, Fernando plays it to point.

34.3

.

Outside off, Oshada offers no shot to this one.

34.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Fernando drives it to mid on.

34.1

1

Length delivery on off, Mendis punches it towards covers where the fielder misfields and concedes a run.

33.6

1

Short and on leg, Mendis pulls it through backward square leg and retains the strike. 100-up for Sri Lanka. Still they require 261 for an unlikely victory.

33.6

1nb

Williams has overstepped ! No Ball called! A rare sight from the spinner. Tossed up around off, Mendis pushes it towards covers where the bowler goes to his left and fields it.

33.5

.

Full and on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot towards the off side.

33.4

.

Floated on middle and off, Mendis stays on the back foot and keeps it out towards covers.

33.3

1

Full and on middle, Fernando flicks it through mid-wicket but can only get a run as there is protection out in the deep.

33.2

.

Tossed up and on off, Fernando lunges forward and keeps it out towards covers.

33.1

1

Flatter and shorter on middle and leg, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Sean Williams is back on. 6-0-28-0 are his figures so far.

32.6

.

Length delivery around off, Fernando blocks it off the front foot towards covers to see of the over.

32.5

3

Short of length ball outside off, Mendis stands tall and cuts it past cover-point for a comfortable three.

32.4

.

Good length delivery but not in the playing zone of the batsman. Kusal lets it be.

32.3

.

Another ball which is on the fuller side and around off, Mendis prods forward and keeps it out to the off side.

32.2

.

Full and on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot towards covers.

32.1

.

Tiripano starts his new spell with a length ball outside off, Mendis does not offer the shot there.

Donald Tiripano is back on. 5-4-4-0 are his figures so far.

31.6

.

Flatter and around middle and leg, Fernando blocks it to the mid-wicket region.

31.5

.

Floated on middle and leg, Fernando tucks it to the leg side.

31.4

1

Full and angling on the pads, Mendis flicks it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

31.3

1

Flatter and on leg, Fernando tucks it towards short fine leg and takes a quick single.

31.2

1

Floated on middle and leg, Mendis works it past the short leg fielder and gets to the other end.

31.1

4

FOUR! Shorter and turning in towards middle, Mendis rocks on the back foot and pulls it superbly through mid-wicket and the ball has enough on it to reach the fence.

30.6

4

FOUR! On a good length on off, Fernando looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes between first slip and second slip towards third man for a boundary.

30.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Oshada blocks it well.

30.4

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Fernando looks to push but misses it.

30.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Fernando looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes safely towards first slip.

30.2

1

Length delivery on leg, Mendis flicks it towards fine leg for a run.

30.1

.

On a good length on off, Mendis blocks it out.

29.6

1

Full again on middle, Mendis drives it through mid on for a run.

29.5

1

Short delivery on middle, Fernando pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

29.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Fernando drives it to mid on.

29.3

2

Loopy delivery on off, Fernando guides it towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.

29.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Oshada comes down the track and blocks it.

29.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Fernando flicks it to mid-wicket.

28.6

.

On a good length on middle, Mendis blocks it off the front foot.

28.5

.

Outside off, Mendis lets it go.

28.4

.

On a good length on off, Kusal blocks it off the back foot.

28.3

.

Good length delivery outside off, Mendis shoulders arms to this one.

28.2

.

Outside off, Mendis offers no shot to this one.

28.1

4

EDGED AND FOUR! Full delivery on off, Mendis looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes between the keeper and the first slip towards third man for a boundary. 50-run stand is up between Kusal Mendis and Oshada Fernando.

27.6

.

Tossed up on off, Fernando pushes it off the front foot.

27.5

.

The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.

27.4

.

Another appeal which is turned down. Raza tosses one up outside off and makes the ball spin into the right-hander. Fernando goes for the slog sweep but misses the line of the ball. It beats his attempted sweep and raps him on the pads. There is an appeal from the bowler there but the umpire is unmoved. Maybe the impact was outside the off stump.

27.3

.

Tossed up and angled on the pads, Fernando tucks it towards short fine leg.

27.2

.

Tossed up around off, Fernando drives it towards mid on.

27.1

.

Tossed up on off, Oshada comes on the front foot and smothers the spin on it.

26.6

.

Full and on off, Mendis pushes it off the back foot towards covers.

26.5

.

Length ball on off, Mendis blocks it off the back foot towards mid off.

26.4

.

Length ball down the leg side and Mendis looks to pull but gets beaten to wear the blow on the thigh pad.

26.3

.

Mendis plays this full ball outside off towards point.

26.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot towards mid off.

26.1

.

Length ball angled on off, Mendis blocks it off the back foot towards short mid-wicket.

25.6

.

Flighted delivery just outside off, Fernando comes forward and offers no shot to this one. He gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

25.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Oshada defends it off the front foot.

25.4

1

Floated delivery on middle, Mendis comes down the track and drives it through mid on for a single.

25.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Mendis keeps it out.

25.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Mendis comes down the track and plays it towards mid on.

25.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mendis blocks it off the front foot.

Sikandar Raza is back on. 7-2-13-0 are his figures so far.

24.6

4

FOUR! Third boundary of the over. Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it through covers for a boundary.

24.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Fernando looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

24.4

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Tossed up delivery on middle, Fernando lofts it over mid on for a boundary.

24.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Fernando flicks it to mid-wicket.

24.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Oshada blocks it off the front foot.

24.1

4

FOUR! That was just over mid on! Tossed up delivery on middle, Fernando comes down the track and lofts it over the mid on fielder for a boundary.

23.6

.

Back of a length ball on off, Mendis blocks it off the back foot towards the off side.

23.5

.

Better line this time. Full and on off, Mendis pushes it off the front foot towards the off side.

23.4

4

FOUR! Consecutive boundaries for Mendis. Once again wayward from Victor. He bowls one on the pads and Mendis gleefully flicks it through mid-wicket and the ball races to the fence there.

23.3

4

Full and on the pads. Poor line though from Nyauchi. Mendis does not miss it as he flicks it through mid-wicket and fetches a boundary.

23.2

.

EDGED BUT SAFE! Mendis survives this time. Almost a wicket there. Nyauchi lands one on a full length and outside off, the ball seams away from the back foot defensive push of Mendis. The ball kisses the outside edge and goes towards Brendan Taylor who is standing a bit wide of the conventional slip fielding position. The ball bounces just in front of him and he takes it.

23.1

.

Full and angled onto the off pole, Mendis pushes it off the back foot towards covers.

22.6

.

Floated delivery on middle, Fernando looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

22.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Oshada defends it out.

22.4

2

Full delivery on middle, Fernando flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.

22.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Fernando punches it to point.

22.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Fernando comes down the track and blocks it.

22.1

.

Short delivery on off, Fernando cuts it to point.

21.6

.

Appeal for stumping but nothing from the umpire. Length delivery down the leg side, Mendis looks to flick but misses it. The ball brushes the pads and goes towards the keeper where Chakabva takes the bails off. He appeals for stumping but Mendis was well inside the crease.

21.5

.

On a good length on middle, Kusal blocks it well.

21.4

.

Length delivery on off, Mendis taps it to point.

21.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Mendis blocks it off the back foot.

21.2

2

On a length on middle, Mendis flicks it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.

21.1

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

20.6

3

Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get three runs.

20.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Mendis nudges it to square leg.

20.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Kusal blocks it off the front foot.

20.3

.

Short delivery on middle, Mendis pulls it to mid-wicket.

20.2

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Tossed up delivery on middle, Mendis plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket for a boundary.

20.1

1

Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it towards mid off and takes a quick single. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it.

Drinks Break! Zimbabwe declared after just playing one ball of the morning session. Sri Lanka then came out to bat and the openers were looking positive until Karunaratne edged one to the keeper. Since then, the pair of Fernando and Mendis have ensured that there are no further casualties and have played typical brand of Test match cricket. An exciting hour before the Lunch break awaits us.

19.6

.

Back of a length ball on off, Mendis pushes it to mid on.

19.5

.

Length ball outside off, Mendis lets it be.

19.4

.

Back of a length ball on off, Mendis defends it by going deep inside the crease off the back foot.

19.3

.

Fuller and outside off, Kusal is on the front foot as he blocks it with ease to the off side.

19.2

.

On a good length and on middle, Mendis pushes it off the back foot towards mid on.

19.1

.

Length ball on off, Mendis defends it by coming on the front foot.

Victor Nyauchi is on.

18.6

.

Fernando charges down the track to this tossed up ball on off and thenblocks it off the front foot towards the bowler.

18.5

.

Tossed up on off, Fernando presents the full face of the bat as he blocks it off the front foot towards the bowler.

18.4

1

Full on off, Mendis drives it through covers for a single.

18.3

.

Tossed up outside off, Mendis lets it be.

18.2

.

This time Williams tosses one up and Mendis drives it towards covers.

18.1

.

Flatter and around off and middle, Mendis punches the ball off the back foot towards covers.

17.6

.

Full and around off, Fernando pushes it to covers this time.

17.5

2

Another short ball and wide outside off, Fernando frees his arms and cuts it through point. Sean Williams there dives to his right and gets a hand on it though he fails to stop it cleanly. The ball rolls behind. The batsmen get a couple.

17.4

.

Back of a length ball around off, Fernando blocks it off the back foot towards covers.

17.3

.

On a length and around off, Fernando blocks it off the front foot towards mid off.

17.2

.

Short and wide outside off, Fernando cuts it to find point fielder to perfection.

17.1

.

Full and on the pads, Fernando looks to go for the flick but misses it. The ball clips the pads and goes towards the keeper. The Zimbabwean players appeal but nothing from the umpire.

16.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Mendis punches it to point.

16.5

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Fernando flicks it through square leg for a single.

16.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Oshada blocks it well.

16.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Fernando keeps it out.

16.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Fernando plays it towards the off side.

16.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Fernando plays it to point.

15.6

2

Short and width on offer, Mendis cuts it past point. The fielder there gives the chase and fields it just inside the ropes. Though he cannot prevent a couple there.

15.5

.

Similar to the previous two balls, this one is also outside off and Mendis shoulders arms to it.

15.4

.

Another one which starts on the same length and goes away. Mendis lets it be.

15.3

.

Length and outside off, Mendis makes a leave.

15.2

.

Good length ball on the pads, Mendis flicks it towards mid-wicket.

15.1

.

Length ball on off, Mendis does well to block it off the back foot towards covers.

Victor Nyauchi is seen warming up.

14.6

1

Williams tosses one up and around off, Mendis prods forward to block it but the ball spins away to take the outside edge. It is well past the first slip fielder and the batsmen get a run.

14.5

.

Another ball that is flatter and on off, Mendis stays on the back foot and blocks it to the leg side.

14.4

.

Flatter and around off, Mendis punches the ball off the back foot towards the off side.

14.3

3

Full ball angled down the leg side, Fernando paddle sweeps it behind square on the leg side. The fielder from deep mid-wicket runs to his right and saves a certain boundary. Three runs taken in the end.

14.2

.

Another ball which is bowled with a round arm action. The ball lands on middle and leg, Fernando turns it towards short leg.

14.1

.

Darted on off, Fernando defends it off the front foot towards short leg.

Sean Williams is into the attack.

13.6

.

Yorker and on off, Mendis does well to keep that out off the front foot as he plays it to covers.

13.5

.

Full and around off, Mendis pushes it towards mid off by coming on the front foot.

Kusal Mendis is the new batsman in.

13.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! The Sri Lankan skipper has to depart. Disappointing way to get out. Mumba gets the breathrough for the hosts. He lands one outside off and brings the ball back in with the angle there. Karunaratne looks to push it off the back foot but he was nowhere close to the ball. The ball swings away a hint to catch the outside edge. The ball goes towards the keeper where Chakabva takes it with ease.

13.3

.

Length ball outside off, coming in with the angle but not enough to make the batsman play there.

13.2

.

Another one on middle and off, Karunaratne flicks it off the front foot towards short mid-wicket.

13.1

.

Length ball on middle and off, Karunaratne flicks it off the pads towards square leg.

12.6

.

On middle, Fernando keeps it out.

12.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Fernando blocks it off the front foot.

12.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Fernando flicks it to square leg.

12.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Fernando flicks it towards the leg side.

12.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Oshada flicks it to mid-wicket.

12.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Fernando blocks it off the front foot.

11.6

3

Now, Mumba strays one on the pads, Fernando flicks it towards deep square leg and he too gets three runs with ease.

11.5

3

Full and swinging away outside off, Karunaratne drives it through covers and gets three valuable runs.

11.4

.

Yorker on off, Dimuth does well to push it towards covers.

11.3

.

On a length but wide of the batsman and Karunaratne does well to let it go.

11.2

1

Length and outside off, Fernando punches it past short cover and gets a run. The fielder from mid off does well to field it by going to his left.

11.1

2

Length ball on middle and leg, Fernando flicks it off his pads towards fine leg and gets back for a comfortable two.

Carl Mumba is into the attack.

10.6

.

Tossed up on off, blocked to the leg side off the back foot.

10.5

.

Tossed up and on off and middle, tucked off the back foot towards mid-wicket.

10.4

1

Tossed up on off, Fernando pushes it off the back foot towards mid-wicket for a run.

10.3

1

Fuller and on middle, Dimuth pushes it towards mid on and gets a run. The fielder does well to slide to his right and field it.

10.2

1

Flatter and around off, Fernando punches it through mid on and rotates the strike.

10.1

.

Tossed up and slower through the air, Fernando lunges forward and smothers the spin.

9.6

2

Another full ball outside off and Karunaratne brings out the cover drive and gets a couple once more.

9.5

2

Full and outside off, Dimuth drives it through covers and gets an easy two.

9.4

.

On a good length and outside off, Dimuth defends it to mid off.

9.3

.

Length ball on off, the batsman punches it back to the bowler.

9.2

.

Length delivery outside off, Karunaratne pushes it off the back foot towards covers.

9.1

.

Length ball on the pads, Dimuth flicks it off the front foot towards mid-wicket.

8.6

.

Full and targetting the pads, Fernando flicks it towards mid-wicket.

8.5

.

Flatter and around middle and off, Fernando turns it towards the leg side off the front foot.

8.4

.

Toseed up around off, Fernando is full stretch on his front foot to smother the spin.

8.3

1

Once again, Karunaratne comes on the front foot and drives this floated ball on off towards mid off and takes a run.

8.2

.

Floated on middle and off, Karunaratne pushes it off the front foot towards covers.

8.1

.

Full and straighter on off, Dimuth turns it off the front foot towards mid-wicket.

7.6

.

Short ball on off, Fernando ducks under it.

7.5

.

Full and angled on middle, Fernando flicks it towards square leg and looks for a run. He is sent back by his partner as the fielder there fields it.

7.4

.

Length ball on off, Fernando blocks it off the back foot and right under his eyes.

7.3

.

Back of a length ball on off, Fernando stays on the back foot towards mid-wicket.

7.2

.

Full and on middle, Fernando pushes it off the back foot towards mid on.

7.1

.

Length ball going away outside off, Oshada leaves it.

6.6

.

Full on off, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot towards covers.

6.5

.

Floated on off, pushed towards covers.

6.4

3

Raza dishes a full ball outside off, Fernando reverse sweeps it past the first slip fielder and gets three runs with ease.

6.3

.

Another ball which does not spin and Fernando defends it off the front foot towards covers.

6.2

.

Flighted and straighter on off, Fernando pushes it to the off side off the front foot.

6.1

.

Floated ball on middle and leg, Oshada flicks it off the pads towards mid -wicket.

5.6

.

Another one outside off, Karunaratne does not fiddle with it.

5.5

.

Length and outside off, Dimuth lets it be.

5.4

.

Length ball on off, Dimuth pushes it off the back foot.

5.3

.

Length ball angled down the leg side, Karunaratne goes for the flick but misses it and the keeper does well by diving to his right.

5.2

.

Full and on off, Karunaratne brings his bat down in time to push it towards covers. The ball there kept a bit low. It also took a puff of dust after landing.

5.1

.

Length ball on off, Karunaratne pushes it off the back foot towards covers.

4.6

.

Full on off once again, pushed off the back foot towards covers.

4.5

2

Fernando looks to push this tossed up ball outside off through the off side but he gets an outside edge that flies past the lone slip and towards third man. The batsmen get a couple this time.

4.4

.

Full ball on off, pushed back to the bowler off the front foot.

4.3

.

BEATEN! Flighted outside off, Fernando goes for the hoick but is nowhere near the ball. It beats the outside edge and the keeper whips the bails off. But Oshada was going nowhere.

4.2

3

Full and darted on middle, Karunaratne tucks it towards square leg and gets three.

4.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot.

3.6

.

Length delivery on off, Oshada taps it to point.

3.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Fernando blocks it off the back foot.

3.4

.

On a good length on off, Fernando looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

3.3

.

Full delivery on off, Fernando looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

3.2

.

Outside off, Fernando offers no shot to this one.

3.1

.

On a good length on off, Fernando defends it off the back foot.

2.6

.

Full and on the off stump, Karunaratne pushes it off the front foot towards covers.

2.5

.

Floated around off, Dimuth does not play at it.

2.4

.

Karunaratne does well to not edge this one. Raza tosses one up on middle and gets it to turn away from the batsman. The batsman looks to push it off but the ball goes past the outside edge.

2.3

.

BEATEN! Beauty of a ball from Raza. Karunaratne looks to push this tossed up ball spinning away from the batsman but he fails to lay bat on ball. The ball whizzes past the outside edge.

2.2

.

Full and darted on the off pole, Dimuth blocks it off the front foot.

2.1

.

Tossed up ball on off, blocked towards covers.

1.6

.

On a good length on off, Fernando blocks it off the front foot.

1.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Fernando drives it towards mid on.

1.4

.

Good length delivery outside off, Fernando leaves it alone.

1.3

.

Outside off, Oshada shoulders arms to this one.

1.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Fernando blocks it off the front foot.

1.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Fernando offers no shot to this one.

Donald Tiripano to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Floated delivery on off, Dimuth defends it off the back foot.

0.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Dimuth keeps it out.

0.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot.

0.3

1

Full delivery on middle, Fernando drives it through mid on for a run. Oshada and Sri Lanka are underway.

0.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Fernando flicks it to mid-wicket.

0.1

.

Raza starts with a tossed up delivery on off, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

So, Sri Lanka chasing an improbable task of winning this Test by chasing a record 361 runs for victory. They already lead the two-match series 1-0. How will they approach it? Will they go for a win or take a defensive action and settle for a draw? Stay tuned for Sri Lanka's reply on the other side of the break.

Sri Lankan bowling was better but they lacked penetration in their attack. The pacers Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando were very wayward and failed to contain the Zimbabwean batsmen. Though they managed to pick wickets the run flow was constantly there. Lasith Embuldeniya did trouble the batsmen with his variations and by getting the ball to turn and bounce regularly but he lacked support from the other end.

Zimbabwe have set the target of 361 for the visitors to chase down in almost 96 overs. The hosts started their second essay by taking a lead off 113 and then contributions from Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza and skipper Sean Williams took their lead over the 350-run mark. Taylor played some aggressive cricket on Day 4 along with Sikandar Raza. The duo added 70 valuable runs to take any hope of Sri Lanka winning it. Sean Williams came out to bat despite suffering from flu and he did hang around with the tail to get to his fifty.

Wow! ZIMBABWE HAVE DECLARED! What a moment. Zimbabwe's innings have lasted just 1 ball on Day 5. How often do we see such type of declaration in Test cricket?

74.6

6

SIX! 50 for Sean Williams. It has been a brilliant innings from him. Full delivery on middle, Williams flicks it over square leg for a maximum. ZIMBABWE DECLARE ON 247/7! THEY HAVE A LEAD OF 360 RUNS!

We are all set to begin Day 5. The players are out in the middle. Sean Williams and Donald Tiripano will resume their batting for Zimbabwe. Suranga Lakmal will finish his over.

Pitch Report - Tino Mawoyo says that it is a Day 5 wicket. Adds that there are some areas where the balls have kept low. Mentions the spinners will come into play.

A warm welcome to Day 5 of the 2nd Test between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka at Harare. The hosts already have a lead of 354 and overnight declaration is one of the possibility that Zimbabwe will look for and go for the kill. The weather seems to be fine to begin but there are chances of rain later in the day. Sri Lanka will want that to continue and eke out a draw if not go for a win. The pitch has started to take turn and there is some uneven bounce as well. A few balls from the pacers are keeping low too. Will Zimbabwe declare or will Sri Lanka be happy to bowl the entire day? Or will the visitors come out to bat later in the day? Stay tuned for the action coming up shortly.

... Day 5, Session 1 ...

So the hosts have a massive lead of 354 on a wicket which has demons of its own. The ball is gripping, turning and also staying low. Sri Lanka have a massive task in hand, forget about winning for a moment as saving this game will also be very difficult. What do we have in store for the final day of this Test? Can Zimbabwe pull of a stunning win or will Sri Lanka break their hearts? Will weather play spoilsport? To know all the answers for these questions join us on Friday, 31st January for Day 5 of this Test. There will be an early start at 0930 local (0730 GMT) with 98 overs expected to be bowled. Hope to see you then. Till then, cheers!

It was a decent enough day for the Sri Lankan bowlers but on a pitch which is getting difficult to bat on they will be a bit disappointed that they were unable to bundle out Zimbabwe under 300 and are staring at a lead in excess of 350. Embuldeniya looked the most threatening and scalped two wickets. Lahiru Kumara and Suranga Lakmal had one wicket a piece while Vishwa Fernando with two wickets impressed with his control. Their bowling duties might just be done here as one would think Zimbabwe won't bat tomorrow.

We had very little play on Day 4 but it belonged to the hosts. They started the day with a lead of 175 and have managed to balloon it past the 350-run mark and one will feel they have killed the possibility of Sri Lanka's win. Although the rain gods have complicated their chance of a win as well. The hosts have managed to get this lead with the help of Brendan Taylor's 67, along with crucial start from Sikandar Raza. Just when the hosts were losing their way, Sean Williams hung out there and steadied the ship on a pitch which is looking very tricky to bat on. He is still unbeaten on 47 and it will be interesting to see if the skipper bats further or declares overnight.

STUMPS ON DAY 4! So that is it from this frustrating day of cricket as rain played the role of an antagonist and annoyed all us cricketing fans and just when it stopped we managed to get in a few overs before we were struck with a double blow of bad light and rain which unfortunately was the end of the day.

UPDATE 1628 local (1428 GMT) - This is bad, really bad. Hate to be the bad news bearer but any further play looks really difficult here as rain has come back to add to injury and the covers are coming on. But let's keep our fingers crossed and hope we have a little bit of more action today.

Oh no! It has gone dark here and the umpires are not happy with the reading on the light meter so the players are off and the play gets stopped due to Bad Light now.

74.5

1

On off, Tiripano pushes it towards cover with soft hands and gets a single.

74.4

.

Short but down the leg side, Tiripano looks to pull but misses.

Donald Tiripano is the new man in.

74.3

W

OUT! Bowled! That is the end of Mutombodzi. Lakmal gets his first wicket of the innings. It is not the best of deliveries but Mutombodzi gets beaten for pace. It is on the leg stump, Tinotenda looks to flick but is late in his attempt to do so. The ball goes past him and rattles the leg pole. It is getting darker here and the hosts have lost their 7th wicket. Will they declare or do they want more runs here?

74.2

2

Back of a length on off, Mutombodzi pulls it with confidence in front of square on the off side and gets a couple.

74.1

1

Lakmal hits the deck hard, Williams pulls it towards mid-wicket for a single.

It is getting dark and the light meter is out now.

73.6

.

Good length ball on off, Mutombodzi looks to pull but the ball does not rise and gets an inside edge onto the pads.

73.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

73.4

1

Back of a length on off, Williams pulls it wide of mid-wicket and gets a single. The lead now stands at 350.

73.3

.

Fuller on middle, Williams strokes it towards mid on and gets a run.

73.2

1

Good length delivery on off, Mutombodzi defends it towards cover with soft hands and gets a single.

73.1

.

Outside off on a length, Mutombodzi looks to pull but misses.

72.6

1

On off, Mutombodzi pulls it wide of mid-wicket and keeps the strike.

72.5

1

Fuller on middle, SW pushes it wide of mid on and gets to the other end.

72.4

.

Short ball around off, Williams pulls it but finds short mid-wicket.

72.3

1

Length ball outside off, Mutombodzi taps it towards point and gets a single.

72.2

1

Back of a length around off, Williams pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

72.1

.

Full on middle, Williams pushes it to mid on.

71.6

.

On the stumps, Mutombodzi blocks it.

71.5

.

Good length ball outside off, Mutombodzi looks to punch but gets a bottom edge which goes to the left of the keeper. Dickwella does well as he is wrong footed to stop the ball.

71.4

.

On off, defended by Mutombodzi.

71.3

1

Direct hit but Williams is in. Fuller on middle, Williams pushes it to mid on and calls for a quick single. Lakmal there gets down to take the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. Williams stretches and drags his bat down inside the crease. The umpire goes upstairs to check and replay shows Sean is in.

Run Out appeal taken upstairs. Williams looks to be in but one can never be sure about it when it is a direct hit.

71.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Williams looks to defend but misses.

71.1

2lb

On the pads, Williams looks to flick but the ball goes off the thigh pad fine down the leg side and they take two runs off leg byes.

70.6

.

Outside off, left alone by Mutombodzi to get through the over.

70.5

.

This time Mutombodzi defends it off the middle.

70.4

.

EDGED AND DROPPED! Mathews is the culprit and he should have taken that one to be fair. Good length delivery around off, Mutombodzi has a poke at it but the ball zips away and kisses the outside edge of his willow. The ball falls on its way to the right of first slip. Angelo Mathews gets down on that side and gets his fingers to it but fails to bask it in. Poor and lethargic effort from the experienced campaigner.

70.3

1

Once again Lakmal strays on the pads, Sean turns it to the on side for a single.

70.2

1

Full on the pads, Mutombodzi glances it to the leg side for a run.

70.1

1lb

On the pads, Williams looks to flick but misses, the ball clips his pads and goes to the leg side for a single.

Suranga Lakmal to bowl the first proper over of the session.

69.6

.

Length ball on off, Mutombodzi defends it.

69.5

2

Fuller on off, Mutombodzi squeezes it through covers and gets a couple.

69.4

.

Huge appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down. Good length delivery on the pads, Mutombodzi looks to pull but misses and gets hit on the pads. He misses and there is a huge appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. The pitching looked to be an issue.

69.3

1

Full and on the pads, Williams flicks it towards backward square leg and gets a single.

We are all set for the action to begin. The Sri Lankan players walk out to the field and are taking their position in the field. Sean Williams and Tinotenda Mutombodzi stride out to resume their innings. Vishwa Fernando to bowl out the remaining ball of his over.

UPDATE 1540 local (1340 GMT) - Covers are completely off and the Sri Lankan players are out doing some warm ups. The umpires have checked the playing area and it looks like we are all set for the action to begin in some time.

UPDATE 1520 local (1320 GMT) - We have a positive news for all the cricket fans. The rain has stopped and the covers are slowly coming off and to add cherry on top. There will be an inspection at 1540 local.

Update 1513 local (1313 GMT) - It appears that the rain has stopped and the groundsmen are out in the middle. They are trying their best to get the field ready for play. The conditions though are pretty gloomy and we will have to wait for the official confirmation. Stay tuned, we will keep you posted.

... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ...

With rain coming around Zimbabwe would look to tweak their plan a bit and declare earlier than they would have liked and take a couple of wickets before the close. Whereas, the Lankan lions will hope for Zimbabwe's declaration or bowling them out inside 400 and then look to chase the target down. Fingers crossed at the moment as it continues to pour steadily. Good News! As I type THE RAIN HAS STOPPED! The umpires are seen with the ground staff. The groundsmen are rolling on the covers but the issue is there is a lot of water on the cover and also it is a bit dark out there. Let's hope that we can start the action quickly in this exciting Test.

So, the rain has failed to relent and the players take Tea. Zimbabwe would be ruing this break as they were going along nicely and now they will have to start it again as and when the game resumes. Fifty from Brendan Taylor and a fine partnership between skipper, Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza helped the hosts to extend their lead beyond 300. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have kept themselves in the game by picking up wickets regularly.

Update 1425 Local (1225 GMT) - More bad news as the showers have got heavier in Harare and it seems like the players will take an early Tea break. Let's hope that play resumes shortly with the match poised finely in the balance.

Update 1345 Local (1145 GMT) - Oh, oh! As predicted just before the Lunch break, rain has interrupted the game and the umpires are calling the players off, or more precisely, the groundsmen on to cover the pitch. It looks like a drizzle and nothing else and hopefully we will resume shortly.

69.2

.

A slower yorker, landing wide outside off, Williams jams it out towards the off side.

69.1

.

Full ball on off to start the over by Fernando, pushed towards mid off by Williams.

68.6

.

Turning away from the batsman, Mutombodzi goes on the back foot to defend but it turns away from his bat.

68.5

.

Fires in a flatter full ball on off, probably an arm ball, Tinotenda defends it off his front foot.

68.4

.

Nicely tossed up ball outside off, spinning away, Mutombodzi stretches his front leg forward to cover the line and then shoulders arms.

68.3

1

Too full in length around leg, Williams sweeps it to deep square leg for a run.

68.2

.

Flatter and quicker on the pads, Williams tickles it behind square leg and his partner shows interest in a run. Sean sends him back.

68.1

.

Poor delivery and Lasith Embuldeniya gets away with it. Short and around leg, Williams turns to pull but finds backward square leg.

67.6

.

Fuller length delivery on middle and off, Mutombodzi stays back in defense. End of a successful over for Vishwa where he got lucky with a wicket.

DRINKS! What a time to take a wicket, just before the hour mark and Sri Lanka have got the breakthrough at the right time. Raza and Williams were going well and were amidst a 70-run stand but Fernando struck and that might prove to be a turning point as Sri Lanka will now be bowling at the lower order. They will try to limit the damage and restrict Zimbabwe's lead under 400. Here comes debutant Tinotenda Mutombodzi to face his first ball of this innings.

67.5

W

OUT! Given lbw and Sikandar Raza is not happy with it. We can understand the reason for that. Wait as we elaborate this wicket. Vishwa comes up with a pacey full delivery to which Raza tries a flick shot. He fails to put bat on ball and is rapped on the pads. The appeal is made and the finger goes up after a bit of a delay. Vishwa is pumped up after breaking the 70-run stand and Sikandar has to walk back. He's shaking his head. Here comes the replay and it clearly shows that the ball had pitched outside leg. Umpire Nitin Menon is having an odd bad day. Zimbabwe lose their sixth wicket and are effectively 334/6!

67.4

1

Length ball on middle and off, Williams taps it towards point and takes a single.

67.3

.

Length ball just outside off, left alone by Williams.

67.2

1

Good length ball on the off side, Raza dabs it towards the off side and takes a quick single.

67.1

.

Swing and a miss! Bouncer outside off, Raza looks to play the hook shot but misses it completely.

66.6

1

Last ball of the over and Raza rocks back to punch this flat delivery on off towards point for a single.

66.5

.

Another one which is quicker and flatter, Raza does well to block this one out onto the turf.

66.4

.

Tossed up on off, pushed towards the man at cover by Sikandar.

66.3

.

This time it is a bit quicker and outside off, Raza plays it towards the man at point.

66.2

.

Floated delivery and full on middle, Raza goes back and defends.

66.1

1

Missed out! A full toss outside off, Williams goes down on one knee and plays the sweep shot but finds the man at deep mid-wicket. Single taken.

65.6

.

Gets behind the line of the delivery and solidly blocks it towards short cover.

65.5

.

Good length ball on middle and off, Sikandar gets forward and defends it right under his watchful eyes.

65.4

.

Well bowled! Fernando senses the charge from the batsman and immediately shortens his length. Delivers it close to off and Raza does well to let it through.

65.3

.

Angling across the right-hander, around off on a length, Raza forces it off his back foot to short cover.

65.2

1

Slightly short this time, around off, Williams taps it down towards cover-point and pinches a single.

65.1

.

Williams misses out there! A half-volley outside off, Sean plays a lovely cover drive but finds the fielder.

64.6

.

Appeal for an lbw, not given as umpire Aleem Dar gestures it to be pitching outside the line of leg stump. A nicely flighted ball, Raza goes down to sweep but misses. He wears it on his back leg and they put in an unsuccessful appeal.

64.5

.

Very full and on off, Raza jams it out safely.

64.4

.

Walks forward with a full face of his bat and pushes it back to the bowler.

64.3

1

Bad line from Embuldeniya. Delivers a shortish ball around leg, Williams moves inside the crease and hits it to deep square leg for a single.

64.2

1

The bowler drags his length short and serves it outside off, Raza rocks back and slaps it to deep cover for a run.

64.1

.

Full and flighted on middle, it's flicked on the leg side but straight to short mid-wicket.

63.6

.

The bowler stops a certain boundary! Fuller length ball on off, Williams unveils a delightful straight drive but Fernando immediately goes down in his followthrough and stops the racing ball with his left hand.

63.5

.

Looks like a slower delivery. On a length and just outside off, Williams delays his shot a bit before pushing it out with an angled bat to cover-point.

63.4

.

A cracking cover drive once again from the bat of the Zimbabwean skipper. But this time he picks out the cover fielder.

63.3

4

FOUR! Unbelievable hands of Sean Williams. Also good eye to pick the line and length so early. There is width outside off and Sean picks it in a trice. Uses his lovely hands to reach out for it and crunches it through covers.

63.2

.

Fullish and angling in on off, Sean flicks it across the line but finds short mid-wicket.

63.1

.

Williams has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

62.6

4

FOUR! Dismissed! Time and again we have seen these two batsmen use their feet to good effect. Once again Raza wears his skates to dance down to the pitch of the ball and lifts it with the spin over mid off. It falls just inside the rope before crossing it.

62.5

1

Spinning down the leg side, Williams tries to flick but it takes a thin inside edge and runs down towards fine leg. A single is taken.

62.4

.

Very full and on middle, knocked down the ground towards mid on.

62.3

.

Turning back into the batsman from around off with some extra bounce, Sean turns it on the leg side but finds backward square leg.

62.2

1

Raza allows the ball to land as he guesses it to be the shorter one. It's short and Sikandar has cut it through cover-point for a run.

62.1

.

Full and flighted around off, Sikandar is on the front foot as he defends it watchfully.

61.6

.

Williams has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

61.5

.

On a length and outside off, holding its line, Williams pushes inside the line and misses.

61.4

.

Beaten on the drive! Fernando serves it full and wide outside off, Sean goes for a big drive but fails to connect.

61.3

1

Good length delivery on middle, Raza gets on top of the bounce and turns it through square leg for a run.

61.2

.

Pitches it up and outside off, inviting the drive, Raza obliges, times his drive perfectly as well but picks out the cover fielder.

61.1

1

Short in length on middle to begin a new spell. It's pulled by Williams to deep square leg for a single.

Vishwa Fernando (13-5-28-1) is back on.

60.6

1

Allows the ball to spin back in and works it in front of square leg for a run. Easy going post Lunch for this pair, they have extended the lead to 315 runs!

60.5

.

Too full in length on middle, Williams pushes it past the bowler to mid on.

60.4

.

Fires a flatter delivery down the leg side, Sean tries to flick but misses.

60.3

1

50-run stand between the two! Once again this pair has been involved in a handy contribution. Shortish and on off, Raza punches it to sweeper cover for a run.

60.2

.

Flatter and shorter on off, Raza cuts it from the back foot but finds point.

60.1

.

Tossed up ball around off, defended off the front foot by Raza.

59.6

1

Not in any control of his shot. Lakmal digs it short and lands it close to off, Raza jumps to pull but fails to middle his shot. It flies off the top edge and falls in no man's land at deep mid-wicket. There are a couple of fielders present in the deep but it evades them both.

59.5

.

Uppish but safe! Fullish ball around off, angling in and stopping a bit onto the batsman, Raza checks his push through the line and sends it aerially past the diving bowler. After that it safely rolls to mid off.

59.4

.

Edged but safe! Lakmal switches to over the wicket and dishes out an outswinger outside off. The length is full and Raza tries to play the cover drive. However, it takes the outer half and rolls to first slip. The fielder there makes a fine diving stop.

59.3

1

The line changes a bit from Lakmal. He serves it on a length and outside off, Williams steers it through point. He consciously stays away from the danger area while collecting a run.

59.2

.

Once again Lakmal speeds in and slants in a full ball on middle, Williams pushes it out with firm hands to covers.

59.1

.

Lakmal runs in from 'round the wicket and angles in a full ball on middle, Williams covers the line and drives it back to the bowler.

58.6

.

Fires it in flat and around off, Sikandar punches it from the crease to covers. Expensive over by Embuldeniya comes to a close.

58.5

.

Beauty to beat the bat! This pitch is very supportive for the spinners and time and again it has proved it. Nicely tossed up ball around off, Raza tries to play the line but it spins away to beat the outside edge. A good take by the keeper.

58.4

1

Smart batting by Sean! A couple of boundaries in the over and now he bunts a full ball to mid off for a quick run.

58.3

4

FOUR! Wow. Here goes Sean Williams again. He has flu but that's not showing in his batting. Once again Embuldeniya is too full in his length and Sean has no qualms in putting it through square leg. Zimbabwe continue to march!

58.2

.

Lunges to a full ball around off and defends it back watchfully.

58.1

4

FOUR! Thumped! Good shot from the captain. Williams sits down on one knee to fetch a full ball from outside off and then he sweeps it firmly in front of square leg for a cracking boundary.

57.6

.

Bouncer just outside off, Raza drops his hands and lets that ball go through to the keeper.

57.6

1

Good length ball outside off, Williams plays this one towards point and takes a single.

57.5

1nb

No ball! Overstepping by Lakmal! A very full ball on off, Williams plays it towards wide mid off.

57.4

.

Full ball on off, blocked out by Williams.

57.3

1

Full ball on middle and off, Raza plays this one down the ground past the bowler and they take a quick single. With this single, the lead is now 300 for Zimbabwe.

57.2

.

Good length ball on middle and off, pushed down to the man at mid off.

57.1

.

On the pads of Raza, he works this one towards the leg side.

56.6

.

Floated delivery outside off, out comes the reverse sweep but Williams does not connect. He gets hit on the pads but the line is also outside off. So, no chance for LBW.

56.5

.

Quicker and fuller this time on the off pole line, Williams blocks it out.

56.4

2

Lasith strays down the leg side, Williams flicks this one towards square leg for a couple.

56.3

.

Good bowling by Embuldeniya. He pitches this one in the rough but Williams prods forward and places this one towards cover.

56.2

.

Tossed up on off again, Williams pushes it towards mid off.

56.1

.

Floated on off, pushed towards the man at mid off.

Lasith Embuldeniya to bowl now. 13-0-57-2, his figures so far.

55.6

.

Full delivery again, played back towards the right of Lakmal. Maiden for Lakmal.

55.5

.

Lakmal pushes this one fuller, Raza does well to get his bat down in time and places this towards mid on.

55.4

.

Back of a length ball on middle, pushed towards the man at cover off the back foot.

55.3

.

Fuller ball on off, pushed towards the man at cover.

55.2

.

Another one outside off, Sikandar shoulders arms.

55.1

.

Length ball outside off to start the over by Lakmal, Raza leaves it alone.

Suranga Lakmal to bowl the second over after the break. 12-4-13-0 are his figures so far.

54.6

.

Flatter one on middle again, pushed back straight towards the bowler by Williams and he gets through the first over post-Lunch safely.

54.5

.

This time flatter on middle and leg, blocked out.

54.4

.

Another one floated on off, pushed towards the cover region.

54.3

.

Floated on off, defended towards mid off.

54.2

1

Uppish but safe! Another floated delivery on off, again Raza goes for a similar stroke but this time chips it towards the wide mid off region. The fielder from mid off runs towards it but it falls safe. That might have pitched in the rough and that is why some extra bounce on that.

54.1

4

FOUR! Straightaway out of the blocks are Zimbabwe! Floated delivery outside off, Raza has driven this through the cover region and the ball trudges past the ropes. What a start to the session for them!

The Sri Lankan players are back out in the middle. Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza are out in the middle to resume their innings. Dhananjaya de Silva will start with the ball for the visitors.

... Day 4, Session 2 ...

Sean Williams who had been unwell has come out to bat and Sikandar Raza is there with him. The duo would hope that they continue to weather the storm and keep Zimbabwe on top. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will hope that they clean up the last 5 wickets quickly and cheaply. What will happen come the next session? We can see that the groundsmen are bringing on the covers as they are predicted rain to come soon. Will rain come and stop play? Join us for the afternoon session at 1240 local (1040 GMT).

All in all a good session for the visitors but in the context of the game, Zimbabwe are still on top. The Lankans came out with a plan and executed it to perfection. Lasith Embuldeniya was once again the main bowler as he picked up a couple of wickets and brought Sri Lanka back into the game. He kept on asking questions to the Zimbabwe batsmen who failed to find the answers. The day started with Chakabva edging one to the slips and then the wickets kept on falling at regular intervals. Masvaure threw his wicket away as he was run out while the concussion substitute for Kevin Kasuza, Timysen Maruma could not do much in the middle. In the end, Brendan Taylor, who was going along nicely and aggressively, was sent packing courtesy a poor umpiring decision. However, due to their brilliant work in the first innings, they are close to a 300-run lead and will now look to swell that even more and give the visitors a steep target to chase down.

53.6

1

Shortish delivery on off again, Raza rocks back and punches this off the back foot towards cover for a single. LUNCH ON DAY 4!

53.5

4

FOUR! Floated delivery on middle and off, Raza has just lofted this one over the mid on fielder and the ball goes into the fence on the bounce.

53.4

.

Flatter delivery on middle and off, defended onto the turf.

53.3

1

On the pads, worked towards the leg side for a single.

53.2

.

This time Embuldeniya bowls it a bit short, Williams defends the ball off the back foot.

53.1

1

Raza comes forward and drives this down the ground for a single.

52.6

.

Williams has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

52.5

4

FOUR! Brilliant shot by Williams! A bad delivery by de Silva, short of a length ball outside off, Williams rocks back and drives this one wonderfully through the cover region off the back foot for a boundary.

52.4

.

Williams now prods forward and defends this one towards the bowler.

52.3

1

On the pads, flicked towards square leg and the batters take a single.

52.2

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

52.1

.

De Silva floats one outside off, Raza comes forward and blocks.

51.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, blocked out.

51.5

2

On the pads, flicked towards square leg for a couple.

51.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle and off, defended by Williams.

51.3

1

Floated delivery outside off, Raza prods forward and looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge towards third man for a single.

51.2

.

Another one outside off, cut towards the man at point.

51.1

4

FOUR! What a shot! Floated delivery on off, Raza goes back and cuts this one through the cover-point region for a boundary.

50.6

.

Williams prods forward and defends this loopy delivery out solidly.

50.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

50.4

4

FOUR! A bad delivery by de Silva and Williams has put it away. Shortish delivery on middle, Williams goes back and pulls this one towards square leg for a boundary.

50.3

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

50.2

.

Floated delivery on middle and off, blocked out.

50.1

1

A shortish ball to start off with, Raza pulls it towards square leg for a couple.

Dhananjaya de Silva to roll his arm over. 4-2-17-0 are his figures so far.

49.6

4

FOUR! What a way to get off the mark! Full ball on off, Williams gets down and plays the square drive through the point region and bags a boundary.

49.5

.

Similar delivery, Williams punches it towards the man at cover.

49.4

.

Length ball on off, punched off the back foot towards the off side by Williams.

Sean Williams is out to bat. He was off the field on Day 3 due to flu and has come out to bat lower down the order today. He still looks unfit but has come out with his team in trouble here.

49.3

W

OUT! LBW! Brendan Taylor has to depart but he is very unhappy and that looks like a very harsh decision! Length ball on off, angling in towards Brendan Taylor. He looks to defend but fails to do so. The ball hits his pad and the Lankan players appeal. The umpire, Nitin Menon, raises his finger. Brendan Taylor starts walking back as there are no referrals here but he points the bat towards the umpire indicating he had nicked that. It also looked like it was going down the leg pole. Does not matter now! Zimbabwe have half the side back in the hut with that. Zimbabwe are effectively 264/5.

49.2

.

Good length delivery on middle and off, defended.

49.1

4

FOUR! Creamed! Full ball on off, a half-volley, Taylor leans forward and drives this one through extra cover for a boundary.

48.6

.

Another one which is quicker and outside off, Raza plays it towards the man at point.

48.5

.

Floated on off, pushed towards cover.

48.4

.

Shortish outside off, played towards the man at point.

48.3

.

Now targets the middle pole with a quicker one, Raza stays strong and defends it.

48.2

.

Outside off, defended towards the off side.

48.1

1

Floated outside off, played towards sweeper cover for a single.

47.6

.

Back of a length ball on off, Raza blocks it off the back foot towards covers.

47.5

.

Length ball kept out off the back foot.

47.4

1

Taylor drives this full ball off the front foot and takes off for a quick single. The fielder there has a shy at the bowler'e end but misses it.

47.3

2

Short and on off once again, Taylor this time connects on the upper cut and ramps it off the face of the bat over the keeper. But lack of timing on it means that the slip fielder will mop it up. A couple taken.

47.2

.

EDGED BUT SAFE! Taylor looks to defend the length ball outside off but he gets an outside edge that drops short off the slip fielder. He did play it with soft hands.

47.2

1wd

Short ball and outside off, Taylor stands tall and looks to steer it over the keeper and the slip. He misses though in his attempt and the keeper does well to take it. A wide given.

47.1

2

Length ball outside off, Taylor pushes the ball through covers and takes an easy couple.

46.6

1

Flatter delivery on off, pushed down to long on for a single and Taylor will keep strike.

46.5

2

This time Taylor brings out the reverse sweep and plays this one towards third man. He gets a couple.

46.4

.

Embuldeniya bowls another one outside off, Taylor looks to guide this down to third man but edges it along the ground towards the slip cordon.

46.3

.

Floated on off, blocked out.

46.2

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

46.1

.

Floated on middle, Taylor plays the paddle sweep but the fielder at short fine leg does well to stop it.

45.6

2

Wonderful shot but just a couple! He has driven this full ball wonderfully towards cover for a couple.

45.5

4b

FOUR BYES! Down the leg side, full ball, Raza looks to tickle it fine down the leg side but misses. Dickwella misses it too and the ball goes into the fine leg fence.

45.4

.

Swing and a miss! Good length ball outside off, Raza goes down on one knee and looks for a square drive but he misses it completely.

45.3

.

Another one on middle and off, Raza defends this off the back foot.

45.2

.

Length ball on off, punched towards the off side off the back foot.

45.1

1lb

Appeal but turned down! Length ball on middle, angling in. Taylor looks to flick it down the leg side but the ball goes off the pads towards fine leg.

44.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

44.5

.

Outside off again, guided down towards third man.

44.4

.

What a beauty! Embuldeniya is in the groove! Floated delivery just outside off, Raza looks to have a poke at it but the ball turns away and beats the outside edge of his bat. Some serious turn there and that might have interested Raza too.

44.3

1

Floated delivery outside off, Taylor pushes it towards point for a single.

44.2

1

Another one which is quick in speed and short by Embuldeniya, this time it is pushed towards long off by Raza.

44.1

1

Shortish ball outside off, pushed towards cover off the back foot for a single.

43.6

1

Taylor keeps the strike off the last ball of the over. He flicks the length ball off his pads towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

43.5

.

Back of a length ball on off, Taylor pushes it to covers.

43.4

1

Length ball on the pads, Raza tucks it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

43.3

.

Back of a length ball on off, Raza stays tall and punches the ball to covers.

43.2

.

Full and angled on middle and leg, Raza flicks it off the pads to mid-wicket.

43.1

1

In the air... But safe. Kumara has the opportunity there but he fails. Taylor is a bit tentative there. Kumara lands it on a length and on off, Taylor is on the back foot as he pushes the ball straight back towards the bowler. Kumara there stretches his left hand but the ball goes past him towards long off. The batsmen take a run.

Lahiru Kumara to bowl now.

42.6

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

42.5

.

Floated on off, pushed towards the cover region.

Sikandar Raza, the star of the match so far, walks out to bat now.

42.4

W

OUT! STUMPED! Maruma has to depart! The session and the game now tilting towards the Lankans. Floated delivery outside off, Embuldeniya again gets the ball to spin away from the right-handed Maruma. He prods forward in an attempt to defend but is beaten by the turn. The ball is collected by Niroshan Dickwella and he whips the bails off in a flash as Maruma loses his balance. The leg umpire refers it upstairs and the replays find him short. Blows in quick succession for Zimbabwe and they have been pushed back by the Lankans.

42.3

.

Another one outside off, left alone.

42.2

.

Floated delivery outside, it pitches and turns away. Maruma leaves it alone.

42.1

1

50 up for Brendan Taylor! He has been fantastic today and this is his 10th Test half ton. Floated ball on off, pushed towards cover for a single by Taylor to get to this milestone. He will be looking to get to three figures from here.

41.6

.

Length delivery on middle and off, Maruma looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge and onto the pads.

41.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

41.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

41.3

.

Full ball on off, defended by Maruma.

41.2

1

Pushed down to long on for a single.

41.1

6

SIX! Super shot by Brendan Taylor! Good length ball on middle and leg, Taylor has lofted that one over the long on region for a biggie.

40.6

.

The ball has struck the batsman hard on his hand. The fielding side is asking the question. The umpire decides the batsman is not out.

40.5

1

Shortish delivery on middle, punched down to long on for a single.

40.4

.

Another one which is tossed up outside off, Brendan prods forward and defends it towards the off side.

40.3

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

40.2

.

Floated on middle and off, Taylor defends it off the back foot.

40.1

4

FOUR! Up and over! Floated delivery on middle and off, Taylor lofts this one straight over the bowler's head and the ball crosses the ropes on the bounce.

39.6

.

Length ball angled outside off, Maruma does not fiddle with it.

39.5

.

Length ball angled on off, Maruma stays on the back foot and punches the ball towards covers.

39.4

.

Back of a length ball on off, Maruma taps it off the outside half off the bat towards gully who dives to his right and fields it.

39.3

.

Full once again and tailing back in too, Maruma keeps it out off the front foot.

39.2

.

Length ball angled across Maruma, he lets it be.

39.1

.

Full ball on off, Maruma blocks it right under his eyes.

38.6

.

Outside off, pitches and turns away. Taylor leaves it alone.

38.5

.

Taylor again prods forward and defends this floated delivery towards the off side.

38.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

38.3

.

Tossed up delivery on middle and off, defended off the front foot.

Timycen Maruma is the new man in. He is the subsitute for the injured Kevin Kasuza who was concussed while fielding at short leg yesterday.

38.2

W

OUT! RUN OUT! A quicker delivery just near the leg pole line, Masvaure looks to make room and guide it down to third man but gets an inside edge which goes towards fine leg. Dhananjaya de Silva gives it the chase. The batters take an easy single but Masvaure wants two. Taylor is not even looking at Prince and Masvaure is halfway down the track. However, de Silva spots that and throws the ball towards the non-striker's end. Masvaure turns back and puts in a dive but Embuldeniya collects the ball and whips the bails off. It looks out to the naked eye but the umpire wants to confirm it and goes upstairs. Replays roll in to show that Masvaure is well short despite his dive. He has to walk back and he is dejected. Zimbabwe are effectively 224/3.

Run out appeal! This looks out to the naked eye and yes, the replays confirm it. Masvaure has to walk back.

38.1

1

Flatter one on the pads, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.

37.6

.

Full ball on off, blocked off the front foot towards covers.

37.5

.

Another full ball on off, Masvaure drives it to find mid off.

37.4

.

Full and angled into the off pole, Masvaure looks to defend it with an angled bat only to get a bottom edge that falls near the off stump and rolls behind towards first slip.

37.3

.

Another ball which is bowled on the length and around off, Masvaure pushes it off the front foot towards covers.

37.2

.

Length ball around off, Masvaure stands tall and keeps the ball out to the off side.

37.1

.

Yorker spot on! Fernando targets the sumps and gets it right in the blockhole. Masvaure does well to dig it at the last instance.

36.6

1

Flatter one on middle, Masvaure pushes it towards mid on for a single.

36.5

3

Great work by Kumara! Tossed up delivery on middle and off, flicked towards the mid-wicket region. The ball is trudging towards the fence but Kumara does well to keep the ball in play and the batters take three.

36.4

1

Tossed up on off, pushed down to long on for a single.

36.3

1

Floated delivery on middle and off, swept towards square leg for a single.

36.2

2

DROPPED! Vishwa Fernando is the culprit! However that was a very difficult catch. Floated delivery on off, Taylor looks to go over the long off region but does not time it well. The ball goes high and Vishwa Fernando gives it a chase running backwards. He gets to the ball, also gets two hands to it but the ball pops out and he tumbles onto the ground as well. The backup fielder mops it up and allows the batters to take a couple. Taylor gets a life and he will be looking to make the most of it.

36.1

.

Loud appeal or a desperate one, however it is turned down! Floated delivery outside off, it turns in. Taylor looks to defend but the ball hits his pads and the Lankan players appeal only for the umpire to turn it down. Impact looks to be outside off to the naked eye.

DRINKS BREAK! 1 wicket lost but Zimbabwe have scored 39 runs in the first hour of play as well. Neither side will be too disappointed but with Taylor and Masvaure both set at the crease, Zimbabwe will definitely be the happier side. If the Lankans want to put the pressure back on the hosts, they need wickets and that too in a bulk. The skies are cloudy and there is a chance of rain too. Let's hope for the best though! Lasith Embuldeniya to inaugurate this hour.

35.6

1

On the pads, flicked towards square leg for a single.

35.5

.

Woah! What was Taylor trying to do there? Bouncer down the leg side, Taylor initially looks to duck but then looks to go for the upper cut and misses it. There was a high chance he could have lost his wicket there, that too very cheaply.

35.4

.

Length ball on off, Taylor punches it towards cover.

35.3

.

Fernando goes fuller again, driven towards the man at mid on.

35.2

.

Bouncer on off, Taylor does well to sway away from it.

35.1

.

Full ball on middle and off, driven towards mid on.

34.6

.

OH! Nearly a chop on! Masvaure backs away to this length ball on off and looks to steers it down to third man. The ball comes in with the angle and takes the bottom edge only to hit the boots of Prince. The ball rolls towards the keeper past the off stump.

34.5

.

Bumper on middle and leg, Masvaure is happy to duck under it.

34.4

4

FOUR! Kumara is guilty there. He bowls one on the pads of Masvaure. Prince just flicks it uppishly through square leg. There are shouts of 'catch it' but there is no one there. The ball rolls to the fence easily.

34.3

.

Length ball outside off, Prine plays the cover drive but finds the fielder.

34.2

1

Full and angled on leg, Taylor flicks it off his pads towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

34.1

4

FOUR! Taylor once again starts the over with a boundary. Kumara goes short and angles one away from the right-hander. Taylor just frees his arms and cuts it through point to fetch a boundary.

33.6

.

Once again slightly back of a length, Prince drives it straight to cover-point.

33.5

.

Short and outside off, Masvaure cuts it but finds point.

33.4

1

Length ball down the leg side, Taylor helps it to fine leg and gets to the other end.

33.3

.

Length ball on off, Taylor defends it off the front foot.

33.2

.

Full and angled in to the pads, Taylor flicks it towards square leg.

33.1

4

FOUR! That is smashed. Taylor is not going to hold himself back. Fernando goes full and on middle, Taylor flicks it uppishly and gets it over the mid-wicket fielder. The ball rolls behind for a boundary. The lead is now 203!

32.6

.

Full ball on off, driven towards the cover region but straight to the man.

32.5

.

Full ball on middle and off, Masvaure prods forward and defends presenting the full face of the bat.

32.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

32.3

.

Length ball on middle and leg, Masvaure looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge and onto the pads.

32.2

.

Fuller ball on off, driven towards mid on.

32.1

.

On the pads, worked towards the leg side by Masvaure.

Lahiru Kumara comes on to bowl now. 4-1-10-0, his figures so far.

31.6

.

Another one outside off, Taylor shoulders arms.

31.5

.

Length ball outside off, left alone.

31.4

.

Another good length ball on middle and off, defended into the ground. Much better technique now by Taylor in defending these out.

31.3

.

Outside off, played towards point.

31.2

.

Good length ball on middle and off, defended off the front foot.

31.1

4

EDGED AND FOUR! Length ball just outside off, Taylor looks to drive at it but the ball goes off the inside edge and rolls into the fine leg fence. Taylor could have easily chopped that on but he survives again.

30.6

.

Bouncer on middle and leg, Masvaure ducks under it.

30.5

.

On the pads, flicked towards square leg for nothing.

30.4

.

Length ball outside off, left alone.

30.3

1

This time down the leg side, worked towards square leg for a single.

30.2

.

Almost! Length ball angling in towards Taylor, he looks to defend but one of his hand comes off the handle and the ball lobs off the top half towards square leg but lands just short of the man there.

30.1

.

Good length ball on off, defended back towards the bowler.

29.6

.

On the pads, worked towards the leg side.

29.5

.

Length ball on off, Masvaure punches this one towards the man at cover-point.

29.4

.

Beaten! A loose shot by Masvaure! Good length ball on off, Masvaure looks to go for the expansive cover drive but the ball whizzes past his outside edge.

29.3

.

Length ball on middle and off, defended towards the cover region.

29.2

.

On the pads of Masvaure, he flicks this one towards the man at mid-wicket.

29.1

.

Outside off, left alone by Masvaure.

28.6

.

Length ball on middle and off, defended off the back foot once again by Taylor.

28.5

.

Fullish ball on middle and off, defended towards the point region.

28.4

1

Back of a length ball on middle, punched towards covers off the back foot for a single.

28.3

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

28.2

.

Confusion! This is the last thing that Zimbabwe would want. Masvaure is half way down the ground there and then has to head back quickly. Prince drives this full ball back past the bowler and takes off for a run. The fielder from mid off runs to his left and fields it. Taylor is ball watching at the bowler's end and later realizes that Prince is halfway down. He then sends his partner back. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but he misses it and Masvaure makes it easily. Lucky escape!

28.1

.

Full and angling into the pads of Masvaure. He goes for the flick only to miss it. The ball hits the pads and rolls towards the leg side.

27.6

2

Another full ball angling on the pads, Taylor flicks it off his pads towards fine leg and gets two. Once again, Lakmal fields it at fine leg.

27.5

2lb

Full and angling down the leg side, Taylor comes inside the line and looks to flick it but misses it. The ball hits the pads and rolls towards fine leg. Lakmal from deep square leg runs to his right and mops it up. Two leg byes given.

27.4

.

Full and on off, Taylor blocks it off the front foot towards covers.

27.3

.

The batsman has been struck on the pads as he looked to play that off the front foot.

27.2

.

Full and angling on middle and leg, Taylor looks to flick it but the ball takes the inside edge and hits the pads to roll towards square leg.

27.1

.

Full and angling on middle, Taylor pushes it off the front foot towards mid on.

Vishwa Fernando comes on to bowl for the first time on Day 4. His figures so far, 5-2-9-1.

26.6

.

Length ball coming into the off stump, Prince blocks it off the front foot and keeps it out towards covers.

26.5

.

That is nasty! Masvaure is seen wanting there. Lakmal goes short and it is well-directed too. Masvaure goes for the pull but takes his eyes off the ball and in the process misses it. The ball hits the helmet and lobs towards the point fielder who takes the catch and appeals. The umpire is unmoved there.

26.4

.

The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.

26.3

.

Back of a length ball on off, Prince defends it off the front foot towards covers.

26.2

.

Length delivery coming in with the angle, Prince defends it off the front foot towards mid-wicket.

26.1

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Masvaure blocks it off the back foot towards covers.

25.6

.

Shortish ball by Embuldeniiya. Taylor rocks back and defends it off the back foot.

25.5

4

FOUR! Floated delivery on off, Taylor gets down on one knee and reverse sweeps it past the short third man fielder for another boundary. Aggressive batting by Taylor.

25.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Inspection of the ball now. The Sri Lankans think that there is some problem with the ball and they hand it to the umpire. The umpire checks it and returns it to Embuldeniya saying that the ball is fine and it is good to continue.

25.3

4

FOUR! Wonderfully done! Tossed up delivery outside off, this time Taylor does not leave it alone and guides it fine down to the third man fence for a boundary.

25.2

.

Similar delivery, Taylor shoulders arms again.

25.1

.

Floated delivery outside off, it pitches and turns away. Taylor leaves this one alone.

24.6

.

Length ball by Lakmal, Masvaure defends this one towards the off side off the back foot.

24.5

.

Fuller and attacking the off pole, Prince does well to block it out.

24.4

.

Another good length ball, this time closer to the off pole, angling in. It is blocked out towards the off side.

24.3

.

This time it is outside off, Masvaure defends this one towards cover-point.

24.2

.

Good length ball around the off pole line, angling in. Defended towards the off side by Masvaure.

24.1

.

Length ball on middle and leg, pushed back towards the bowler.

23.6

.

The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

23.5

4

FOUR! Taylor is off the mark. He gets a full ball on middle and leg, Taylor goes for the sweep and connects well and the ball rolls towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

23.4

.

Tossed up on middle and Taylor comes on the front foot and smothers the spin there.

Brendan Taylor is the new man in.

23.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Early breakthrough for the Lankans on Day 4. This is what they would have wanted. Embuldeniya is the man to provide it. Embuldeniya floats one around off, it pitches and turns away. Chakabva goes at it lazily with soft hands only for the ball to take the outside edge. It flies towards first slip where Kusal Mendis accepts it gleefully. Sri Lanka would now look to push the Zimbabwe batsmen on the back foot by striking at regular intervals. Can they do it?

23.2

.

Another tossed up ball on middle and Chakabva is on the back foot as he plays it solidly.

23.1

.

Tossed up on middle, Chakabva pushes it back to the bowler off the front foot.

22.6

.

Length ball on off, Masvaure defends this one towards the off side. Maiden for Lakmal and he will look to continue this.

22.5

.

On the pads once again, flicked towards the man at square leg.

22.4

.

First time that the bowler has found the edge of the bat today. Length ball just outside off, angling in. Masvaure looks to defend but the ball goes off the outer half off the bat towards the man at gully on the bounce.

22.3

.

Lakmal now bowls a good length ball on middle and off, it is pushed down to the man at mid on.

22.2

.

This time on the pads by Lakmal, Masvaure works this one towards the leg side.

22.1

.

Length ball on middle and off, angling in. Masvaure defends it back towards the bowler.

21.6

.

Slightly shorter and on middle, Chakabva pushes it off the back foot towards the off side.

21.5

1

Floated on off, Masvaure drives it straight down the ground. The bowler dives to his left in his followthrough but he fails to field it cleanly. The ball rolls towards mid off and the batsmen take a single.

21.4

.

Tossed up around middle and off, Prince drives it towards the cover region.

21.3

.

Once again pushed quicker on off, Prince blocks it off the front foot.

21.2

.

Tossed up ball outside off. Masvaure comes on the front foot and blocks it off the front foot.

21.1

1

Floated delivery on off, Chakabva comes on the front foot and pushes it towards covers for a run.

Lasith Embuldeniya to bowl from the other end.

20.6

.

BEATEN! Kumara starts with a full ball outside off, Masvaure goes for the forward push but without feet movement and the ball sneaks past the outside edge off the bat. Lazy from Prince there.

We are about to begin Day 4 and the morning session will be crucial for both the teams. Zimbabwe are effectively 175/1 and their two overnight batsmen, Regis Chakabva and Prince Masvaure will resume their innings. Lahiru Kumara will start off the proceedings for the day with one ball remaining of his last over.

Pitch report - Tino Mawayo is down for the pitch report. He says that on the golf course end, only 6 wickets have fallen and that is a very interesting thing as on the Club End, there is very thick, almost root like grass on the surface. 14 wickets have fallen on that end off which 12 have gone to the spinners. Adds it will especially trouble the left-handers. Ends by saying that the conditions are good for cricket right now but it seems that rain might come in later.

Hello and welcome to the fourth day of the second Test match between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. This can prove to be the most pivotal day in the Test and it might as well decide who will win this match. In a surprising turn of events, Zimbabwe have turned up against the Lankans and have given them a run for their money. Right now, the hosts have a lead of 175 runs while also having 9 wickets in hand. On Day 3, Sikandar Raza ran riot as he destroyed the Sri Lankan batting line up by taking 7 wickets. On Day 4, Zimbabwe will be looking to maximize their lead and give the Lankans a hefty target to chase down. As for Sri Lanka, they would like to take wickets in a heap and put pressure on the hosts. An intriguing day awaits!

... Day 4, Session 1 ...

With 9 wickets still in the pocket for the hosts, they would look to play an aggressive brand of cricket and extend the lead beyond Sri Lanka's reach. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will hope that the morning session works in their favour and they get back in control of this Test by taking wickets in a heap. Day 4 promises to be a cracker as both teams will look to edge each other out. With early stumps on Day 3, play will start 25 minutes early. On Day 4, Thursday, the action will begin at 0935 local (0735 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!

Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe were all over Sri Lanka as Sikandar Raza blew them away by taking 7 wickets. The Zimbabwe bowling attack kept the Sri Lankan batsmen quiet and forced them to take risks. The credit also goes to the Zimbabwe pacers who bowled a probing line and length and choked the run flow. Apart from the 84-run stand between Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva, other batsmen failed to support Angelo Mathews in the middle. With pressure building and just the tail left to bat, Mathews fell after a well-fought fifty, his 35th in this format. Zimbabwe got a handy lead of 113 to play with and they capitalized on it by extending it to 175 by the end of Day 3.

Talking of the Sri Lankan bowling, they were a bit haywire with their lines and lengths. They kept on bowling outside off which did not trouble the Zimbabwe batters at all. Vishwa Fernando was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors as he took a wicket in his five overs and bowled tidy lines. It will be interesting to see what will happen on Day 4 with Zimbabwe batting well in their home conditions and the Lankans coming out fresh after a break.

After bowling Sri Lanka out in the extended second session, Zimbabwe came out to bat with a lot of intent after the Tea Break. The Zimbabwe openers, Prince Masvaure and Craig Ervine started the innings watchfully. Playing each and every ball on its merit. But Craig Ervine's stay at the crease was cut short as he edged one to the keeper. However, after that, the duo of Masvaure and Chakabva weathered the storm and kept the game control in Zimbabwe's hand until the storm literally came in and no more play was possible.

Yes, that will be it! The umpires have called for Stumps on Day 3 with rain interrupting play. It has been a good day of cricket and Zimbabwe will be the happier side going into Day 4.

Update 1445 Local (1645 GMT) - Oh, oh! Bad news is here as the dark clouds have started doing its work and rain has started to pour down. The groundsmen predicted it early on and were ready with the covers and now they are rushing with them to spread it across the pitch.

20.5

.

Another quicker delivery on off, Masvaure gets an inside edge on this as he looks to defend.

20.4

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

20.3

3

Good fielding! Dhananjaya de Silva is the man! Quicker delivery outside off, Chakabva plays this one towards cover-point. The ball is racing to the fence but de Silva chases it and keeps the ball in play. The batters take three runs.

20.2

.

On middle and leg, defended back towards the bowler.

20.1

.

Length ball just outside the off stump, near the fifth pole line, Chakabva makes a confident leave.

19.6

.

On middle and leg, worked towards the man at mid on.

19.5

1

Another flatter delivery on off, Chakabva has pushed this one down the ground towards long off for a single.

19.4

.

Flatter delivery on middle and off, Chakabva defends this one towards the off side.

19.3

2

Tossed up delivery on middle and off, Chakabva paddles this one down to fine leg for a couple.

19.2

.

On the pads, flicked towards the leg side.

19.1

3

Embuldeniya starts with a shortish delivery on off, Masvaure rocks back and looks to cut but the ball goes off the edge towards third man for three runs.

Lasith Embuldeniya is into the attack now. Also, it is getting dark out there and perhaps that is why, the spinner has come on.

18.6

.

Another one on a back of a length, defended towards the off side.

18.5

.

Good length ball on middle and off, Chakabva defends this one towards the off side.

18.4

.

Length ball outside off, left alone.

18.3

4

FOUR! Good shot! Bouncer on middle and leg, Chakabva stands tall and pulls this one towards square leg for a boundary.

18.2

.

Length ball just outside off, played towards the man at point.

18.1

.

Length ball on middle and off, defended off the back foot.

17.6

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

17.5

.

Short and outside off once again, Prince cuts it to point.

17.4

4

FOUR! Short and outside off, Masvaure cuts it powerfully through point and fetches a boundary.

17.3

2

Full and on the pads, Prince flicks it off the pads towards mid-wicket for a couple.

17.2

.

Short ball on off, Prince cuts it point.

17.1

.

Full ball on middle and leg, Prince flicks it to mid-wicket.

16.6

1

Full and angled on the pads, Prince flicks it towards square leg and keeps the strike.

16.5

.

Masvaure looks to flick this full ball off his pads but gets beaten and gets it off the pads.

16.4

2

Short ball on off, Prince opens the bat face and steers it past gully. The batsmen get a couple.

16.3

.

Full ball outside off, Mavaure drives it to mid off.

16.2

.

Short ball down the leg, Prince lets it be.

16.1

.

Kumara bowls on a length ball and on off, Prince keeps it out.

15.6

.

Full and into the pads, Chakabva flicks it to mid-wicket.

15.5

.

Good length ball outside off, Chakabva is in no hurry to play it. He lets it be.

15.4

.

Length ball leaving the batsman outside off, Regis shoulders arms to it.

15.3

.

That's well played. Back of a length ball on off, Regis goes on his toes and blocks it of the back foot.

15.2

2

Short and wide outside off, Chakabva cuts it off the back foot towards point and takes a couple.

15.1

.

Length ball outside off, Chakabva lifts his bat and watches the ball closely as it sails past him.

Drinks break! Zimbabwe have coasted along nicely. They though lost Ervine but have still looked solid in their batting. Sri Lankan bowling has tried everything but to not much success. How will the last hour pan out? Who will have the upper hand ? To know stay tuned.

14.6

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Prince taps it back to the bowler off the back foot.

14.5

.

Another ball which is bowled full and on middle, Prince blocks it off the back foot towards the leg side.

14.4

.

Back of a length ball around off, Prince hops and keeps it out towards point.

14.3

.

Full and angled on off, Prince blocks it to covers.

14.2

.

Kumara bowls one down the leg side and Prince lets it be.

14.1

.

Length ball outside off, Masvaure defends it off the front foot towards covers.

Lahiru Kumara is on!

Out comes the meter again but once again the umpire feels it is fine and they continue.

13.6

.

Full and on off, Regis blocks it off the front foot towards covers.

13.5

.

BEATEN! Length ball around off, leaves the batsman there. Chakabva looks to defend it but the ball goes past the outside edge and into the mitts of the keeper.

13.4

.

Length and outside off, Regis defends it off the front foot towards covers.

13.3

.

On a fuller length and on middle, Chakabva pushes it off the front foot towards mid on.

13.2

.

Fuller in length and on off, Chakabva taps it back to the bowler.

13.1

.

Full ball on off, Regis drives it off the back foot towards mid on.

The light meter is out! The umpire is taking a reading. They feel its fine and they decide to continue.

12.6

1

Chakabva drives this full ball straight down the ground towards long off. The batsmen cross ends.

12.5

.

Length ball on off, pushed off the back foot towards mid on.

12.4

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Lakmal bowls one down the leg side and Chakabva misses his flick. The ball kisses the pads and runs to the fine leg fence.

12.3

.

Full ball on off, tapped towards mid on.

12.2

.

Back of a length ball on off, Chakabva taps it to the leg side off the back foot.

12.1

.

Length and around off, Regis shoulders arms to it.

11.6

.

Good length ball around off, Prince has a feel for it as the ball goes past the outside edge.

11.5

1

Chakabva flicks this length ball off his pads towards mid-wicket and takes the single this time.

11.4

.

Length and outside off, Chakabva lets it be.

11.3

.

Length ball on off, Chakabva taps it towards covers and looks for a single but his partner is not interested.

Regis Chakabva is the new man in.

11.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Ervine's dogged stay at the crease comes to an end. Fernando bowls one on a length and outside off, Ervine goes chasing at it only to get a faint edge towards the keeper. Dickwella appeals and the umpire gives it out. First breakthrough for Sri Lanka and they would like to take a couple more before today's play ends.

11.1

.

Full and on off, Ervine blocks it off the front foot to the off side.

10.6

.

On the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket.

10.5

.

The batsman gets a bottom edge which goes to the keeper on the bounce.

10.4

.

Brilliant bowling! An inswinging yorker on middle, the batter gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.

10.3

.

On off, kept out.

Dickwella has some problem with his right hand. The physio is out to have a look.

10.2

.

Just outside off, it is left alone.

10.1

.

Good length and on off, it is kept out.

9.6

.

Back of a length ball on off, Ervine blocks it off the back foot.

9.5

.

Another ball that keeps low. Ervine once again goes chasing behind this length ball outside off but it sneaks past the outside edge.

9.4

.

Full ball outside off, it pitches and keeps low. Ervine looks to lay bat on ball but he misses the line of the delivery and it goes past the outside edge.

9.3

.

Ervine blocks this length ball outside off towards the off side.

9.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Ervine defends it off the back foot.

9.1

.

Back of a length ball on off, Ervine punches it off the back foot towards covers.

Vishwa Fernando comes on to bowl now.

8.6

.

Length ball outside off, Prince lets it be.

8.5

1

Ervine drives this full ball on off towards mid off and takes a run.

8.4

.

Another length ball outside off, Ervine shoulders arms it.

8.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

8.2

.

Another length ball on off, Ervine blocks it off the front foot.

8.1

.

Ervine defends this length ball on off towards covers.

7.6

.

Tossed up ball on middle, defended off the front foot.

7.5

1

Ervine pushes this full ball off his pads towards mid on for a single.

7.4

4

FOUR! Sublime shot! Ervine now drives this full ball on middle and off straight down the ground. The ball races away to the long off fence.

7.3

2

Tossed up on off, Ervine lofts it by coming on the front foot towards mid-wicket. He gets a couple by the time the fielder mops it up.

7.2

1

Edged but wide of the slip cordon! Prince looks to block this tossed up ball outside off. The ball takes the outside edge and goes towards the third man region. The batsmen take a run.

7.1

.

Tossed up delivery, spinning away, it is pitched outside off, Prince pushes it to covers.

6.6

.

Fullish delivery on off, pushed to cover.

6.5

.

Good length ball outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to this one.

6.4

.

Full delivery on off, Ervine defends it to mid off.

6.3

1

Good length ball on middle, Prince tucks it towards square leg for a single.

6.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Masvaure pushes it down to mid on.

6.1

.

Full delivery on the pads, Masvaure looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. There is a mild appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire.

5.6

.

Floated outside off, spinning away, Ervine lets it be.

5.5

.

Floated on off, Ervine defends it off the front foot.

5.4

.

Ervine blocks this tossed up ball off the back foot towards the off side.

5.3

.

Tossed up on off, defended off the back foot.

5.2

.

Edged but safe! Ervine prods froward to this tossed up ball on off, the ball spins away and takes the outside edge and rolls towards the slips.

5.1

.

Tossed up ball on off, Ervine blocks it off the back foot towards the off side.

4.6

.

Length ball on off, blocked off the back foot.

4.5

.

Back of a length ball on off, Prince rides the bounce and defends it towards the off side.

4.4

1lb

Another one which is bowled on the pads, Ervine looks to flick it again but this time gets beaten and is hit high on the thigh pad. The ball rolls towards the leg side. The batters take a leg bye.

4.3

2

Full and on the pads, Ervine flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a couple.

4.2

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Lakmal strays on the pads and Ervine goes for the flick. He misses it and the ball kisses the pads and runs towards fine leg fence. The umpire gives it as leg byes.

4.1

.

Length ball outside off, Ervine lets it be.

3.6

1

Ervine pushes this tossed up ball towards mid off and gets to the other end. Keeps strike for the next over.

3.5

.

Ervine plays this tossed up ball towards the off side.

3.4

.

Tossed up on off, kept out.

3.3

1

Prince drives this full ball towards mid off and gets a single.

3.2

6

SIX! Handsomely hit! Tossed up on middle and off, Masvaure does well to loft this one over the long off region and bag a maximum.

3.1

1

Tossed up ball on off, Ervine drives to mid off and gets to the other end.

2.6

1

Full once again outside off, Ervine taps it through covers and retains the strike.

2.5

.

Full on off, Ervine blocks it off the front foot towards covers.

2.4

.

Another length ball outside off, Ervine is happy leaving it.

2.3

.

Good length delivery outside off, Ervine lets it be.

2.2

.

BEATEN! Another play and a miss. Ervine goes for the drive to this length ball outside off but fails to get any bat on it.

2.1

.

BEATEN! On a length and outside off, Ervine looks to steer it towards third man. He gets beaten and the ball goes past the outside edge and towards the keeper.

1.6

.

Masvaure comes onto the front foot and defends this tossed up ball on off.

1.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, defended out.

1.4

.

Masvaure prods forward and defends this off the front foot and onto the turf.

1.3

.

Floated outside off, left alone.

1.2

.

Masvaure has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

1.1

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

0.6

.

Fuller in length and outside off, Ervine drives it to covers.

0.5

.

Length ball outside off, Ervine leaves it with ease.

0.4

.

Back of a length ball on off, pushed off the back foot towards covers.

0.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

0.2

1

Full and on middle, Prince flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

0.1

4

FOUR! Overpitched on off, Prince shows the makers name as he drives it straight down the ground towards long off. The ball goes for a boundary. What a start for Zimbabwe.

Welcome back for the evening session. The Zimbabwean openers will be out soon to begin their second innings. It's Prince Masvaure who has Craig Ervine as the partner. Kevin Kasuza got injured early this morning and suffered a concussion. We are hearing that Timycen Maruma is the concussion substitute. Suranga Lakmal to kickoff proceedings. 32 overs left in the day's play.

... DAY 3, THIRD SESSION ...

Tea has been taken on Day 3! Zimbabwe will be oozing with confidence and would like to transfer that into their batting innings. They are effectively 113/0 and would hope to bat the Lankans out of the match. Do join us in a short while for the evening session!

Zimbabwe were brilliant in the field, especially today. They did look off-colour last afternoon but didn't waste much time in striking the right chord. Carl Mumba and Victor Nyauchi were impressive in their spells while Donald Tiripano did superbly to tie one end up. Debutant Tinotenda Mutombodzi was a major disappointment on a helpful wicket but still Zimbabwe would be hopeful that he gets his rhythm right in the second essay.

Replying to Zimbabwe's big first innings' total, the Lankan openers put together a 94-run stand to lay the foundation. But since the Tea break on Day 2, the hosts got good control on the game mainly due to the efficient bowling by Sikandar Raza. The offie kept on pegging the Lankans back at regular intervals. Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya did form an alliance this morning to thread a 84-run stand but a poor shot selection led to Dhananjaya's wicket and the Sri Lankan innings nosedived from thereon. Had Vishwa Fernando not scored 38 and added 25 runs for the final wicket, the lead conceded would have been even bigger.

Magnificent bowling performance by Zimbabwe! Sikandar Raza was the destroyer-in-chief for Sri Lanka as he hunted down 7 wickets and never allowed the visitors to get back on track.

119.5

W

OUT! The last wicket has come at last for Zimbabwe as they break the 67- ball stand which added 25 runs. Back of a length delivery outside off, Fernando stands back to force it through the line but gets a fat outside edge behind. Chakabva dives across to his right and takes a terrific catch. Sri Lanka all out for 293!

119.4

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

119.3

.

Gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks.

119.2

.

Vishwa has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

119.1

3

Fullish and outside off, Kumara drives it nicely through covers for three runs.

Afternoon session extended! Zimbabwe have taken the extra 30 minutes in the session to pick the last wicket.

118.6

.

Allows the ball to spin back in and punches it to covers.

118.5

.

An arm ball yorker on middle, Fernando falls over a bit as he digs it out to safety.

118.4

.

Floated ball on off, defended off the front foot.

118.3

.

Again an attempted leg spinner by Raza goes wrong. It's short and down the leg side, Vishwa tries to pull but misses.

118.2

.

Extra flight on this ball, the length is full and has been driven straight to covers.

118.1

.

Too full in length on off, Fernando presses forward and defends it to the off side.

117.6

.

Fuller ball on off, Kuamra pushes off the outside half of the bat towards point.

117.5

.

Length and around off, Kuamra defends it off the back foot towards mid off.

117.4

.

Back of a length ball on off, Kumara blocks it towards covers.

117.3

.

Length ball on off, Kumara defends the ball right under his eyes off the front foot.

117.2

.

Back of a length ball on off, Kumara defends it towards covers off the back foot.

117.1

.

Length ball around off, Kumara defends it off the back foot towards covers.

Victor Nyauchi (21-6-37-0) is back for another spell. The last wicket stand is worth 22 runs and is frustrating the home team.

116.6

.

Turning into the batsman from a fuller length around middle, Fernando tries to defend but it takes the inner half and rolls wide of short leg.

116.5

.

Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

116.4

.

Goes on the back foot to a short ball and forces it out to covers.

116.3

.

Fullish ball on off, Vishwa defends it off his front foot.

116.2

2

Flatter and shorter delivery outside off, Fernando rocks back to punch it through covers but it takes the outer half of his willow and runs down to third man for two.

116.1

.

Play and a miss! That's not too far away from the stumps. Tossed up ball landing outside off and spinning in a bit, Fernando swings his bat at it and misses.

115.6

.

Floated ball on off and middle, Kumara blocks it off the front foot to the off side.

115.5

1

Tossed up around off, Fernando pushes it through covers and scampers for a single.

115.4

.

Flighted ball on middle, Fernando pushes it off the back foot to the leg side.

115.3

.

Tossed up outside off, Fernando looks to defend it but the ball beats the outside edge and goes to the keeper.

115.2

4

FOUR! Pitched up ball on middle, Fernando lofts it over the bowler and the ball rolls behind to the fence.

115.1

.

Tossed up on off, Fernando comes on the front foot and dead-bats it.

114.6

.

Tossed up on middle, Kumara prods to defend but is beaten to get rapped high on the pads.

114.5

.

Tossed up on middle, Kumara blocks it off the front foot.

114.4

1

Tossed up ball and on off, pushed to covers for a run.

114.3

.

This time gets it a bit fuller and on middle, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

114.2

.

Tossed up on leg, Fernando leaves it alone.

114.1

.

Coming from round the wicket. Raza tosses one up on middle and gets it to spin towards the batsman. Vishwa looks to defend it but the ball bounces a bit and beats the bat to hit the thigh pad.

113.6

.

Once again the length is quite full around off, Kumara is forward in defense.

113.5

.

Too full in length on middle, Kumara strides forward and jams it out.

113.4

1

Drags it short this time, outside off, Fernando punches it to sweeper cover for a run.

113.3

.

Action replay of the previous delivery. Mutombodzi is settling into a good rhythm.

113.2

.

Beaten! This time the length is full and the line is around off, drawing the batsman forward but then it spins away to beat the outside edge.

113.1

.

A leg spinner outside off, Fernando sticks back and allows it through.

112.6

.

Another tossed up ball on off which has been dead-batted by Kumara.

112.5

.

Raza goes full and on off, Kumara defends it off the front foot to the off side.

112.4

.

Slightly shorter in length and on off, Kumara defends it off the back foot.

112.3

1

Floated on middle and off, Fernando come on the front foot and keeps the ball out.

112.2

.

Tossed up on off, Fernando prods forward and smothers the spin.

112.1

2

Short ball outside off, Fernando cuts it to point and takes a couple.

111.6

.

Another full ball on off, Kumara defends it off the front foot.

111.5

.

Full and spinning in, Kumara keeps the bat pad together and defends it.

111.4

.

Another leg spinner on off, Kumara presents the full face of the bat this time.

111.3

.

Leg spinner on middle, Kumara defends it off the front foot.

111.2

.

Short ball spinning on middle and leg, Kumara pulls it to mid-wicket.

111.1

1

Full and outside off, Fernando smashes one straight to the bowler who misfields. The ball rolls towards mid off and the batsmen take a run.

110.6

1

Loopy and full around off, Vishwa pushes it gently to the left of the cover fielder and retains strike.

110.5

.

Tossed up ball on off, Fernando defends it back off his front foot.

110.4

.

Stretches forward to a full ball and flicks it with the spin to mid-wicket.

110.3

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

110.2

.

Spinning down the leg side, Vishwa lets it be.

110.1

.

Short in length and outside off, punched from the back foot to covers.

109.6

.

Full ball once again in the area outside off, Kumara blocks it off the front foot towards covers.

109.5

.

Full on off, Kumara defends it off the back foot towards point.

109.4

1

Tossed up leg spinner, Fernando punches the ball off the back foot through cover-point for a single.

109.3

4

FOUR! Full ball from Mutombodzi. Fernando lofts it straight over mid off and the ball rolls to the fence.

109.2

.

Full on off, Fernando pushes it back to the bowler off the front foot.

109.1

2

Tossed up ball spinning away outside off, Fernando drives it through covers. The fielder from extra cover looks to field it but fumbles there. A couple taken.

108.6

1

Direct hit would have been all over for Sri Lanka! A very full ball outside off, Fernando pushes it to covers and sets off for a run. His partner is hesitant initially but then rushes across. The fielder has his shy at the striker's end but misses. The replays show that had Chakabva collected the ball cleanly then also Lahiru would have been a goner. End of an eventful over!

108.5

.

Floated off spinner outside off, full and spinning in, Fernando defends it back.

Lahiru Kumara is the last batsman.

108.4

W

OUT! Raza runs in joy for the seventh time! What a bowler! Pressure was mounting and the lower order batsmen don't often have the patience or skills to deal with it. Embuldeniya jumps down the track to break the shackles but ends up throwing his wicket away. A flighted full ball on middle, Lasith dances down the track to play a lofted shot over the bowler but mistimes it in the air. Mudzinganyama (sub) moves across to his left from mid off and takes the catch safely. Sri Lanka trail by 138 runs.

108.3

.

Lunges to a full ball around off and defends it solidly.

108.2

.

Short in length and outside off, Embuldeniya goes back and mistimes his square cut on the off side.

108.1

.

Full and flighted on middle, defended back to the bowler.

107.6

.

Floated around off, Fernando punches the ball off the back foot towards point.

107.5

.

Tossed up outside off, straighter one too. Fernando blocks it off the back foot.

107.4

.

Short and on middle, Fernando pulls it towards mid-wicket and finds the fielder.

107.3

.

Leg spinner once again but outside off, Fernando leaves it alone.

107.2

2b

Yorker outside off, Fernando looks to push it off the back foot but the ball sneaks past the inside of the bat and rolls past the off stump. The keeper too is unaware of where the ball has headed. The fielder from the slip runs behind towards fine leg and mops it up. The batsmen take a couple. Byes given.

107.1

.

Leg spinner outside off, spinning away, Fernando lets it be.

Rinotenda Mutombodzi is on now. 7-0-34-0 are his figures so far.

106.6

.

Unplayable! Beauty to end the over. Floated ball landing full on middle, Lasith leans forward to defend but it grips and turns away to beat the outside edge.

106.5

.

Quicker around off, short and skidding in, Embuldeniya is on the back foot in defense.

106.4

.

Presses forward to a full ball and plays it with the spin. Finds mid off.

106.3

.

Flatter and around off, defended from the back foot to the off side.

106.2

.

Fullish and on off, pushed off the front foot to mid off.

106.1

.

Tossed up ball outside off, Lasith drives it off his front foot to mid off.

105.6

.

Serves it on a length around off, Vishwa defends it off his front foot.

105.5

.

On the pads, helped on the leg side but straight to mid-wicket.

105.4

.

Vishwa has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

105.3

.

Fullish and outside off, pushed to covers.

105.2

4

FOUR! Shortish and outside off, Fernando smashes it through point and fetches a boundary.

105.1

.

COMEDY OF ERRORS! Complete hara-kiri! Horrible miscommunication but luckily for Sri Lanka no harm done. Good length delivery around off, Vishwa taps it down towards cover-point and looks for a run. His partner also steps out but then both are ball-watching. They soon realize that they are standing in the middle of the pitch and have to make a move on. Meanwhile, a very poor throw comes, in the middle of the pitch which the keeper collects after running forward. Chakabva turns to have a shy at his end but misses and Vishwa survives. One of the slip fielders backs up the throw and also has a shy at the non-striker's end but the bowler fails to collect it cleanly. Embuldeniya reaches safely as well. So much drama for zero run and it's very poor cricket all around by both teams.

104.6

.

Fullish and on off, pushed off the front foot to short extra cover.

104.5

.

Quicker arm ball around middle, Lasith defends it from the crease to the off side.

104.4

.

Swing and a miss! Floated off spinner landing full outside off, Embuldeniya tries to slog sweep but fails to connect.

104.3

3

Lucky runs. Full and flighted outside off, Fernando outside edges his attempted drive to third man for three runs.

104.2

.

Flatter and on off, defended solidly from the crease.

104.1

.

Short in length and around off, spinning back in, Fernando goes deep inside the crease and somehow keeps it out from the inner half of his bat. Got cramped up completely.

103.6

.

Beaten! Tiripano puts it on a length and outside off, LE pushes inside the line and gets beaten due to the angle of the bowler.

103.5

.

Bouncer around off, Lasith ducks at the last moment.

103.4

.

Pitches it up and around off, Embuldeniya drives it off his front foot to mid off.

103.3

.

Closer to the off stump, on a length, Embuldeniya covers the line and dead-bats it.

103.2

.

Angling away from the batsman, on a length, Lasith has nothing to do with it.

103.1

.

Good length ball on off, angling away, Embuldeniya stays back and pushes it with an angled bat to cover-point.

102.6

.

EDGED! But short. Fernando is lucky there. Raza gives this one more air and lands it a bit fuller around off. Fernando pushes at it from within the crease. The ball goes straight on and takes the outside edge. It goes towards the first slip fielder where Taylor goes for the catch but the ball bounces just in front of him.

102.5

.

Raza bowls one fuller but the line is down the leg side. Fernando does not fiddle with it and lets it through.

102.4

.

Tossed up ball on middle and leg, further pushing the batsman in the crease. Fernando does well to keep it out right under his eyes.

102.3

.

Tossed up on off, Fernando defends it off the back foot towards short leg.

102.2

.

Tossed up and on middle, Fernando punches it off the back foot towards mid-wicket.

102.1

.

Tossed up and on off, Fernando pushes it to the off side off the front foot.

Drinks break. Powered by Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe continue to march on in this Test match and the first hour after Lunch has been really fruitful for them. Three wickets so far and they have forced Sri Lanka into a corner. They are on their way to gain a handy lead but cannot afford to relax as these days removing the tail has become quite frustrating for the bowlers.

101.6

.

Hurls across a length ball outside off, Embuldeniya allows it through to complete the over.

101.5

.

A good-looking cover drive by Lasith but the short cover fielder dives to his left to stop the racing ball.

101.4

.

What a delivery! Tiripano serves full length ball around off and takes it away with the angle, Embuldeniya stays back to push inside the line and misses.

101.3

1

Sliding down the leg side, Fernando tickles it towards square leg for a run.

101.2

4

FOUR! The deficit drops down below 150! Back of a length delivery outside off, Fernando stays back to punch it through the line but it takes the outer edge and beats the diving gully fielder for a boundary.

101.1

.

Good length delivery outside off, Fernando allows it through to the keeper.

Donald Tiripano (21-11-21-1) is back into the attack. It will be fitting for him to pick a few wickets. Has worked really hard in this innings and has been very miser.

100.6

.

Lovely delivery to beat the outside edge. Drifting into the batsman around off, Lasith prods forward to defend but it spins away to beat him completely.

100.5

2

Fine shot! Floated full ball around off, Embuldeniya charges down the track and lifts it over covers for a couple of runs.

100.4

1lb

Spinning back into the batsman from around off, Vishwa stands back to defend but misses. It deflects off his pads towards the right of first slip. They steal a leg bye.

100.3

1

Skidding down the leg side, Embuldeniya tucks it behind square leg and rotates the strike.

100.2

.

Very full in length on middle, it's driven back to the bowler.

100.1

.

Flighted ball close to off, on the shorter side and spinning away, Lasith moves back and pushes inside the line. It takes a soft outside edge and goes past first slip to short third man.

99.6

.

Another delivery which is bowled in the channel around off, Fernando does well to block it off the front foot.

99.5

.

Fuller in length and coming into the batsman. Fernando pushes it off the front foot this time. Mumba has been warned for running on the danger area. This is his second warning we are hearing, so one more such instance and he won't be able to bowl in this innings.

99.4

.

Third leave in a row. Length ball but way outside off, Fernando does not play at it.

99.3

.

On a good length and outside off, a little bit of movement, Fernando lets it go.

99.2

.

Length ball outside off, Fernando lets it be.

99.1

.

On a fuller length and around off, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

98.6

.

Tossed up ball on off, Embuldeniya defends it off the back foot.

98.5

.

That ball has a lot of spin on it. It is tossed up outside off, it spins away from the batsman but Lasith does well to block it.

98.4

.

Tossed up outside off, Lasith lets it be.

98.3

.

Tossed up on off, Lasith prods forward and dead-bats it.

98.2

.

Full once again on the pads, pushed back to the bowler.

98.1

2

Full ball angled into the pads, Lasith squeezes it towards mid-wicket and gets a couple.

97.6

.

Slips a length ball down the leg side, Vishwa allows it through to the keeper. End of a successful over for Mumba!

97.5

.

Bouncer on middle, Vishwa ducks at the last moment.

97.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

97.3

4

EDGY FOUR! Sri Lanka won't mind how the runs come as long as they come. Fullish delivery outside off, shaping away a hint, Fernando leans forward to drive but it takes the outer half and races through the gap between slips and gully for a boundary.

97.2

.

Angles in a length ball on off, it's defended off the front foot by Vishwa.

Vishwa Fernando is the new batsman.

97.1

W

OUT! Body blow to Sri Lanka as the last recognized batsman is strangled down the leg side. Mumba hunts down the big fish, although with a harmless delivery. It's a touch short and drifting down the leg side, Mathews shuffles across to work it off his pads but gets a gentle inside edge behind. Chakabva grabs it with ease and they all run in appeal. The finger has gone up and a disappointed Mathews is on his way back. Sri Lanka trail by 162 runs.

Carl Mumba (16-3-39-1) is back on.

96.6

.

Tossed up around off, Lasith blocks to the off side.

96.5

1

Loopy ball, straighter on off, Mathews plays for the spin and ends up edging it behind. It goes wide of first slip and they collect a single.

96.4

.

Short and wide outside off, Mathews goes for the cut through point. But the ball bounces a bit there and it beats the batsman on the outside edge.

96.3

.

Tossed up and on middle, Mathews pushes the ball off the back foot towards mid-wicket.

96.2

.

Floated ball but down the leg side, Mathews attempts to lay bat on ball but misses it. The keeper does the rest.

96.1

.

Tossed up and straighter on middle and off, Mathews prods forward and dead-bats it.

95.6

.

Lets the ball go outside his off stump.

95.5

.

Switches to 'round the wicket for the left-hander and slants in a full ball on off, Embuldeniya defends it to the off side.

95.4

1

Very full this time, outside off, Mathews drives it down to long off for a run.

95.3

.

Angles in a full ball on off, Angelo presses forward and defends it back.

95.2

.

Back of a length delivery outside off, Mathews rocks back to cut but fails to beat the diving gully fielder.

95.1

.

A length ball outside off, Angelo gets forward and pushes it to point.

94.6

.

Tossed up once again on off and Lasith defends it off the back foot.

94.5

.

OH! A ripper there. Lots of turn on it. It is pitched on off and then the ball spins away. Lasith looks to defend it only to gets beaten by the away spin.

94.4

.

Full and angled into the left-hander. Embuldeniya dead-bats it off the front foot.

Lasith Embuldeniya is the new man in.

94.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Lakmal goes now. Raza is making a mockery of the Sri Lankan batting. This is now his best Test effort. He tosses one around off and makes the ball to spin in towards the batsman. Lakmal looks to play the flick through mid-wicket but the ball goes uppishly towards the man there and Mutombodzi accepts it gleefully. Mathews is running out of partners. Sri Lanka trail by 164 runs and are on the verge of conceding a big lead.

94.2

1

Floated ball on off, Mathews pushes it through cover-point and gets to the other end.

94.1

.

Tossed up outside off, coming in towards the batsman. Mathews defends it.

93.6

.

Full and outside off, Lakmal drives it straight to the man at mid off.

93.5

.

Length ball on off, pushed off the back foot towards the bowler.

93.4

.

Full on the pads, Lakmal looks to go for the flick but misses it. The ball rolls off the pads towards keeper who dives to his left and takes it.

93.3

.

Full ball on off, Lakmal drives it to covers where the fielder fields it.

93.2

.

Length ball in the channel outside off, Lakmal has a feel for it as the ball goes past the outside edge.

93.1

1

Length ball coming in towards off stump, Mathews defends it to mid-wicket off the back foot and takes a run.

92.6

1

Presses forward to a full ball and eases it with the spin to mid-wicket. It's to the right of the fielder and Angelo pinches a run to retain strike.

92.5

1b

Shortish and spinning down the leg side, Lakmal moves back to pull but misses. The keeper also fails to collect and they cross for a bye.

92.4

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

92.3

.

This time Lakmal properly covers the spin and defends it off his back foot.

92.2

.

Beauty of a delivery and it misses the off stump by a whisker. Lovely off break delivery, landing on a fuller length outside off and spinning back in sharply. Lakmal tries to drive it against the turn and gets beaten.

92.1

1

Allows the ball to spin back into the batsman and turns it in front of square leg for a single.

91.6

.

The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

91.5

.

Fullish and around off, Lakmal goes hard at it and it takes the inside edge before rapping him on the pads.

91.4

.

Pitches it up and around off, it's flicked on the leg side but once again straight to short mid-wicket.

91.3

.

Uses the angle of the bowler and works it off his pads to short mid-wicket.

91.2

.

False shot! Nyauchi serves it full and wide outside off, Lakmal goes chasing and misses. He needs to be sensible with his shot selection with Mathews at the other end. His plan should be to just partner him.

91.1

.

Good length ball around off, Lakmal stays back and punches it to the off side.

90.6

.

Tossed up and spinning in, Mathews prods forward and defends it.

90.5

1

Full ball on off, Lakmal drives it through mid on and takes a single.

90.4

2

Another ball which is on leg stump, easy pickings for Lakmal as he tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a couple.

90.3

2

Once again floated on leg, Lakmal tucks it along with the spin past square leg. The fielder there gives the chase and stops the ball. A couple taken.

90.2

.

Flighted ball on middle and leg, Lakmal tucks it with the spin towards square leg.

90.1

3

Tossed up ball outside off, Mathews drives the ball through covers. The fielder there gives the chase and just about manages to field the ball inside the rope. The batsmen though get three.

89.6

.

Length ball on off, blocked off the front foot.

89.5

.

Beaten! Length and outside off, Lakmal looks to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

89.4

.

Length ball outside off, Lakmal looks to defend it but gets an edge that rolls towards the keeper.

89.3

1

Full length ball outside off, Mathews drives it towards mid off and takes a run.

89.2

.

Length and on off, Mathews defends it to the off side.

89.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

88.6

.

Full on off, blocked off the back foot towards the off side. Successful over for Zimbabwe!

88.5

.

Once again tosses one up outside off, Lakmal is happy to defend it.

88.4

.

Full ball outside off, Lakmal pushes it to point.

88.3

.

Tossed up outside off, the ball spins in once again and Lakmal offers no shot to it. The ball hits the thigh pad.

Suranga Lakmal walks in to bat next.

88.2

W

OUT! LBW! Sikandar Raza has a 5-fer, his second in Tests. He tosses one up on off and gets it to come in with the angle. Dickwella goes for the sweep but misses and is hit on the pads. The bowler appeals there and the umpire gives it out. Easy call there for the umpire as Niroshan was pinged right in front of the stumps. What an asset Sikandar is for his team!

88.1

.

Tossed up on off, Dickwella goes on the back foot and plays the ball with the spin towards the leg side.

Sikandar Raza to bowl from the other end.

87.6

.

Length ball outside off, left alone.

87.5

.

BEATEN! Victor bowls one outside off and on a length, Mathews prods forward to defend but it nips away to beat the outside edge.

87.4

1

Length ball angled away outside off, Dickwella slaps it towards covers and gets to the other end.

87.3

1

Fuller in length and outside off, Mathews drives it through covers. The batsmen get a single only as Raza is quick to field the ball.

87.2

.

Length ball outside off, swinging away too. Mathews leaves it alone.

87.1

.

Full ball outside off, Mathews drives it straight to mid off.

Welcome back for the afternoon session. The Sri Lankans will be relieved that their crisis man Angelo Mathews is still out there fighting. He is accompanied by Niroshan Dickwella as the last recognized batsman in this Sri Lankan line-up. The visitors will hope that these two continue and help the side to first wipe of the deficit. On the other hand, Zimbabwe will want to take the remaining 5 wickets quickly and take a handy lead in the game. Victor Nyauchi to start the proceedings for the home team after the break.

... Day 3, Session 2 ...

The Islanders had their backs to the wall in the first hour after a couple of blows but the pair of Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva revived their innings with an 84-run stand. The duo batted with relative ease and notably targeted Sikandar Raza. Just at the stroke of Lunch, Dhananjaya ran out of patience and gifted his wicket away, thereby once again putting Sri Lanka on the back foot. The deficit for them is still 180 runs and the onus falls on Angelo Mathews and the lower order to bail them out. Do join us at 1240 local (1040 GMT) for the second session.

Zimbabwe's session mainly due to the wicket falling in the last over! Otherwise, it was a session of two halves! One enjoyed by Zimbabwe another by Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe started Day 3 on a positive note and consumed the wicket of Kusal Mendis early. Although that wicket cost them Kevin Kasuza who suffered a concussion after getting hit on the helmet while fielding at short leg. Soon after that Sikandar Raza sent Dinesh Chandimal packing and put Sri Lanka in a spot of bother.

86.6

.

Loopy full ball around off, Niroshan defends it from the inner half of his bat. LUNCH ON DAY 3!

86.5

.

Fullish and on middle, swept straight to short fine leg.

86.4

.

Tossed up ball on off, defended off the front foot.

Niroshan Dickwella walks in next to partner Mathews.

86.3

W

OUT! Bowled 'em! The golden-arm of Raza strikes again. A flatter short delivery around off, turning back in and staying a touch low as well, de Silva goes back to pull but is in no position to unveil that shot. He misses it completely and finds his off stump uprooted. Dhananjaya departs with a forlorn face and two more members of the Lankan team will be disappointed - Mathews, as his advice was not taken and Grant Flower, the batting coach. Unnecessary shot selection. The 84-run stand has been broken at the stroke of Lunch and Sri Lanka trail by 180 runs.

86.2

.

Swing and a miss! Flighted delivery outside off, turning back in, de Silva tries for the slog sweep again and misses. Mathews has a quiet word with him, maybe reminding him that Lunch is around the corner.

86.1

2

Collision in the deep! Flighted full ball on middle, de Silva goes down and slog sweeps it to deep mid-wicket. Two fielders converge and try to make a sliding stop near the fence and collide in the process. No harm done and the batsmen collect a couple of runs.

Sikandar Raza (26-4-83-3) is brought back into the attack at the stroke of Lunch.

85.6

.

Full ball on off once again and Mathews plays it off the back foot towards covers.

85.5

.

Full ball on off, Mathews plays is with a straight bat past the bowler but the fielder from mid on cuts it off by running to his left.

85.4

.

Full and angled on off, Mathews plays it off the front foot and towards the off side.

85.3

.

On a good length and outside off, Mathews is happy to leave it.

85.2

.

Length and outside off, going further away, Mathews lets it be.

85.1

4

FOUR! A rare bad ball from Tiripano. He bowls one on a length and way outside off, Mathews frees his arms and punches the ball through cover-point. The ball races to the fence in no time. That also brings up the fifty for Mathews, his 35th in Tests. He needs to continue though. Has been patiently playing the balls and leaving them. Got tested with short stuff too but has kept his cool and continues to play the ball on its merit.

84.6

4

FOUR! Full ball outside off, de Silva squeezes it out past gully and the ball races to the fence for a boundary. There is no third man in place to cut that off.

84.5

.

Full ball once again on the pads, de Silva flicks it to mid-wicket.

84.4

1

Full and on the pads, Mathews flicks it toward fine leg for a single.

84.3

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Mathews hops and plays it towards the off side.

84.2

.

Good length and around off, Mathews drives it straight to the man at mid off.

84.1

.

Full ball on off, Mathews drives it straight back past the bowler and the mid on fielder cleans it up. Excellent shot for nothing.

83.6

.

Length and around off, de Silva plays the perfect cover drive only for the fielder to field it.

83.5

4

FOUR! Too straight from Tiripano there. He bowls one on the pads and de Silva tucks it fine towards fine leg and the ball goes for a boundary. A rare bad ball by Donald!

83.4

.

Full and outside off, de Silva lets it be.

83.3

.

Back of a length ball on off, de Silva punches it off the back foot to the off side.

83.2

1

Length ball on middle, Mathews drives one through mid on and takes a run.

83.1

.

Full and outside off, no swing on that, Mathews defends it off the front foot.

82.6

.

Appeal for LBW! The umpire is not interested. Mumba bowls on a length and de Silva looks to flick it but he fails in the attempt and is rapped on the pads. The bowler appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Maybe, height was an issue there.

82.5

.

Full and on middle, de Silva flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.

82.4

.

Length ball on middle, de Silva drives it to find mid on.

82.3

.

Yorker on middle, de Silva does well to dig it out towards the leg side.

82.2

.

Length ball going way outside off, de Silva lets it be.

82.1

1

Full and targeting the pads, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

81.6

1

Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Mathews hops and tucks it towards fine leg to retain the strike.

81.5

.

Full and outside off, kept out to the off side.

81.4

2

Now bowls one on a length and outside off, shaping away a bit. Mathews goes for the drive only to get a thick outside edge through gully. The fielder from point gives the chase and keeps the batsmen down to two. Sri Lanka have avoided the follow-on!

81.3

.

Nip-backer outside off, Mathews looks to play away from his body and leaves a big gap between bat and pad. The ball sneaks through it and goes to the left of the keeper.

81.2

.

Length ball angled onto the pads, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.

81.1

.

Full and straight on off, driven towards mid on.

Donald Tiripano to share the second new ball. 18-11-9-1 are his figures, so far.

80.6

4

FOUR! Fine shot! Good use of the wrists by Dhananjaya! Mumba is very full with his length around off, de Silva leans forward and across before flicking it through the gap between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.

80.5

.

Yorker on off, de Silva digs it out to point.

80.4

.

Mumba gets fuller and around off, Dhananjaya plays a delightful cover drive but finds the fielder. Good shot for nothing!

80.3

.

This one is served on a good length and outside off, an easy leave for the batsman.

80.2

.

Fuller length ball on off, shaping back in a bit, de Silva brings down a straight bat in defense.

80.1

2

A very full delivery outside off, Dhananjaya squeezes it out through covers and scampers back for the second run.

SECOND NEW BALL IS TAKEN! Carl Mumba (13-3-27-0) to make the first use of it.

79.6

1

Fuller on middle and leg, de Silva drives it towards mid on and retains the strike. 200 up for Sri Lanka.

79.5

.

Leg spinner on off, de Silva is happy to block it off the back foot.

79.4

1

Tossed up ball on off, it goes straighter this time, Mathews drives it towards mid off and hares for a run.

79.3

1

Tossed up around middle and leg, spinning in, de Silva flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

79.2

.

Beauty of a nut. Mutombodzi bowls a tossed up ball on off, it spins past the forward prod of the batsman and beats him on the outside edge.

79.1

.

Full and straighter on off, de Silva defends it off the back foot.

78.6

.

Full ball on the pads, Mathews tucks it to the leg side.

78.5

.

Full on the pads, driven to mid on.

78.4

.

Full and down the leg side, Mathews tucks it to square leg.

78.3

.

Full and angled on the pads, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.

78.2

1

Tossed up ball around middle and leg, de Silva tucks it towards mid-wicket and goes to the other end.

78.1

2

Tossed up ball outside off, de Silva cuts it through point and takes a couple.

77.6

.

Short and wide outside off, cut straight to point. Another dismal over by the debutant leggie.

77.5

2

A full toss on middle, knocked down to wide long on for a brace. 50-run stand comes up between the two!

77.4

1

Driven towards the mid on region. They pick up a single.

77.3

.

Leans forward to a full ball and drives it back to the bowler.

77.2

1

Flatter and shorter outside off, punched to sweeper cover for one.

77.1

.

Outside off, Mathews flashes and misses.

Tinotenda Mutombodzi to roll his arm over. 5-0-27-0 are his figures so far.

76.6

.

Fuller and on middle and leg, tucked to mid-wicket.

76.5

.

Off spinner on middle and leg, de Silva tucks it to the leg side.

76.4

.

Tossed up and straighter on off, de Silva plays the forward defense.

76.3

.

Once again full ball on the pads and de Silva tucks it to mid-wicket.

76.2

.

Tossed up ball on off, spinning in too. de Silva tucks it to mid-wicket.

76.1

4

FOUR! Raza goes short and wide outside off, de Silva rocks back on the back foot and cuts it through point and the ball meets the fence there.

75.6

4

FOUR! Mathews has found the boundary. Full ball on off, no movement on it. Mathews drives it straight past the bowler and the ball rolls towards the long off fence for a boundary.

75.5

.

Back of a length ball on off, Mathews hops inside the crease and pushes it to covers.

75.4

.

Length ball but way outside off, Mathews lets it be.

75.3

.

Outswinger but outside off, Mathews does not fiddle with it.

75.2

.

Full and straight outside off, Mathews drives it to mid off.

75.1

.

Length and outside off, going away from the batsman too, Mathews drives it to covers.

74.6

1

Allows the ball to spin back into him and drives a full ball to long on for a run.

74.5

.

Mathews is hurried up! Raza gets a full ball to spin back into the right-hander from outside off, Angelo tries flicking but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A stifled appeal for an lbw dies down quickly.

74.4

.

Turning back into the batsman, Mathews flicks it a bit uppishly but wide of short leg.

74.3

.

Fires in a quicker one on middle, shorter in length, Angelo goes deep inside the crease and blocks it safely.

Square leg drops back.

74.2

6

SIX! Another delivery by Raza travels the distance. Full and floated around off, Mathews goes down on one knee and slog sweeps it with the spin. Finds good connection and dumps the ball over square leg for a maximum.

74.1

.

Flatter and shorter on middle, defended off the back foot to the leg side.

73.6

.

Outside off, left alone to complete the over. A maiden!

73.5

.

Misfield by the substitute this time but no run taken. Fullish delivery outside off, Dhananjaya drives it to covers where Maruma fumbles but recovers in time.

73.4

.

Around off on a good length, de Silva defends it from the back foot.

73.3

.

Fine stop at covers! Full in length and outside off, Dhananjaya likes to feel bat on ball and reaches out for it. Plays a cover drive but fails to beat the diving effort by the substitute fielder (Maruma).

73.2

.

Good length delivery in the channel outside off, shaping back in a bit, de Silva covers his stumps and shoulders arms.

73.1

.

Fullish and close to off, Dhananjaya drives but finds the fielder at covers.

72.6

.

Another off spinner on off and middle, Mathews pushes it off the front foot towards the off side.

72.5

.

Off spinner on middle, Mathews blocks it off the front foot.

72.4

.

Another tossed up ball but way down the leg side. Mathews looks to tuck it to the leg side but fails to get any wood on the ball.

72.3

.

Loopy ball coming in with the angle, Mathews works it toward square leg.

72.2

1

Floated ball on off, spinning into the batsman once again, de Silva drives it towards mid on and gets off the strike.

72.1

.

Tossed up ball coming in with the angle, de Silva pushes it back to the bowler.

71.6

.

Length ball but down the leg side. Mathews goes for the flick but misses it. The keeper does well to field it by going to his left.

71.5

.

Full and on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot.

71.4

4

FOUR! Superbly driven. Fuller in length and outside off, Mathews just leans and drives it in the gap at cover-point. The fielders from both cover and point go for the chase but both fail as the ball beats their efforts and roll over the fence.

71.3

.

Full and swinging in on off, Mathews moves inside the crease and blocks it off the front foot.

71.2

.

Full ball outside off, Mathews drives it straight to point.

71.1

.

Length ball swinging in towards the batsman, Mathews flicks it straight to the fielder at mid-wicket who dives to his right and fields it.

70.6

.

Raza shortens his length and serves it on middle, de Silva moves back to work it on the leg side but misses and is hit on the thigh pad. 10 from the over!

70.5

.

Uses his feet this time to a full ball and pushes it to covers.

70.4

4

FOUR! The variation goes all wrong for Raza. He attempts for a leg spinner but ends up serving it short and on middle, Dhananjaya uses the depth of his crease and pulls it behind square leg for a boundary.

70.3

.

Loopy full ball around off, slow turn back into the batter, Dhananjaya defends it back off his front foot.

70.2

.

Raza slows it up around off and gets it to spin back into the batsman from a fuller length, de Silva presses forward and works it to mid-wicket.

70.1

6

SIX! Sri Lanka have decided to take on Sikandar Raza. Good use of the feet by de Silva. An off spinner landing full around off, Dhananjaya wears his skates and hoists it over long on.

69.6

.

Length ball which goes straight outside off, Mathews leaves it yet again.

69.5

.

Outswinger outside off, Mathews leaves it for the keeper.

69.4

.

Length ball outside off, swinging away, Mathews pushes it to covers.

69.3

3

Length ball on the pads, de Silva flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder from mid-wicket gives the chase. The ball slows down before the rope due to the lack of timing on the shot. The fielder fields it and saves a run for his team. Three taken in the end.

69.2

.

Another back of a length ball on off, de Silva stays on the back foot and blocks the ball down safely.

69.1

.

Back of a length ball on off, de Silva punches it off the back foot towards mid off.

The ball is lost after the biggie and the umpires are getting the replacement. With this the players take the Drinks break too. A fine phase of play this morning for Zimbabwe. They have come out with better intent and snapped two vital wickets by giving away just 35 runs. Sri Lanka will be feeling the pressure but as long as they have Angelo Mathews in the middle, they will be hopeful of a revival. Victor Nyauchi to continue after the break.

68.6

6

SIX! Superbly timed shot. Mathews sees the length early. It's very full and around middle, Mathews kneels and slogs it handsomely over backward square leg for a biggie. This shot came out of nowhere.

68.5

.

Short ball on off, Mathews blocks it off the back foot towards the leg side.

68.4

1

Full ball on off, de Silva drives it towards mid on and gets to the other end.

68.3

1

Tossed up on middle and leg, Mathews flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

68.2

.

Loopy ball on off and middle, defended of the front foot towards the off side.

68.1

1

Tossed up ball on off, de Silva drives it toward mid on for a run.

67.6

.

Driven towards the mid off region.

67.5

2

Full ball on off, Mathews drives it through point for a couple.

67.4

.

Full ball on off, Mathews drives it towards covers.

67.3

.

Length ball on off, blocked off the front foot.

67.2

2

Full ball on off, Mathews drives it through point and gets a couple.

67.1

.

Length ball around off, Mathews drives it off the front foot towards mid off.

Victor Nyauchi is on now. 11-4-17-0 are his figures so far.

66.6

.

Shorter on middle, de Silva punches the ball off the back foot.

66.5

.

Loopy ball on off, de Silva pushes the ball towards mid on.

66.4

.

Full ball on middle and leg, de Silva flicks it to mid-wicket.

66.3

.

Short and on middle, de Silva punches it off the back foot to the leg side.

66.2

1

Full ball on off, Mathews pushes the ball through covers and calls for a quick single.

66.1

.

Tossed up ball on off, Mathews pushes it to covers off the front foot.

65.6

.

Gets behind the line of the delivery and tries to defend. But it takes the bottom edge of his bat and rolls behind to the keeper.

65.5

.

Lands it on a length and outside off, holding its line, Dhananjaya withdraws his bat at the last moment.

65.4

.

Good length delivery around off, de Silva goes on the back foot and blocks it to the leg side.

65.3

.

Closer to the off stump, full in length, Dhananjaya defends it back off his front foot.

65.2

.

Pitches it up and just outside off, de Silva takes his front leg forward and allows it through to the keeper.

65.1

1

Short in length around off, Mathews does well to keep his pull shot down and places it in the gap at mid-wicket for a run.

64.6

.

Full ball on middle and off, de Silva pushes it off the back foot to the leg side.

Dhananjaya de Silva is the new batsman.

64.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Raza is on fire. He has a 3-fer to his name now. Superb bowling this from Sikandar. He tossed one up and gets the ball to spin back into the batsman. Chandimal remains on the back foot to punch it through the line but is cramped for room. In the end, he chips the ball to the left of the bowler who gobbles it up without any fuss. Sri Lanka in some trouble now!

64.4

.

Chandimal shimmies down the track once again and smothers the spin on this tossed up ball.

64.3

6

SIX! Tossed up on middle and leg, Chandimal dances down the track and lofts this one over the mid-wicket fence. The ball goes a long way back into the stands.

64.2

.

Chandimal dances down the track to block this loopy ball on off.

64.1

1

Full and angled into the pads, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

63.6

.

On a length and on off, driven towards covers off the front foot.

63.5

.

Chandimal blocks this length ball off the back foot towards the bowler.

63.4

.

Back of a length ball on off, Chandimal pushes the ball off the back foot towards the off side.

63.3

.

Chandimal drives this length ball straight to the man at covers.

63.2

1

Length ball on off, Mathews drives it towards mid off and takes off for a run. The fielder at mid off has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

63.1

.

Mathews drives this full ball on middle towards mid on.

62.6

.

Almost a yorker on middle, Chandimal works it past short leg. End of a successful over for the hosts.

Dinesh Chandimal has joined Mathews in the middle with Sri Lanka trailing by 272 runs.

Stretcher comes out as Kevin Kasuza is down in pain. He has not moved much and there are some concerned faces all around. Match referee, Javagal Srinath, is standing near the Zimbabwean dressing room and is having a chat with the medical team. Kasuza is getting stretchered off the field! We wish him a speedy recovery. Getting to hear that he is going for a scan straightaway. Poor guy was concussed in the first Test as well and coincidentally that time too Kusal Mendis' shot hit him at short leg.

62.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Mendis departs. But it seems there is a big injury on the field. Kevin Kasuza is down in pain and has not moved at all. Coming to the delivery, it's short and on middle, Mendis goes deep inside the crease and plays a full-blooded pull shot. He hits it right from the middle of the bat and Kevin Kasuza at short leg ducks to evade. But it hits him flush on the helmet and balloons to backward square leg. Mumba stationed there takes the catch easily and Mendis has to walk back. He was dropped twice on Day 2, on 1 and 13, but he fails to punish Zimbabwe.

62.4

.

Full and angling onto the pads, Mendis drives it straight to mid on.

62.3

.

Fuller one from Raza on middle, Mendis prods forward and keeps the ball out.

62.2

1

Floated delivery on middle and leg, Mathews works towards mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

62.1

1

Short ball on middle and leg, Mendis rocks back and pulls it to deep square leg. A run taken.

Sikandar Raza (17-4-39-1) to roll his arm over.

61.6

.

Another confident drive off the front foot by Angelo but he fails to find the gap. It goes straight to covers and that ends a maiden over by Donald.

61.5

.

Fullish and on off, Mathews drives it off his front foot but finds mid off.

61.4

.

That's a beautiful delivery and a brave leave by Mathews. Tiripano dishes out an inswinger just outside off and gets it to curl back in off the seam. Mathews takes his front leg forward to cover the sticks and then allows it through. To his good luck, the ball beats the off stump by a whisker.

61.3

.

Back of a length delivery in the channel outside off, Angelo pushes it out to short extra cover with a tentative footwork.

61.2

.

Tiripano goes closer to the stumps on this occasion. It's full and angling in towards off, Mathews strides forward and defends it back.

61.1

.

Good length delivery in the region outside off, Mathews has nothing to do with it.

60.6

.

Mendis defends the length ball towards point.

60.5

4b

FOUR BYES! Mumba had been taking everything away from the right-hander but this time he bowls a delivery jagging back into the batsman. Mendis there leaves it. The ball goes past the off pole and further away from the keeper who dives to his left. The ball in the end rolls to the fine leg fence. Byes given by the umpire.

60.4

.

Full in length and Mendis blocks it off the front foot.

60.3

.

Another ball which is outside off, Mendis is not lured to play at it.

60.2

1

A quick single. Mathews taps this length ball towards mid-wicket and takes off for a run. Raza there has a shy at the bowler's end but he misses.

60.1

.

Slightly fuller in length and outside off, Mathews watches it patiently as he shoulders arms to it.

59.6

.

Length ball on off, Mendis defends it off the back foot towards the off side.

59.5

.

Mendis chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.

59.4

.

On a good length and outside off, Mendis lifts his bat and watches the ball go towards the keeper.

59.3

.

Length ball outside off by Tiripano. Mendis shoulders arms to it.

59.2

.

Another full length ball on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.

59.1

.

Fuller in length and on off, Mendis keeps it out off the front foot.

58.6

.

Full on middle, driven towards mid on.

58.5

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Mathews cuts it to find cover-point.

58.4

.

Short ball outside off, Mathews looks to cut it uppishly through point but he fails to get anything behind the ball.

58.3

.

On a length and outside off, Mathews leaves it confidently.

58.2

.

Good length and closer to the off stump. Mathews covers his sticks and leaves it.

58.1

.

Length ball shaping away outside off, Mathews shoulders arms to it.

57.6

.

In the region outside off, on a length and nipping away, Mendis shoulders arms.

57.5

1

Forces a length ball in the gap at covers for a single.

57.4

.

Full ball on middle, pushed towards mid on.

57.3

.

Length delivery outside off, left alone by Mathews.

57.2

.

On a fuller length on off, driven to short cover.

57.1

.

Length ball on off, pushed to covers.

56.6

.

Outside off, Mendis lets it be. A watchful start by Sri Lanka!

56.5

.

Outside off off, kept out safely to the off side.

56.4

2

On a fuller length and on off, Mendis drives it through cover-point and scampers back for a comfortable two.

56.3

1

Length ball on the pads, Mathews flicks it towards square leg for a single.

56.2

.

Mumba overpitches on off, Mathews drives it straight to covers.

56.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Mathews is not bothered to play it.

55.6

.

Length ball on off, pushed to mid off off the front foot.

55.5

.

Mendis plays the forward push to this length ball outside off. The ball rolls towards point.

55.4

1

Full on middle, driven towards mid on for a single.

55.3

.

Mathews shoulders arms to another length ball outside off.

55.2

.

Good length ball on off, Mathews lets the ball through to the keeper.

55.1

.

On a good length and shaping away outside off, Mathews lets it be.

54.6

.

Mendis leaves the length ball outside his off stump to see off the over.

54.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

54.4

.

Full ball on middle, Kusal drives it straight to mid on.

54.3

.

Short ball on middle, Mendis pulls only to find mid on.

54.2

.

Length and on off, Mendis punches it to the off side off the back foot.

54.1

.

Starts with a length ball outside off, Mendis is happy to let that go.

Time to get underway! The players are out in the centre. Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis to resume their innings. Carl Mumba to kickoff proceedings for the home team. Here we go...

We're up early for this contest to make up for the lost overs last evening. On the weather front, the forecast is for 80 percent chance of rain but for now, there appears to be no immediate threat. On that good note, allow us to welcome you for the third day of this Test match in Harare. The hosts still hold the aces after posting 406 on Day 2 but as we witnessed in the first Test match, Sri Lanka slowly but steadily ate out the deficit. Zimbabwe would be aware of that and would have planned diligently. For Sri Lanka, two of their most experienced batsmen are in the middle and they would be hopeful of a big stand. Everything is set up beautifully and let's wait and watch how this moving day takes off...

... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...

Right then, it's time to bid you farewell. We will be having an early start on Day 3 and the action will resume here at 0930 local (0730 GMT). If we get an uninterrupted play on Wednesday, Day 4 will start 7 minutes early. The rain has been good with us so far in this Test match and let's hope for the same to continue. Cheers!

Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe's tail wagged a bit to push their total beyond the 400-run mark. Post that, the Sri Lankan batsmen batted with authority in the afternoon session and kept the Zimbabwean bowlers at bay. Both Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando were solid during their stay but the picture changed after Tea. The hosts came out with better planning and execution to dismiss the Lankan openers in quick succession and had they not dropped Kusal Mendis twice, their position in this Test match would have been even better. They currently have a 284-run lead but need to spend it smartly on Day 3.

With the light not improving, the umpires have called for STUMPS ON DAY 2! A couple of days of attritional cricket we have witnessed and this Test match is hanging right in the balance.

Update 1653 local (1453 GMT) - Not looking good at all. The umpires have called for covers now. It's not raining yet and it seems like a precautionary measure. The wind has picked up as well. We're waiting for the official confirmation as the umpires are leaving the field. It has started to drizzle now.

Update 1647 local (1447 GMT) - The two umpires are back on the field, inspecting the conditions. The light appears to have improved slightly but not sure it's good enough to call the players back on the field. They will have to keep the safety of players in mind. Stay tuned for latest updates...

BAD LIGHT STOPS PLAY! Angelo Mathews is not happy with the fading light, looks at the umpires and this time the officials are convinced. The players are heading off the field. Umpire Aleem Dar takes the reading of the light and this will be the benchmark for the entire Test match. Let's hope we get some more over in the day's play. Stay tuned...

53.6

.

A touch flat and around off, Mathews pushes his weight on the back leg and defends it watchfully.

53.5

.

Very full again from the leggie, not allowing the ball to do its bit, Mathews jams it out back to the bowler.

53.4

.

Floated ball landing full around off, Angelo is forward in defense.

53.3

1

Too full in length on off, Mendis drives it square of the wicket on the off side and collects a run.

53.2

.

Leans forward to a full ball and pushes it gently to covers. Mendis is visibly not happy with the light.

53.1

.

Tossed up ball outside off, Mendis defends it off his front too to point.

Umpire Aleem Dar is taking the reading of the fading light. He feels that it's good enough at the moment to carry on with the play. Zimbabwe have made a bowling change. Tinotenda Mutombodzi (4-0-26-0) is back on.

52.6

.

Mathews plays a maiden there. He just prods forward and smothers the spin on this loopy ball on off.

52.5

.

Mathews tucks the full ball off his pads towards mid-wicket.

52.4

.

Mathews goes deep inside the crease and pushes this tossed up ball off the back foot.

52.3

.

Mathews tucks the loopy delivery off the back foot towards the leg side.

52.2

.

Lucky. Tossed up ball on off and middle. Mathews prods forward and goes for a defensive push but in the process gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball falls short of the short leg fielder there.

52.1

.

Full and on off, Mathews pushes it off the front foot.

The reserve umpire rushes out to the middle and hands over the light meter to umpire Aleem Dar. It's quite gloomy out there. The two umpires get together and then have a chat with Sikandar Raza and Brendan Taylor. Maybe, it's a hint that it's too dark to continue with a seamer. Raza though will continue from this end...

51.6

.

Gets behind the line of the delivery and pushes it with an angled bat to cover-point.

51.5

.

Good length ball outside off, left alone by Kusal.

51.4

.

Pitches it up and outside off, it's stroked off the front foot to mid off.

51.3

.

Fullish and on middle, Mendis drives it down the ground but straight to mid on.

51.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

51.1

2

Streaky! Short in length and outside off, Mendis rocks back to slap it through point but it takes the outer half and runs to third man for two.

50.6

1lb

Appeal for LBW! The umpire is unmoved. Raza bowls a shorter one on middle and leg, skidding further down, Mendis goes for the pull but he misses it. The ball takes the pads and rolls through the legs of the keeper. Chakabva and the bowler appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Maybe, missing leg and also impact was outside leg. One added to the total as a leg bye.

50.5

1

Tossed up ball on middle and leg, Mathews punches it down the ground towards long on for a single.

50.4

.

Flighted on middle and spinning in, Mathews tucks it to the leg side.

50.3

.

Full and angling into the pads, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.

The players, as expected, are back on the field. Sikandar Raza to continue with his over.

Update 1610 local (1410 GMT) - DRIZZLING! The groundsmen are in action. They are running in with the covers. Hang on, they have stopped as it has also stopped drizzling. They are going away. The umpires have stayed out and will soon call out the players. Good signs. The official close of play has been extended by 5 minutes.

50.2

.

Mathews defends the tossed up ball on off, off the front foot.

50.1

.

Full and on the pads, Mathews tucks it to mid-wicket.

49.6

.

Mendis covers his off pole and lets the ball outside his off stump go to the keeper.

49.5

2

Superbly driven but Mendis will not get a boundary. Victor bowls full and outside off, Mendis drives it through covers. The fielder from point and cover give the chase. Raza from point fields it. A couple is what the batsmen get.

49.4

1

Mathews flicks the length ball off his pads through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.

49.3

.

Full ball on off, Mathews pushes it straight past the bowler. But rather unconvincingly.

49.2

.

Mathews keeps this length ball outside off towards the off side.

49.1

.

On a length on off, Mathews blocks it off the back foot.

DRINKS! A good hour for the home team as they have managed to see the back of both the Lankan openers. They bowled well in the afternoon as well but didn't get the reward. So far, it's been excellent going but they need to tighten the screws in the field. They have already dropped Kusal Mendis twice and a batsman of his caliber can really hurt them badly. 13 overs left in the day. Hopefully we will get all of them bowled and there won't be any rain interruptions. We are saying that because all of a sudden dark clouds are approaching the stadium.

48.6

.

Mendis tucks this full ball off his pads towards mid-wicket.

48.5

1

Loopy and on middle, pushed straight down the ground off the back foot. The batsmen cross ends.

48.4

.

Mathews pushes the tossed up ball off the front foot and to the leg side.

48.3

.

Mathews is content in playing the waiting game here. He pushes this loopy ball off the front foot.

48.2

.

Flighted around off, Mathews pushes the ball to covers.

48.1

.

Tossed up outside off, Mathews goes low as he defends it. The ball didn't bounce this time.

47.6

.

Nyauchi gets in the line of the stumps this time, it's blocked by Mendis.

47.5

.

Make it one more leave to a delivery outside off.

47.4

.

Movement away from the batsman, it's outside off and yet another easy leave for Kusal.

47.3

.

In the channel outside off, left alone.

47.2

.

On a length and outside off, shaping in, Mendis defends it to point.

47.1

.

A length ball around off, it's defended from the back foot.

46.6

.

Tossed up around off, kept out off the back foot.

46.5

1

DROPPED! Mendis is given a life once more. Tiripano is the culprit now. Raza tosses on up on off and Mendis goes for the slog sweep. He does not bother to keep it down and the ball goes in the air towards Tiripano in the deep mid-wicket region. He runs forward and goes for the catch but spills it. A run is what the batsmen get.

46.4

.

Tossed up ball on middle, tucked to square leg.

46.3

.

Tossed up ball on middle, defended off the back foot.

46.2

.

Tossed up ball on middle and leg, Mendis blocks it off the front foot.

46.1

.

Full and targeting the stumps, Mendis pushes it back by going deep inside the crease.

45.6

.

Length delivery outside off, not in the zone for Mathews to play. He lets it be.

45.5

.

Outside off, Mathews is not lured into it as he sees the ball go to the keeper.

45.4

.

Length ball on off, Mathews defends it off the back foot towards the leg side.

45.3

.

Length and outside off, Mathews is in now hurry to play at it.

45.2

.

Outside off, Mathews covers the sticks and lets it go.

45.1

.

Full ball outside off, Mathews plays a free-flowing drive but straight to the man at covers.

Victor Nyauchi (7-2-12-0) returns into the attack, replacing Donald Tiripano.

44.6

.

Full ball on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot.

44.5

1

Another ball that is on the pads, Mathews works it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

44.4

.

Flighted on off, Mathews is forward in defense to keep it out.

44.3

1

Tossed up and spinning in to the batsman. Mendis tucks it in front of square leg for a single.

44.2

6

SIX! Short and in the zone for Mendis to hit it. He just obliges by pulling it up and over the deep square leg fence for the first maximum of the innings.

44.1

.

Floated and outside off, Mendis defends it right under his eyes.

43.6

.

A touch short in length and outside off, Mathews pushes it out safely to covers. A wicket maiden for Donald Tiripano.

43.5

.

The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact.

43.4

.

Edgy! A length ball outside off, Mathews pushes inside the line with gentle hands and it goes off the outside edge towards second slip. Doesn't carry.

43.3

.

Fullish and on off, Angelo gets behind the line and blocks it to the off side.

43.2

.

Greets the new batsman with a good length delivery just outside off, Mathews covers his stumps and shoulders arms.

Angelo Mathews arrives in the middle at number 4. He is fresh from his maiden double ton in Test cricket and would like to get another big one here.

43.1

W

OUT! Tiripano strikes! His perseverance pays off. Continues to probe with a fuller length delivery around off, Fernando is lured into the drive on this occasion and gets a healthy outside edge behind. Chakabva makes no mistake and both the Lankan openers are now back in the hut. Donald is up and running in celebration. It's been an amazing evening session for Zimbabwe so far. Sri Lanka trail by 302 runs.

42.6

.

Flighted ball on middle, Mendis is happy to block it out and see off the over.

42.5

1

Similar delivery. This time he gets it past the short leg fielder and towards mid-wicket for a single.

42.4

.

Once again Fernando flicks this floated ball on middle and leg to mid-wicket. Only to find the fielder there.

42.3

.

Loopy ball on middle, Fernando tucks it to the leg side.

42.2

.

Down the leg side, Fernando leaves it only to get it off the pads towards short fine leg.

42.1

.

Full ball outside off, Fernando goes for the reverse sweep but fails to middle it and the ball rolls towards the lone slip fielder.

41.6

.

Mendis drives this full ball to covers but finds the fielder.

41.5

.

Outside off, Mendis lets it be.

41.4

.

Mendis plays with an open face of the bat towards point.

41.3

.

Peach! Tiripano has been asking questions to the Lankan batsmen. He bowls in that channel outside off and forces the batsman to play at it. Mendis looks to defend it but is beaten on the outside edge.

41.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

41.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Mendis blocks it.

40.6

.

Floated down the leg side, Fernando goes for the flick but misses it.

40.5

1

Mendis this time drives a tossed up delivery on middle and leg to long on and gets off the strike.

40.4

.

Loopy on off, Mendis just blocks it by coming on the front foot.

40.3

4

FOUR! Brilliantly played. Full ball on off, Mendis dances down the track and lofts it over the mid on fielder for a boundary. That's one way to tackle a spinner, use your footwork and disturb their landing.

40.2

.

Tosses it up outside off, Mendis comes forward and smothers the spin on it.

40.1

.

Full on middle and leg, Mendis works it to the leg side with soft hands.

39.6

.

Length ball on middle and leg, Fernando flicks it towards mid-wicket.

39.5

.

Short of length ball outside off, Oshada cuts it to point.

39.4

.

Full and angling into the batsman, Fernando drives it but without any timing towards mid off.

39.3

.

Good length ball outside off, punched off the back foot towards covers.

39.2

.

Bottom edge! Back of a length ball outside off, Oshada cuts but finds the second slip fielder this time as the ball goes on the bounce to him.

39.1

.

Length ball angled in the off pole, Fernando drives it to the left of mid on.

38.6

.

DROPPED! Lifeline for Kusal Mendis. Raza gets his flatter off spinner to spin back in from the middle stump line, Mendis prods forward in defense but it spins in to take the inside edge. Masvaure stationed at short leg gets both hands on it but it slips out eventually. Need to take these at this level.

38.5

.

Turns it off his pads to the leg side but finds the fielder.

38.4

1

Very full and on middle, it's knocked down to long on for a run.

38.3

1

This time it has been pulled in the gap on the leg side and a single has been taken.

38.2

.

A long hop on middle, it's pulled across the line but straight to square leg.

38.1

1

Walks down the track and works it through mid-wicket for a run.

37.6

1lb

Around middle and leg, angling down, Oshada fails to flick and is hit on the pads. A stifled appeal for an lbw follows but it's a mere inquiry. Missing leg easily. They cross for a leg bye.

37.5

.

Solidly defended. Fullish and around off, angling in, Fernando presses forward and presents a straight willow in defense.

37.4

.

Lands it on a length and just outside off, Oshada punches it from the back foot to the off side.

37.3

.

Serves a length ball close to off, Fernando defends it with an angled bat to the off side.

An extra fielder comes in the slip cordon. Two slips and a gully present now.

37.2

.

Pitches it up and outside off, shaping away, Oshada shoulders arms.

37.1

.

A length delivery in the channel around off, Fernando defends it from the crease to the off side.

36.6

.

Floater on off and middle, Mendis is forward in defense.

36.5

.

Once again tossed up on off, and spinning in, Mendis flicks it off the front foot straight to mid-wicket.

36.4

.

Loopy ball on middle and leg, Mendis stays on the back foot and flicks the ball to mid-wicket.

36.3

.

Flighted down the leg side, Mendis looks to get some wood on the ball but he fails to do so. The keeper does the rest.

Kusal Mendis is the new man in.

36.2

W

OUT! LBW! Celebration for the Zimbabweans. They have managed to get the breakthrough. Raza is the man who has done it. The off spinner goes very full and keeps it on middle, Karunaratne lines up for the sweep but the ball beats his bat and raps him on the front pad. Sikandar Raza goes up in a big appeal and the umpire gives it out. Replays show that Raza was fine with his landing and the ball might have been crashing into middle stump. The 94-run stand has been broken and the hosts would like to create more inroads from hereon.

36.1

.

Loopy ball outside off, Karunaratne taps it towards point.

35.6

1lb

On middle and leg, sliding down, Dimuth fails to flick and it goes off his pads to square leg. A leg bye is taken.

35.5

1

Short in length outside off, cut past point for one.

35.4

.

Gets behind the line of a full ball and drives it back to the bowler.

35.3

.

Fuller and on off, defended off the front foot.

35.2

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

35.1

.

On middle, helped to mid-wicket.

34.6

.

Tossed up, punched off the back foot this time to cover-point.

34.5

2

Now a short ball outside off, Karunaratne cuts it past point. The fielder there, Kasuza, runs behind the ball and does a good job of fielding the ball well inside the rope. A couple is what the batsmen have to be content with.

34.4

2

Short ball on middle and leg, spinning in too. Dimuth pulls it through square leg and gets a couple.

34.3

.

Tossed up ball around off, punched off the back foot this time.

34.2

.

Flighted and around off, Dimuth skips down the track and defends it off the front foot.

34.1

.

Dimuth blocks this tossed up ball on off by showing the full face of the bat.

33.6

.

Full and around off, driven straight to the man at mid off.

33.5

.

Slightly back of a length ball on off, punched off the back foot.

33.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

33.3

.

Way wide outside off, Oshada looks to cut it but fails to reach the ball. It goes past the outside edge.

33.2

.

Length delivery outside off, Fernando is solid in defense.

33.1

.

BEATEN! Straightaway an appeal. Tiripano lands one on a length and around off, Oshada looks to defend it but the ball sneaks past the outside edge.

Welcome back for the final session of Day 2. Sri Lanka are cruising along nicely with their skipper out in the middle along with Oshada Fernando. Zimbabwe would look to make some inroads in this session and get a foothold in this match. Donald Tiripano to kickoff this session. 29 overs left in the day's play.

... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...

82/0 in the 30 overs bowled in the afternoon session! It was tough work for Zimbabwe as they didn't get enough support from the surface. Still, the likes of Victor Nyauchi and Carl Mumba showed their talent and managed to beat the outside edge on a few occasions. The major disappointment for the home team has been the performance of the debutant Tinotenda Mutombodzi. The leggie struggled with his line and length and as a result failed to reap rewards from the responsive pitch. It's easy going for the Lankans currently and apart from a dropped catch of Oshada Fernando, it's been a chance-less partnership so far. They would look to continue in the same manner and end the day's play without any casualties. Do join us at 1500 local (1300 GMT) for the last session.

32.6

.

A slider around off, it's defended off the front foot. TEA ON DAY 2 and Sri Lanka trail by 318 runs!

32.5

.

Flighted ball wide outside off, left alone.

32.4

.

Play and a miss! Raza slows this one in the air and serves it on a fuller length outside off. Karunaratne is lured into the shot and is beaten by the away spin.

32.3

.

Full and flighted on off, defended off the front foot to the off side.

32.2

.

Too full in length on middle, Dimuth works it on the leg side but finds short mid-wicket on this occasion.

32.1

.

Presses forward to a full ball and drives it to short cover.

31.6

.

Beauty! Mumba lands it on a length and just outside off, holding its line, Fernando feels for it inside the line and misses.

31.5

.

Short and wide outside off, Fernando cuts but finds point. Misses out on a gift.

31.4

.

In the channel outside off, Fernando pokes at it and misses.

31.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

31.2

.

Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.

31.1

1

Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Karunaratne uses the angle and works it through backward square leg for a run.

30.6

.

Appeal for an lbw! Raza gets good turn and bounce from around middle, Oshada strides forward to defend but misses. He is pinged on the front pad, they appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Missing leg.

30.5

.

Presses forward to a full ball and tries to defend. It takes the inner half and lands in front of short leg.

30.4

.

Lets the ball spin back into him and works it behind square leg. Finds the fielder.

30.3

.

Tossed up ball on off, defended back to the bowler.

30.2

3

Takes a good calculative risk! Flighted ball around off, spinning away, Karunaratne dances down the track and flicks it over mid-wicket. It doesn't have the legs to cross the fence and the batsmen take three.

30.1

.

Very full in length on middle, it's driven back to the bowler.

29.6

1

Fractionally short in length and close to off, Karunaratne gets inside the line and nudges it to long leg for one.

29.5

.

Short and wide outside off, left alone.

29.4

.

Beaten! A length ball just outside off and holding its line, Dimuth plays inside the line and misses.

29.3

1

Shortish again, outside off, Oshada steers it wide of point and his partner calls him through for a single.

29.2

.

Stays back to a short delivery and punches it to cover-point.

29.1

1

Short in length around middle and leg, Karunaratne pulls it to fine leg and collects a single.

28.6

.

Gets back and pushes it back to the bowler who parries it towards mid off.

28.5

.

Oshada has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

28.4

.

Allows the ball to spin back in from around off and taps it down in front of short leg.

28.3

.

Quicker one, full and around leg, helped behind square leg.

28.2

1

Leans forward to a full ball and drives it to mid off for a single.

28.1

.

Flatter and shorter outside off, cut from the back foot but straight to cover-point.

27.6

1

A touch short in length around off, Dimuth stands back and turns it through backward square leg for a single.

27.5

.

Bouncer around middle and leg, Karunaratne ducks underneath it.

27.4

.

Mistimed! Short in length, Dimuth collects it from outside off with the intention to pull it across the line. Fails to middle his shot properly and it goes on one drop to the short mid-wicket fielder.

27.3

.

A back foot punch again by Karunaratne but he finds silly mid off.

27.2

.

Back of a length ball around off, Dimuth moves back inside the crease and pushes it back. The bowler collects it in his followthrough.

27.1

.

Good length ball close to off, angling in, Karunaratne covers the line and pushes it to short cover.

26.6

1

Very full in length around middle, it's knocked down to mid on where the fielder dives and only manages to make a half stop. It rolls behind and the long on fielder cleans it up. They cross for a single.

26.5

.

Pitches it up and outside off, Karunaratne plays a lovely drive but finds short cover.

26.4

.

Flighted delivery, full and around off, Dimuth is on the front foot in defense.

26.3

.

A gentle off spinner just outside off, Karunaratne covers his stumps and then makes a leave.

26.2

3

Nicely played! Too full in length on middle, Fernando executes a reverse sweep behind backward point and collects three runs.

26.1

.

Floated off spinner landing full around off, Oshada strides forward and defends it off the inner half to short leg.

25.6

.

Slips a length ball around middle and leg, angling down, Karunaratne tries flicking but misses. Good take by Chakabva.

25.5

.

Fractionally short and close to off, Dimuth stands back inside the line and defends it towards the bowler.

25.4

1

Digs in a short ball on off, Oshada turns inside the crease and pulls it down to fine leg for a run.

25.3

.

Similar to the last delivery. Short and wide outside off, Oshada flashes his bat through the line but fails to middle his shot. Finds point. That was an attempted off cutter by Mumba!

25.2

.

Back of a length delivery outside off, Fernando follows the ball and tries to steer it past point. Bottom edges it and the ball rolls towards backward point.

25.1

.

Begins a new spell with a fuller length ball on off, Oshada defends it back off his front foot.

Carl Mumba is brought back into the attack. 5-1-17-0 are his figures so far. A slip in place.

24.6

.

Steps down the track a bit and flicks it on the leg side. Finds short mid-wicket. Maiden from Raza!

24.5

.

Loopy full ball landing around middle, Karunaratne presses forward in defense.

24.4

.

Skiddy delivery, wide outside off, Dimuth lets it be.

24.3

.

Quicker full ball on middle, it's pushed down to mid on.

24.2

.

Defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

24.1

.

Play and a miss! Flatter and shorter outside off, Dimuth tries to cut but misses.

Sikandar Raza (2-0-7-0) takes over from this end.

23.6

.

Fullish delivery, wide outside off, Fernando stretches his front leg forward and then makes a leave.

23.5

1

Gentle hands, good calling and a run is pinched. A length ball around off, Karunaratne taps it down towards wide mid on and scampers across to the other end.

23.4

.

Back of a length ball on off, Dimuth jumps back inside the crease and turns it in front of square leg.

23.3

.

Nyauchi switches to 'round the wicket and angles in a full ball on middle, Karunaratne works it off his pads to silly mid on.

23.2

.

Fullish and on middle, Karunaratne brings down a straight bat as he pushes it towards short mid-wicket.

23.1

.

Karunaratne has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

22.6

4

FOUR! Third full toss in the over and this too has been punished. Outside off, Fernando latches onto it and drills it through the gap at mid off and extra cover for a boundary. Mutombodzi is struggling big time and it seems that he is not completing his bowling action well. 26 off his 4 overs so far.

22.5

.

Too full in length and outside off, Oshada drives but finds mid off.

22.4

1

Quicker and flatter on leg, it's flicked through backward square leg for one.

22.3

4

FOUR! Easily done! Yet another full toss has been dished out, Karunaratne fetches it from outside off and swings it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

22.2

.

Flighted and full on middle, Dimuth flicks but finds short mid-wicket.

22.1

1

It appears to be a real struggle for the debutant. Starts a new over with a full toss outside off and gets away with it. It's punched to sweeper cover for just a single.

21.6

.

A length delivery on off, Dimuth sticks back to defend and does so from the inner half of his blade. A good probing over by Nyauchi.

21.5

.

Again goes past the outside edge. On a length and around off, Karunaratne shows zero footwork as he pokes inside the line and misses.

21.4

2

Too full in length around leg, Karunaratne clips it off his pads and pierces the gap between two fielders standing in front of square leg. The batsmen take a couple of runs.

21.3

.

Beaten this time! Every now and then this has happened. Nyauchi takes a length ball away with the angle. Since it's close to off, Dimuth feels for it but only to get beaten.

21.2

.

Wicket to wicket line this time. Fuller in length and Karunaratne presses forward to defend it on the leg side.

21.1

.

A touch short in length and close to off, Karunaratne hangs back to cut but finds point.

20.6

2

Short this time, flat and on middle, skidding down, Oshada turns to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It deflects to fine leg and they steal a couple of runs. Mutombodzi yet to settle into any kind of rhythm.

20.5

.

Quick delivery, flatter and wide outside off, it's left alone by the batsman.

20.4

.

Loopy and fullish on off, Fernando slices his attempted drive towards backward point. All along the ground and it's safe.

20.3

1

Goes quicker and flatter through the air this time. Once again the length is on the shorter side and Karunaratne helps it behind square leg for a run.

20.2

4

FOUR! Poor, very poor from the leggie. Fails to get his length right this time. Drops it short and around off, Karunaratne moves inside the crease and pulls it powerfully behind square leg for a boundary.

20.1

.

Very full in length on middle, not allowing the ball time to grip and spin, Karunaratne flicks but finds mid-wicket.

Our assumption was correct. Change of ends for Tinotenda Mutombodzi.

19.6

.

Targets the off stump line with a fuller length delivery, Oshada is solidly behind the line as he defends it off his front foot.

19.5

.

Pitches it up and close to off, angling in, Fernando gets forward and defends it near his front pad.

19.4

.

Serves a length delivery in the channel outside off, Oshada covers his sticks and shoulders arms.

19.3

.

Strides forward to a length ball and pushes it to short cover.

19.2

.

Straighter delivery, on a length, it's worked with the angle of the bowler to the leg side. Finds mid-wicket.

19.1

.

Fullish and angling in around off, Oshada has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Victor Nyauchi (4-1-9-0) is back on. Maybe, the debutant leggie will be having a change of ends.

18.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

18.5

.

Slows it up in the air this time, full and around off, Karunaratne prods forward in defense.

18.4

.

Once again Raza is quicker through the air as he darts in a full ball on middle, Dimuth drives it off his front foot to mid on.

18.3

.

Too full and on middle, knocked down the ground but straight to mid on.

18.2

3

Well played! Flatter full ball around off, Fernando brings out the reverse sweep and nails it in the direction of third man. It slows down before the rope and the batsmen collect three runs.

18.1

.

Short in length and turning down the leg side, Oshada goes deep inside the crease and helps it towards square leg.

Drinks break. Easy going for Sri Lanka. Their openers have settled down and slowly but steadily building a solid partnership. Zimbabwe have tried hard but without much success. There was a dropped catch which was offered by Oshada Fernando and they will be ruing that. Let's see how the next hour progresses. Sikandar Raza to inaugurate it.

17.6

.

Shout for a caught behind! The umpire stays unmoved. A flatter delivery is fired down the leg side, the Lankan skipper tries to flick but fails to middle his shot. Chakabva collects the ball and they all appeal in unison. The umpire is not bothered and turns to call for Drinks.

17.5

1

Fullish and on middle, worked in the gap at mid-wicket for a single.

17.4

1

A googly this time but the line is outside leg, Dimuth tickles it behind square leg for one. 50-run stand comes up!

17.3

.

Steps down the track to smother the spin but flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

17.2

.

Some spin on this occasion. Nicely flighted and pitched on a fuller length around off, Karunaratne drew forward to defend but it takes the inner half and rolls to short leg.

17.1

1

An attempted leg spinner but the length is very full outside off, Oshada drives it with ease to sweeper cover for a run.

16.6

.

Length ball on off, defended off the back foot by the batsman.

16.5

.

Victor bowls one on a length and brings the ball into the batsman. Karunaratne looks to flick it but the ball does not come in as expected and it goes uppishly between square leg and mid-wicket.

16.4

.

Fuller in length and around off, driven staight to mid on.

16.3

.

Length and on off, Dimuth presents the full face of the bat and defends it to the off side.

16.2

.

Full ball on off, driven to mid on.

16.1

.

Full on off, Dimuth drives with the straightest of bats and finds the stumps at the other end.

15.6

.

Tossed up on off, pushed to covers.

15.5

.

Flatter on off, punched to the off side.

15.4

.

Fernando drives this tossed up ball straight to mid off.

15.3

1

Full on off, driven to mid on for a single.

15.2

4

FOUR! Short ball down the leg side and Karunaratne pulls it through fine leg for a boundary.

15.1

1

Starts with a full toss outside off, Fernando pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Debutant Tinotenda Mutombodzi is on now. He is a leg spinner and let's see how much spin he gets from this surface.

14.6

2

Full on the pads, Dimuth flicks it to fine leg for a couple.

14.5

.

Down the leg side, Dimuth looks to lay bat on ball but misses it. The keeper does the rest.

14.4

.

Dimuth defends this length ball off the back foot.

14.3

.

Length ball outside off, pushed to the leg side.

14.2

.

Good length and on the pads, flicked to short mid-wicket.

14.1

.

Length and on off, tapped to short cover.

13.6

.

Closer to middle and off, Fernando plays it with the angle of the bowler and keeps it out safely towards mid-wicket. Maiden!

13.5

.

Play and a miss! A good length delivery outside off, nipping away a shade after landing, Oshada tries to get near to the line of the ball but ends up pushing and missing due to the away movement.

13.4

.

On a driving length outside off with some away movement on it, Fernando doesn't get committed into the shot. That's the line and length to probe with. Play on the patience of the batsman.

13.3

.

Donald gets fuller on this occasion. He drops it close to off and Oshada defends it off his front foot towards mid on. Lovely straight bat!

13.2

.

This time Tiripano brings a length ball back into the batsman from around off, Fernando is forced to play the line and he helps it towards mid-wicket.

13.1

.

Hurls in a length delivery in the zone outside off, Oshada strides forward to cover his stumps and then allows it through to the keeper.

12.6

.

Length and on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket. Dot ball to end the over where Zimbabwe should have got the breakthrough!

12.5

3

Length ball outside off, Oshada slaps it through covers and the ball races towards the fence. The fielder from covers gives the chase and mops it up. The batsmen get three runs with ease.

12.4

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Fernando defends it to point off the back foot.

12.3

.

Length and outside off, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

12.2

.

Fernando blocks it off the front foot to the off side.

12.1

.

Oh! DROPPED! Nyauchi almost gets the first one only to be denied by the drop from the keeper. Victor bowls one on the pads and Fernando looks to flick it but he cannot get it from the middle of the bat and inside edges it behind. Chakabva there dives to his left but spills the chance as the ball hits his gloves and drops on the ground. How costly will this prove for Zimbabwe?

11.6

1b

Tiripano strays one down the leg side and Fernando misses his flick too. The keeper fumbles to take that cleanly as he parries it towards short fine leg. The batsmen take a run. Byes signaled by the umpire.

11.5

.

Way outside off, Fernando shoulders arms to it.

11.4

.

Back of a length ball outside off, tapped towards covers.

11.3

.

Outside off, pushed to the off side.

11.2

1

Length and on middle, flicked to mid on for a quick run.

11.1

.

Fuller in length and outside off, driven to point.

10.6

.

Length ball on off, defended to the off side off.

10.5

.

Another outside off ball and Oshada lets it be.

10.4

.

Fernando is not fiddling with outside off deliveries.

10.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

10.2

4

FOUR! Once again Fernando gets an edge. Victor bowls one on a length and outside off, Fernando looks to push it off the back foot but gets an outside edge. The ball just bounces in front of second slip and goes to the fence behind.

10.1

.

Length ball outside off, defended towards gully.

Victor Nyauchi is on now.

9.6

.

Dimuth is happy to not play at a ball outside off.

9.5

.

Length ball outside off, with a hint of shape in. But not enough to make the batsman play.

9.4

.

Good length ball outside off, Dimuth leaves it.

9.3

.

Outside off, Karunaratne lets it go.

9.2

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Dimuth goes for the cut but fails to time it and the ball rolls towards the off side.

9.1

.

Length and on off, Karunaratne blocks it off the front foot.

8.6

.

Outside off, Fernando looks to lay bat on ball but gets beaten.

8.5

4

FOUR! Too straight on the pads, easy pickings for Fernando as he helps it on its way to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

8.4

.

Way outside off, Fernando goes chasing at it. The ball goes past the outside edge and bounces in front of the keeper before he takes it.

8.3

.

Length ball just outside off, Oshada Fernando plays inside the line and the ball goes past the outside edge.

8.2

.

Fuller in length and just outside off, Oshada blocks it solidly off the front foot.

8.1

.

Length and outside off, left alone.

7.6

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Poor line again. Down the leg side on a good length, Karunaratne tries flicking but misses. It takes his thigh pad and runs very straight past the keeper for a boundary at fine leg.

7.5

.

Fuller in length and outside off, Karunaratne tries driving through the line but it takes the inner half and rolls back to the bowler.

7.4

.

Width on offer outside off, DK packs a punch but picks out point.

7.3

2lb

Slips a full length ball down the leg side, Karunaratne fails to flick and it goes off his pads to fine leg for a couple of leg byes.

7.2

.

Short and outside off, Dimuth goes to cut but it takes the outer half and drops towards gully.

7.1

.

Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone.

6.6

4

EDGY FOUR! Fernando looks to push this length ball through the off side but gets an outside edge on it. The ball flies past the slip cordon on its way to the third man fence for a boundary.

6.5

.

Length ball defended off the back foot.

6.4

3

Once again Karunaratne drives but fails to find the fence. Mumba bowls one on a length outside off, Dimuth drives it through covers and the fielder there gives the chase. He stops the ball just inside the rope. The batsmen get three.

6.3

.

This time he drives this length ball towards covers.

6.2

2

Karunaratne drives this full ball towards covers. The fielder there fumbles and the ball goes through him. A couple is what the batsmen get.

6.1

1b

Full and down the leg side. Fernando looks to flick it but misses. The keeper dives to his left but the ball goes past him towards fine leg. The batsmen steal a run. Byes given.

5.6

.

Straighter delivery, the Lankan skipper uses his wrists and works it to square leg. Maiden!

5.5

.

Pitches it up and outside off, Karunaratne drives it with good timing but picks out mid off.

5.4

.

This one is way wide outside off to tempt the batsman.

5.3

.

In the channel outside off, on a length, Dimuth shoulders arms.

5.2

.

Edgy! Good length delivery outside off, Karunaratne tries to glide it down past point but it takes the outer half of his bat and rolls in front of gully-point.

5.1

.

Full and outside off, Dimuth looks to defend it but gets it off the outside half of the bat. The ball goes towards covers.

4.6

.

Fernando flicks this full ball towards mid-wicket.

4.5

.

Back of a length ball on off, punched off the back foot.

4.4

.

Length ball outside off, defended off the front foot.

4.3

.

Full ball on off, Fernando looks to drive once again but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The bowler appeals but aborts quickly.

4.2

2

Full outside off, Fernando creams the drive through covers. The ball stops inside the rope due to the slow outfield and the batsmen get a couple.

4.1

.

Length ball on off, Fernando blocks it with the full face of the bat.

3.6

.

Length and wide outside off, left alone.

3.5

2

Full and too straight from Tiripano, the batsman flicks it behind square leg for a couple.

3.4

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, angling away, Karunaratne sticks back and has a needless push inside the line. He is beaten by the angle.

3.3

1

Fernando plays this length ball with an open face towards third man for a single.

3.2

.

Good length ball on off, defended off the back foot towards covers.

3.1

.

Full and on off, blocked off the front foot.

We are back after the break. The Zimbabwean players would be really happy with their performance with the bat. Now it's their bowlers who have to rise to the occasion. The Sri Lanka openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando negotiated the three overs before Lunch break and are back in the middle to fight it out. Just for your information, Sean Williams is down with flu and we are assuming that Brendan Taylor is leading the team currently as the home team has not announced any vice captain. Donald Tiripano to bowl...

... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...

Three tricky overs safely negotiated by Sri Lanka! Nothing much you can read on their batting or Zimbabwe's bowling from that. But if we consider the entire first session, there is something in the surface to assist the spinners. Do join us at 1240 local (1040 GMT) for the second session.

2.6

.

Blocked off the front foot towards the off side. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 2!

2.5

.

BEATEN! Karunaratne goes behind a wide delivery outside off which is further going away. The ball beats the outside edge and the keeper takes it.

2.4

.

Tossed up ball on off, Dimuth skips down the track and defends it towards covers.

2.3

.

Flatter on the stumps, blocked off the back foot.

2.2

.

Floated on middle, defended off the front foot.

2.1

.

Full on middle and leg, tucked to the leg side off the back foot.

1.6

.

Flighted on off, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

1.5

.

Floated on leg, tucked towards the leg side.

1.4

2

Fernando tucks this flatter one on leg towards the leg side for a couple.

1.3

.

Full on the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket.

1.2

.

Floated down the leg side, Fernando lets it be.

1.1

2

Full and on the pads, Fernando tucks it towards mid-wicket for a couple.

0.6

.

Outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone.

0.5

.

Tossed up on middle and leg, Karunaratne tucks it off the pads towards mid-wicket.

0.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

0.3

.

Once again, blocked off the front foot to the off side.

0.2

.

Tossed up on off, defended off the front foot.

0.1

2

Tossed up ball outside off, Karunaratne drives it through covers. Sri Lanka are off the mark with a couple.

The Lankan bowling appeared to be flat on Day 1 but still they managed to pick six wickets. This morning though they received some support from the wicket, especially the spinners, and they snapped the remaining four wickets by giving away 54 runs. It was a decent effort by the African tail to push the total past the 400-run mark. Lasith Embuldeniya had a struggle yesterday but bounced back to claim a 4-fer. The bowling from the Islanders was better and with Dhananjaya also accounting for 3 wickets, it's an indication that the spinners will enjoy the conditions more. Sri Lanka have opted for the light roller and their openers will be out soon to begin their reply...

Fantastic effort by Zimbabwe to post a sizable first innings total on the board! Electing to bat, Kevin Kasuza once again showed good temperament in his knock of 38 and the real partnership came between the experienced pair of Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza. The Zimbabwean skipper notched up a fine century while Raza and Taylor also lent good support.

115.3

W

OUT! Dhananjaya takes a sharp catch! Tossed up ball landing full outside off, Nyauchi stretches forward to defend but it spins away to take the outside edge. De Silva at first slip immediately reacts to his right and snaps a low catch with one hand. Embuldeniya finishes with a 4-wicket haul and ZIMBABWE ARE ALL OUT FOR 406!

115.2

.

Closer to the off and spinning away, Nyauchi stays back to push inside the line but misses.

115.1

.

Tossed up ball outside off, left alone.

114.6

.

Mumba keeps this tossed up ball out off the back foot.

114.5

1

DROPPED! Good effort but in vain. Short in length and outside off, Nyauchi cuts it hard from the crease to point where de Silva flies to his left but fails to hold on to the catch. They cross for a run. A good effort in the field nonetheless.

114.4

.

Yorker spot on. The batsman digs it out superbly.

Physio rushes out! The mandatory concussion test is performed and the batsman is found to be perfectly fine to continue. Nyauchi can continue to bat...

114.3

.

Nasty from Kumara. Nyauchi is down on his knees. Kumara goes short on off, Victor looks to duck it but the ball does not bounce as much as expected. It hits Nyauchi on the grille and rolls past the stumps. The umpire calls for the physio for the mandatory check and Victor is fine to continue.

114.2

.

Full on off, driven towards covers.

114.1

4

FOUR! Victor is into the act now. He flicks this length ball off his pads through mid-wicket. The ball has enough on it to rolls over the ropes there.

Lahiru Kumara (19-5-55-1) is back on.

113.6

4

FOUR! This time he gets it right. Mumba once again goes for the sweep and this time middles it. It races through square leg and finds the fence. 400 UP FOR ZIMBABWE!

113.5

.

Mumba goes for the sweep but misses it only to get hit on the pads. The bowler and other players appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Mumba did well there to get himself outside the line of off stump while playing the sweep.

113.4

.

Full on middle and leg, pushed off the full face of the bat towards the bowler.

113.3

.

Full on off, pushed towards the off side.

113.2

.

Floated outside off, defended towards covers.

113.1

.

Full on middle, driven towards mid on.

112.6

1

Full on middle, driven down to long on for a run.

112.5

.

Outside off, kept out.

112.4

1

Victor now runs it past point for a single.

112.3

.

BEATEN! Quicker through the air and outside off, Victor looks to defend it off the back foot but the ball beats his push inside the line and settles into the mitts of the keeper.

112.2

1

Flatter on middle, tucked towards square leg for a single.

112.1

.

Tossed up on middle, defended towards short leg.

Victor Nyauchi is the last man in for Zimbabwe.

111.6

W

OUT! Embuldeniya gets his third wicket! He dishes out a flighted full ball around off, Tiripano finds it in his half and tries to pump it over the infield at mid off. The fielder there is standing a few steps behind than the usual position and it's an easy catch for him. Suranga Lakmal is the concerned fielder and Zimbabwe lose their 9th wicket with their score still six runs short of 400!

111.5

2

Very full and on middle, Tiripano sweeps it down to fine leg and returns for the second run.

111.4

1

Spinning away from the batsman, from around off, Mumba stays back to push inside the line and gets it away off the outside edge. It beats first slip and they take a run.

111.3

4

FOUR! Helped on its way. Zimbabwe's score enters into the 390s! Flighted ball, too full and around leg, Mumba goes down on one knee and sweeps it fine down the leg side for a boundary.

111.2

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

111.1

1

Direct hit would have been trouble for Tiripano! Too full in length on leg, Donald drives it straight towards mid on and takes on the fielder. He scoots to the other end and is lucky that the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end. Touch and go.

110.6

.

Floated on off, Mumba drives it through the off side but finds the cover fielder with perfection.

110.5

.

Mumba defends this tossed up ball around off with the full face of the bat.

110.4

.

Floated on off, Mumba defends it off the front foot and to the off side.

110.3

.

Mumba blocks this one off the back foot.

110.2

.

Floated down the leg side, Mumba lets it be.

Carl Mumba is the new man in.

110.1

W

OUT! LBW! Mutombodzi departs against the run of play. Full and on middle, Tinotenda looks to sweep it but misses to get rapped on the pads. The bowler appeals immediately and the umpire raises his finger. De Silva is fine on the front foot and Mutombodzi has to depart after fighting it out. The ball was probably going onto hit the middle stump. Fair decision.

109.6

.

Tiripano keeps it out off the front foot.

109.5

.

Flatter outside off once again, Tiripano tries to cut but gets a bottom edge. It drops in front of first slip.

109.4

.

Flatter outside off, cut towards point.

109.3

.

Full on middle, driven towards mid on.

109.2

.

Full on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

109.1

.

Floated on off, played to the bowler.

108.6

.

Flatter one on off, punched off the back foot.

108.5

.

Mutombodzi defends it with the full face of the bat.

108.4

.

Flighted on off, blocked off the front foot.

108.3

.

On the leg stump line now, tucked towards mid-wicket.

108.2

1

Full on the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket and the batsmen cross ends.

108.1

.

Tossed up on off, punched off the back foot.

Dhananjaya de Silva is on now.

107.6

.

Floated on off, defended off the front foot and into the ground.

107.5

.

The batsman leaves this tossed up ball outside off.

107.4

.

Outside off once again, left alone.

107.3

.

Tossed up outside off, Tinotenda shoulders arms to it.

107.2

.

Full once again this time on off, the batsman drives it back to the bowler.

107.1

.

Full on the pads, tucked towards mid-wicket.

106.6

.

Full on middle, defended towards mid-wicket.

106.5

1

Full ball on middle, Tinotenda flicks it towards square leg and goes for a run. The fielder there has a shy at the bowler's end only to miss the stumps.

106.4

.

Short ball and Mutombodzi ducks it with ease.

106.3

.

Back of a length ball on off, Tinotenda hops and defends it to the leg side.

106.2

4

FOUR! Overpitched and Kumara pays the price as Tinotenda Mutombodzi frees his arms and smashes this one straight past the bowler. The ball bounces inside the ropes at long off and then speeds over the fence.

106.1

.

Full outside off, Mutombodzi is strong on his forward defense.

105.6

.

Quicker delivery on off, defended off the back foot to cover-point.

105.5

.

Shout for an lbw! Not entertained. Lasith serves a flighted ball and Tiripano decides to play the reverse sweep but fails to make any connection. They appeal vociferously but umpire Aleem Dar is unmoved. Pitching outside leg, shows the replay.

105.4

.

Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

105.3

2

Arm ball this time, flat and on middle, Tiripano tickles it fine down the leg side for a couple.

105.2

.

Flatter this time, closer to off, Donald punches from the back foot to covers.

105.1

.

Flighted delivery in the channel outside off, Tiripano stays back and allows it through to the keeper.

DRINKS! A slow start to the day. The Zimbabwean batsmen are defending everything thrown at them. This led to the downfall of Regis Chakabva. Embuldeniya is making the ball bounce and turn so it is to be seen how Zimbabwe's tail-enders play him out. An engrossing hour of play coming up on the other side of this refreshment break.

104.6

.

Yorker on middle, Mutombodzi does well to dig it out off the back foot.

104.5

.

Bouncer down the leg side, Tinotenda ducks under it.

104.4

2

Another length ball on middle, flicked towards square leg and Tinotenda takes a couple.

104.3

1

Back of a length on middle, Tiripano tucks it towards square leg and takes a run.

104.2

.

Length and on off, defended to the off side.

104.1

1

Full ball on the pads, Mutombodzi flicks it towards mid on and hares for a quick single. The fielder there has a shy at the non-striker's end but he misses it.

103.6

.

Flighted on off, blocked off the front foot.

103.5

1

Tossed up ball on middle and leg, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.

103.4

.

Tinotenda pushes this one back to the bowler.

103.3

.

Tossed up on middle, defended towards mid-wicket.

103.2

4

FOUR! Tossed up ball on middle and spinning away too. Mutombodzi rocks on the back foot and pulls it over the mid-wicket fielder. The ball bounces a couple of times before crossing the ropes.

103.1

.

Full on middle and leg, defended to the leg side.

102.6

.

Length and outside off, defended off the front foot. Back-to-back maidens for Lahiru Kumara.

102.5

.

Back of a length ball outside off, defended off the back foot towards point.

102.4

.

Full and on middle, solidly defended off the front foot.

102.3

.

Bumper outside off, Tiripano drops his wrists and sways away from the line of the delivery.

102.2

.

Fuller once again, Tiripano drives it back to the bowler.

102.1

.

Full and on off, driven towards mid off.

101.6

.

Tossed up outside off, left alone.

101.5

.

Loopy ball on off, defended off the front foot towards covers.

101.4

.

Floated on off, kept out off the front foot.

101.3

.

Flatter on off, pushed off the back foot towards mid-wicket.

101.2

.

Floated on off, blocked off the front foot.

101.1

.

Tossed up on off, Tinotenda skips down the track and looks to defend it only to get an inside edge on the pads. The ball rolls towards mid off.

100.6

.

Now, beaten on the edge off a fuller length ball. Tiripano once again fails to get some wood on the ball.

100.5

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Tiripano goes for an uppish cut over point but the ball bounces a bit extra and goes past the outside edge.

100.4

.

Full and outside off, played towards mid off.

100.3

.

Back of a length ball on off, defended towards point.

100.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

100.1

.

Length and on off, Tiripano keeps it out off the front foot.

Lahiru Kumara (15-346-1) comes on to bowl now. Let's see if he gets some support from the pitch.

99.6

.

On off, defended off the front foot. We are done with 100 overs in this innings and Zimbabwe will consider that as an achievement.

99.5

.

Tossed up outside off, Tinotenda looks to defend it but is beaten due to the spin as the ball beats the outside edge.

99.4

.

Flighted on middle, defended off the front foot.

99.3

1

Full outside off, Tiripano gets into the position and reverse sweeps it past the slip fielder. Due to the slow outfield, the ball stops well ahead of the rope and the batsmen take just a run.

99.2

.

Full on off, driven towards mid on.

99.1

4

FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Mutombodzi does not miss out this time as he cuts it off the back foot. The ball runs towards the deep point fence in no time.

98.6

.

On a length and on off, defended towards mid-wicket.

98.5

.

Back of a length ball on off, defended off the back foot and into the ground.

98.4

1

Length and on middle and leg, Tiripano flicks it towards fine leg and gets off the mark with a single.

98.3

.

Length ball on off, Tiripano plays it late as he defends it off the back foot towards the leg side.

98.2

.

Length ball on off, defended towards point.

98.1

.

Length ball on off, Tiripano defends it off the front foot.

97.6

.

Full on off, defended off the front foot and into the ground.

97.5

.

Mutombodzi blocks this one on off by coming down the ground.

97.4

.

Flatter on off, cut away but straight to point.

97.3

.

Flatter outside off, punched off the back foot towards covers.

97.2

.

Tossed up outside off, left alone by Tinotenda.

97.1

.

Flatter on off, punched off the back foot towards the bowler.

96.6

.

Lakmal slants in a fuller length ball on off, Tiripano gets forward and defends it back. The conditions seem to be quite humid. Suranga is looking winded, is down on his haunches to catch some breath. End of a fine over by him!

96.5

.

Back of a length delivery outside off, Donald puts his bat on it and pushes it towards point.

96.4

.

Closer to off and on a length, Tiripano stays back to cover the line as he offers a defensive bat.

96.3

1lb

The bowler gets overambitious! He tries to repeat the last delivery albeit from a middle and leg line. Serves a supposedly outswinger but the line ends up being too straight. Also, there ain't much movement this time around. Tinotenda tries to work it away on the leg side but misses. It clips his thigh pad and goes behind square leg. They cross for a leg bye.

96.2

.

This pitch certainly is showing more support to the bowlers than it was on Day 1. The spinner is getting it to grip and spin and here Lakmal gets some outswing going. He delivers it on a length outside off, the line is too wide to bother the batsman though.

96.1

.

Half a shout for an lbw! Lakmal angles in a good length ball from around off, Mutombodzi gets across the stumps a bit to flick but misses. He is hit high on the pads and hence the appeal dies down quickly.

95.6

.

Another ripper! Embuldeniya is making the ball spit venom. He tosses it once again on middle and off, Tiripano is committed on the front foot to defend it but the ball spins past him and into the mitts of the keeper. Fine over by Lasith, a wicket maiden!

95.5

.

Tossed up outside off, Donald shapes up for a reverse sweep but then allows it through.

95.4

.

Beauty of a ball. Embuldeniya bowls one with a lot of air on off, Tiripano looks to prod forward and defend it but the ball sneaks past the edge and the keeper is quick to flick the bails off. Lucky for Donald there as he had his back foot grounded inside the crease.

95.3

.

Tiripano plays this one to point. Soft hands.

Donald Tiripano is in next. He's no mug with the bat and showed his talent in the first match. Can he add vital runs to the score and stretch it to 400?

95.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Early wicket for Sri Lanka. This is what they would have wanted. Embuldeniya tosses one up on off and gets it to spin past the batsman. Chakabva is lazy as he keeps his bat hanging outside off as he looks to play it defensively. The ball does its work there as it takes the outside edge and goes towards the keeper. Dickwella is quick behind the wickets as he gobbles up the catch into his mitts. He jumps in an appeal and the finger is up in no time. This is a big blow to Zimbabwe's aspiration to reach somewhere around 450!

95.1

.

Tossed up ball on middle, kept out off the front foot towards the bowler.

94.6

.

Length and way outside off, Mutombodzi is least interested to play at it.

94.5

.

Outside off, Mutombodzi lifts his bat and lets the ball through to the keeper.

94.4

.

Length ball on middle, Tinotenda looks to defend it off the back foot. The ball takes the outside half of his blade and it rolls towards point.

94.3

.

Back of a length ball on off, pushed off the back foot towards covers.

94.2

.

Short ball on off, Tinotenda ducks under it without any fuss.

94.1

.

Full and on off, defended off the front foot towards point.

93.6

.

Blocked off the back foot to see off the over with ease. Steady beginning by Zimbabwe this morning.

93.5

.

Once again floated on off, Chakabva keeps it out off the front foot.

93.4

.

Tossed up on off, defended off the front foot towards the off side.

93.3

1

Flighted on middle, Tinotenda flicks it towards mid on and crosses for a quick single. The fielder there has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

93.2

.

Flatter and on off, blocked off the back foot.

93.1

.

Full on off, smothered down the ground and back to the bowler.

92.6

.

Length ball outside off, further going away from the batsman. Chakabva looks to defend it but the ball shapes away from his forward defensive push.

92.5

.

That is the line to bowl. Lakmal bowls one full and close to off pole. Chakabva looks to lay bat on ball but the ball sneaks past the outside edge.

92.4

.

Back of a length and outside off, Chakabva cuts to find the point fielder there.

92.3

.

Good length and on off, kept out safely.

92.2

.

Another length delivery on off, Chakabva watchfully blocks it to the off side.

92.1

.

Length and outside off, Chakabva lets it be.

91.6

.

Flighted on off, punched off the back foot towards covers.

91.5

.

Floated on off, blocked off the back foot.

91.4

.

Tossed up around off, Tinotenda looks to defend it off the back foot but the ball takes the bottom edge and rolls towards short third man.

91.3

.

Flighted on off, Tinotenda defends it off the front foot.

91.2

2

Another tossed up ball on middle, Tinotenda drives it through mid-wicket and gets a couple.

91.1

2

In the air... but no damage done. Lasith tosses one up and Mutombodzi just dances down the track and lofts it uppishly through covers. The fielder there dives to his left but the ball beats his effort and goes towards wide long off for a couple.

Spin from the other end. Lasith Embuldeniya to roll his arms. He has struggled so far in this Test, going with an economy rate of over 5 in his 30 overs so far. He did pick the wicket of Sikandar Raza last evening and would be hoping for a better performance on a fresh day.

90.6

.

Outside off, kept out. Good first over by Lakmal.

90.5

1

Length ball on middle and leg, tucked towards square leg for a single.

90.4

.

Length band on middle, Tinotenda pushes it to mid-wicket.

90.3

4

STREAKY AND FOUR! Mutombodzi scores the first runs of Day 2. But not in a convincing fashion. Tinotenda looks to push this length ball outside off. But the ball takes the outside edge and rolls between the second slip and the gully fielders for a boundary at third man.

90.2

.

BEATEN! In the channel outside off, Mutombodzi looks to defend it off the back foot but the ball swings away from his poking bat.

90.1

.

Lakmal starts with a length ball outside off, comfortable leave for Tinotenda there.

We are all set to start Day 2 as the Sri Lankan players take their respective fielding positions. The two overnight batsmen for Zimbabwe Regis Chakabva and Tinotenda Mutombodzi walk out to resume their innings. Mutombodzi will face the first ball. Suranga Lakmal will start with the ball for Sri Lanka.

Day 1 was a combination of good bowling and batting where both the teams put on a good display but it's the home side that will be feeling on top. Zimbabwe rode on the ton of their skipper to end on 352 although they lost 6 wickets in the process too. The pitch is still good to bat on and the two overnight batsmen, Chakabva and Mutombodzi, will try to score some useful runs in the morning session. On the contrary, Sri Lanka would hope that the last 4 wickets are taken quickly to restrict Zimbabwe's march towards a big first innings score. Hello and welcome to the coverage of Day 2 of the 2nd Test between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe and thank you for joining us again. Stay tuned as the action is not far away...

... Day 2, Session 1...

So, what to expect on Day 2? The visitors need to pick up the remaining wickets as quickly as possible and not let Zimbabwe run away with the game. The hosts, on the other hand, will look to bat deep and add as many runs as possible. Can Sri Lanka restrict Zimbabwe below 400 or will the hosts continue to pile on the runs? Join us on Tuesday, 28th January, 2020 at 1000 Local (0800 GMT) for the second day. Until then, cheers.

Sri Lankan bowlers toiled hard with the ball. They started well as they picked up two wickets in no time. That's when things started going downhill for them. The spinners were rendered ineffective as Brendan Taylor, Kevin Kasuza, Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza took them apart with some excellent batting. Embuldeniya was disappointing as he went for over 5 runs an over. Suranga Lakmal was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up two wickets and was economical as well. Overall, it was a tiring day for the Lankans.

A day which has belonged to the Rhodesians. They started slowly and were going at a snail's pace in the first hour of the day. That plan did not work for them as they lost two quick wickets. That brought Brendan Taylor to the crease and he along with Kevin Kasuza took the attack to the spinners and were involved in a quickfire 65-run stand. Soon after Lunch, Kasuza fell and Taylor followed him after scoring a run-a-ball 62. Then came the partnership which took Zimbabwe to safer shores. Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza stitched a 159-run stand with the former getting to his 2nd Test ton and Raza helping himself to his 7th Test fifty. They both fell in quick succession but Mutombodzi and Chakabva have seen the remaining overs without any hiccups.

89.6

1

Full ball on off, Tinotenda drives it through covers and takes a single. That will be STUMPS ON DAY 1!

89.5

.

Yorker on middle, Mutumbodzi digs it out.

89.4

.

Full ball which is defended off the back foot towards mid-wicket.

89.3

.

Full ball on middle and leg, swinging into the batsman there. Tinotenda looks to flick it only to miss it and get hit on the pads. Fernando appeals but the umpire is not interested. Maybe, the ball pitched outside leg.

89.2

.

Length ball down the leg side, Tinotenda lets it be.

89.1

1

Full and on the pads, Chakabva tucks it towards fine leg and gets to the other end.

88.6

.

Short ball outside off, Mutombodzi cuts it to point.

88.5

.

Flat delivery outside off, Mutombodzi makes a leave to this one.

88.4

.

Full on middle, defended back to the bowler.

88.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

88.2

.

Floated ball outside off, Mutombodzi leaves it alone.

88.1

.

Flatter delivery outside off, Mutombodzi lets the ball through to the keeper.

87.6

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Fernando. Fullish delivery down the leg side, Chakabva flicks it to the fine leg region for a boundary. 350 up for Zimbabwe.

87.5

.

Length ball on off, Regis solidly blocks it out onto the pitch.

87.4

.

Good length ball on middle, Chakabva blocks it back to the bowler.

87.3

.

On off, pushed to cover.

87.2

.

Full delivery down the leg side, Chakabva looks to flick but gets hit on the pads and the ball rolls to the keeper.

87.1

.

Full and on middle and leg, Chakabva looks to work it down the leg side but he misses it. The ball hits the pads and there is an appeal. The umpire is unmoved. Maybe, the ball pitched outside the leg stump.

86.6

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Floated ball outside off, Mutombodzi lifts it towards the extra cover region for a boundary.

86.5

1

Full delivery on middle, swept to deep square leg for a single.

86.4

1

Driven towards the mid off region. The batsmen have run through for a single.

86.3

.

NOT OUT! Mutombodzi was alert to drag his back leg inside the crease before the keeper flicked the bails off. Floated ball outside off, Mutombodzi looks to play it on the up but the ball spins and beats the bat. Dickwella collects the ball and whips the bails. He is confident in his appeal and the on-field umpire takes it upstairs. The replays roll in and they show that his leg was just inside the crease.

Stumping appeal taken upstairs. It looks that Mutumbodzi has saved himself by dragging his back leg in time.

86.2

.

Flatter one on off, Mutombodzi defends it out.

86.1

.

Floated ball outside off, Tinotenda looks to defend but misses it altogether.

Lasith Embuldeniya is on now. 28-2-147-1 are his figures so far.

85.6

.

On middle, flicked to mid-wicket.

85.5

1

Full delivery on the pads, Mutombodzi tucks it to the leg side for another single.

85.4

1

Full delivery on middle, worked to deep square leg for a single.

85.3

.

Another length ball down the leg side, Chakabva looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it.

85.2

4b

FOUR BYES! Good length ball down the leg side, Chakabva looks to flick but misses. The keeper too fails to collect it and the ball goes into the fine leg fence.

85.1

1

Full delivery on middle, Mutombodzi works it to deep square leg for a single.

Vishwa Fernando is on now. 11-1-36-0 are his figures so far.

84.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

84.5

.

Full on middle and leg, Chakabva looks to flick it but misses it to get hit high on the pads. The bowler appeal only to see the umpire shaking his head.

84.4

1

Good length and on middle, tucked towards square leg for a run.

84.3

1

Length and on off, tapped towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.

84.2

.

Fullish ball outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone.

84.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Chakabva leaves it alone.

83.6

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Mutombodzi works it to short leg.

83.5

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Mutombodzi defends it off the back foot.

83.4

.

BOUNCER! A well-directed one. Short ball outside off, Mutombodzi sways away from it.

83.3

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Mutombodzi does well to evade it.

83.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Chakabva flicks it to fine leg for a single.

83.1

1

Good length ball on middle, Mutombodzi looks to flick but gets a leading edge which goes towards cover. A single taken.

82.6

.

Full delivery outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one.

82.5

.

Fullish ball on off, Chakabva prods forward and blocks it to cover.

82.4

.

Good length ball on middle, Chakabva defends it back to the bowler.

82.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Chakabva works it to mid-wicket.

82.2

.

Full delivery outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one.

82.1

.

Good length ball on off, Chakabva defends it to cover.

81.6

.

BEATEN! Excellent bowling from Lahiru Kumara! Both Lakmal and him have been right on the money since the second new ball was taken. Full outisde off, Mutombodzi looks to drive but misses it altogether.

81.5

.

Short ball outside off, Mutombodzi sways away from it.

81.4

.

On a length outside off, Mutombodzi shoulders arms to this one.

81.3

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

81.2

.

Length ball down the leg side, Mutombodzi looks to flick but misses. It goes off his thigh pad and into the mitts of the keeper. The Sri Lankans appeal but nothing from the umpire.

81.1

1lb

Full delivery on middle and leg, Chakabva looks to flick but it takes the pads and goes to fine leg for a leg bye.

Lahiru Kumara is back into the attack. 13-2-44-1 are his figures so far.

80.6

.

BEATEN! This is lovely bowling from Lakmal. Full delivery outside off, Mutombodzi looks to defend but misses it altogether.

80.5

.

Good length ball on middle, Mutombodzi defends it back to the bowler.

80.4

.

BEATEN! Absoulte peach from Suranga Lakmal. Length ball outside off, moving away from the batsman. Mutombodzi looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.

80.3

.

Good length ball on middle, Mutombodzi works it to mid-wicket.

80.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Chakabva works it to the backward square leg region for a single.

80.1

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms to this one.

The second new ball is due and it has been taken immediately. Suranga Lakmal is back on. 14-5-28-2, his figures so far.

79.6

1

Looped up ball outside off, Chakabva pushes it to deep cover for a single.

79.5

.

Flighted on middle, pushed to mid-wicket.

79.4

.

Full on off, Regis prods forward and defends it to cover.

79.3

.

On middle, Chakabva solidly blocks it out.

79.2

.

Flatter one on middle, defended to cover off the back foot.

79.1

2

Full delivery outside off, Chakabva pushes it to deep cover for a couple.

78.6

.

Floated on middle, Mutombodzi works it to mid-wicket.

Tino Mutombodzi is the new man in.

78.5

W

OUT! TIMBER! What a tame end to a magnificent innings. He has got Zimbabwe to a respectable total. De Silva bowls a floated ball on middle, Williams bends on his knees to sweep but fails to make any connection. The ball goes onto hit the middle stump and Zimbabwe lose their sixth wicket.

78.4

.

Floated on middle, Williams prods forward and defends it to cover.

78.3

1

Looped up ball on the pads, Regis works it to the leg side for another run.

78.2

1

Full delivery on off, Williams drives it down to long off for a single.

78.1

1

Floated on middle, Chakabva works it towards square leg for a single.

77.6

1

Short delivery outside off, Chakabva pushes it to deep cover for a single.

77.5

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Tossed up ball on off, Chakabva lunges and drives it through the cover region for a boundary.

77.4

1

On middle, pushed to long on for a single.

77.3

2

Floated ball down the leg side, Williams sweeps it to fine leg for a couple.

77.2

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

77.1

4

FOUR! CENTURY FOR SEAN WILLIAMS! What a knock this has been. He takes off his helmet and soaks in all the applause. This has been a captain's knock. Full delivery on the pads, Williams sweeps it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.

76.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Chakabva tucks it to mid-wicket.

76.5

2

Full delivery on middle, Chakabva paddle sweeps it to fine leg for a couple.

76.4

.

On middle, defended out onto the pitch.

76.3

1

Flat on middle, Williams pushes this down to long on to move to 99.

76.2

.

Short ball outside off, Williams looks to cut but it takes the inside half of the bat and goes back to the bowler.

76.1

.

Full delivery on off, Williams pushes it to cover.

75.6

.

Flatter one on the pads, Chakabva works it to short fine leg for nothing.

75.5

.

Full delivery on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

75.4

.

Full delivery on off, Chakabva defends it to cover.

75.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, solidly blocked by Regis.

75.2

.

Floated on middle, defended back to the bowler.

75.1

.

Flatter delivery outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms.

74.6

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

74.5

1

Floated on middle, Regis works it down to long on for a single.

74.4

.

The batsman has been beaten by the off spin.

74.3

2

Loopy delivery on middle, Regis sweeps it to fine leg and takes off for a couple. The fielder comes across and has a shy at the keeper's end. He hits and there is a run out appeal made but the umpire is not interested. Chakabva was lazy in getting his bat back in but made his way back in.

74.2

4

FOUR! Swept away nicely. Flighted ball on off, Chakabva bends and sweeps it to deep square leg for a boundary. 300 up for the hosts.

74.1

.

Floated on middle, Chakabva defends it to the bowler.

73.6

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

73.5

4

FOUR! Innovation time! Full delivery on middle, Williams reverse sweeps this one to the deep cover region for a boundary. Moves on to 98.

73.4

.

The batsman works it down the leg side.

73.3

1

Embuldeniya tosses this one up on off, Chakabva prods forward to defend but gets an outside edge and the ball goes past the slip fielder. The batters take a single.

73.2

.

Looped up ball on middle, Chakabva looks to flick but it takes the leading edge and goes towards cover.

73.1

.

Floated on off, Chakabva pushes it to cover.

72.6

.

Flighted on off, Williams defends it to cover.

72.5

1

Full delivery on middle, Chakabva pushes it to mid on for a single. Gets off the mark.

72.4

.

Tossed up on middle, Regis blocks it out.

72.3

.

Floated on middle, Chakabva works it to short leg.

72.2

1

Loopy on off, Williams pushes it to long off for a single.

72.1

.

Floated ball on middle and leg, Williams pushes it back to the bowler.

Regis Chakabva is the new man in.

71.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Raza has gifted his wicket away! It is a delivery which had to be put away with ease. Short delivery on middle, Raza rocks on his back foot and pulls it towards long on. Angelo Mathews runs ahead from long on, dives forward and takes a good catch. End of a very good 159-run partnership.

71.5

2

Full delivery on middle, Raza sweeps it in front of square and picks up a couple before the fielder comes across and cleans it up.

71.4

6

OUT! Hammered! Floated on middle, Raza dances down the track and lifts it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

71.3

1

Full delivery on middle, Williams drives it to long on for a single.

71.2

1

Tossed up ball on middle, Raza sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

71.1

.

Floated on off, Raza defends it to cover off the front foot.

DRINKS!

70.6

.

Looped up ball on middle, Williams defends it back to the bowler.

70.5

1

Flatter delivery outside off, pushed to deep cover for a single.

70.4

1

Fullish on middle, Sean sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

70.3

.

Tossed up ball on middle, Sean works it to the leg side.

70.2

.

Floated on middle, blocked out onto the pitch.

70.1

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Williams plays it back to the bowler.

Dhananjaya de Silva is back on. 9-0-50-1 are his figures.

69.6

.

Looped up ball down the leg side, Raza looks to sweep but fails to get any bat on it.

69.5

2

The batsman plays a sweep shot. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.

69.4

.

Floated on the pads, flicked to square leg.

69.3

1

Short ball on the pads, Williams pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

69.2

1

Floated ball down the leg side, Raza sweeps it to fine leg for a single.

69.1

1

Full delivery on the pads, Williams sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

68.6

2

Full delivery outside off, Raza drives it to cover where the fielder misfields allowing the batsmen to take a couple.

68.5

.

Full delivery on off, pushed to cover.

68.4

1

Full delivery on middle, Williams flicks it to the leg side for a single.

68.3

1

Fullish delivery on middle, Raza works it to deep square leg for a single.

68.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Raza pushes the ball back to the bowler.

68.1

1

Good length delivery on middle, Williams tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

67.6

1

Flighted ball on the pads, Williams sweeps it to fine leg for a single.

67.5

1

Flatter one on middle, Raza works it to the leg side for a single.

67.4

.

Flighted ball on middle, Raza defends it out.

67.3

.

Floated ball on middle, worked to mid-wicket.

67.2

.

Looped up ball down the leg side, Raza lets it go to the keeper.

67.1

.

Floated ball down the leg side, Raza looks to sweep but gets hit on the pads.

66.6

.

Fullish on off, pushed to cover off the front foot.

66.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Williams defends it out.

66.4

1

Good length ball on middle, Raza tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

66.3

6

SIX! 7th Test fifty as well and what a shot to get there! Excellent innings so far from Raza. Short ball on middle, Raza camps back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

66.2

.

Full delivery on off, Sikandar defends it to cover off the front foot.

66.1

.

Good length ball on off, Raza pushes it to point.

65.6

.

Flatter one down the leg side, Williams looks to flick but misses. The keeper whips the bails off and appeal for stumping. The umpire shakes his head.

65.5

.

Floated on middle, Williams pushes it back to the bowler.

65.4

6

SIX! Smashed! Floated on middle, Williams goes on his knees and then sweeps it over the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie.

65.3

.

On off, defended back to the bowler.

65.2

.

Looped up ball on middle, Sean works it to mid-wicket.

65.1

.

Full delivery on off, Williams drives it to mid off.

64.6

.

Short ball outside off, Raza looks to pull but it takes the bottom edge of the bat and rolls just past the off stump.

64.5

4

EDGY FOUR! Short one on middle, Raza looks to duck but it hits the back of the bat and goes to the fine leg region for a boundary.

64.4

2

Safe! Short ball outside off, Raza plays it uppishly over the mid off fielder and takes a couple before the fielder from mid off cuts it off. 250 up for the hosts.

64.3

.

Good length ball on off, pushed to point.

64.2

4

FOUR! What a shot that is! Short of a length delivery on off, Raza camps back and pulls it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

64.1

1

Short ball on middle, Williams pulls it to square leg for a single.

Lahiru Kumara is back on. 10-2-21-1 are his figures.

63.6

.

Looped up ball on middle, Raza sweeps it to square leg.

63.5

1

Full delivery on middle, Williams pushes it down to long on for a single.

63.4

.

Full delivery on the pads, Williams looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.

63.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Williams prods forward and defends it out.

63.2

.

Floated on middle and leg, Williams tucks it to square leg.

63.1

.

Flatter one on middle, Williams works it to square leg.

Sean Williams is having a drink at the moment and the heat has really got to him.

62.6

.

Fullish delivery on off, Raza blocks it out.

62.5

.

Full delivery on off, Raza defends it to cover.

62.4

1

This one comes back in a long way but the line is a little too straight. SW looks to flick but it hits the inside edge and then onto the pads. It rolls on the leg side for one.

62.3

.

Back of a length delivery and on middle, Williams stays back and keeps it out.

62.2

2

Shorter and around off, Williams stays back and pushes it through covers for two.

62.1

.

OHHH! This is angled into the batter, it is on a length. Williams looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

61.6

.

Floated on middle, Williams defends it out.

61.5

1

Loopy delivery on middle, swept to deep square leg for a single.

61.4

.

Flatter delivery down the leg side, Williams looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it. The keeper whips the bails off but Williams was in.

61.3

4

FOUR! Swept nicely. Floated ball on the pads, Williams bends and sweeps it towards the deep square leg region for a boundary.

61.2

.

Floated on middle, Williams flicks it to mid-wicket.

61.1

4

SIX! Nice use of the feet. Floated ball on off, Williams comes down the track and hammers it towards the long off region for a boundary.

60.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, worked to mid-wicket.

60.5

.

Full delivery on off, defended to cover.

60.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Raza pushes it down to mid off.

60.3

.

Full delivery outside off, Raza shoulders arms to this one.

60.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Raza plays it back to the bowler.

60.1

1

Good length ball on middle and leg, Williams tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

59.6

.

Floated on off, Raza prods forward and defends it to cover.

59.5

.

Floated on middle, Sikandar taps it to point.

59.4

1

Full on middle, Williams whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

59.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Williams defends it out.

59.2

.

Floated on middle, Williams defends it back to the bowler.

59.1

3

Flatter one outside off, Raza cuts it through the cover region for three. Two fielders chase after it and clean it up.

58.6

.

Full delivery on off, Williams defends it to cover.

58.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Sean drives it back to the bowler.

58.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Williams defends it out to the bowler.

58.3

4

FOUR! This is a beautiful cricket shot from Williams. Full delivery on off, Williams drives it through extra covers for a boundary.

58.2

.

BEATEN! Good length outside off, Williams looks to cut but misses it altogether.

58.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Williams leaves it alone.

57.6

.

Full on middle, Raza blocks it out solidly.

57.5

2

Floated on off, Raza plays the paddle scoop towards fine leg for a couple.

57.4

1

Loopy delivery on off, Williams pushes it to mid off for a single.

57.3

1

Floated ball outside off, Raza drives it down to long off for a single.

57.2

1

Loopy delivery on the pads, Williams works it to deep square leg for a single.

57.1

.

Floated on middle, Williams pushes it back to the bowler.

Lasith Embuldeniya will bowl from the other end.

56.6

.

Lakmal bowls a full delivery on off, Raza pushes it to cover.

56.5

.

Fullish ball on middle, Raza solidly defends it back to the bowler.

56.4

2

Full delivery on middle, Raza drives it towards mid on and takes a couple before the fielder cuts it off.

56.3

.

Good length ball on off, Raza defends it out.

56.2

1

Aerial but safe! Good length ball outside off, Williams slashes but does so uppishly. It lands in front of point and the batters take a single.

56.1

.

Full delivery on off, Williams gets on his front foot and defends it to point.

The final session is about to get underway! Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza make their out to the middle followed by the Sri Lankan players. Suranga Lakmal will start after the break. 10-5-17-2 are his figures.

... Day 1, Session 3 ...

None of the Lankan bowlers except for Lakmal has actually looked threatening. He is the one to take two wickets but once his spell ended, the Zimbabwe batters looked to be at ease. The Lankans would hope he gets some support or Zimbabwe could really post a big total here. Join us in a while for an important final session of Day 1.

Another good session for Zimbabwe! Yes. They did lose the two wickets but they have managed to add on 118 runs to the score at Lunch. Taylor started off the way he did before the break. He though lost his partner, Kasuza early. He too followed soon after getting to his half ton. Raza and Williams though are going along really well. The skipper has got up his half ton and Raza is eyeing one. The two need to keep going and that is what Zimbabwe will hope.

55.6

.

Floated on off, Raza defends it out to mid off. TEA ON DAY 1.

55.5

.

Floated on middle, Raza defends it back to the bowler.

55.4

1

Flatter one on middle, Williams punches it to long on for a single.

55.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Williams pushes it back to the bowler.

55.2

3

Short delivery outside off, Raza punches it through the cover region for three.

55.1

1

Floated on off, Williams drives it to long off for a single.

54.6

2

Short ball outside off, Raza cuts it to deep point for a single.

54.5

1

Loopy delivery outside off, Williams drives it to long off for a single.

54.4

4

FOUR! Williams might have had his heart in his mouth. Floated ball on middle, Williams dances down the track and plays it over the mid on fielder for a boundary.

54.3

.

Floated on off, Williams defends it towards cover.

54.2

.

Floated on middle, Williams is solid in defense.

54.1

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Dhananjaya de Silva is back on.

53.6

1

FIFTY! 3rd Test half century for the Zimbabwean skipper. Floated on middle, Willaims pushes it to mid off for a single. Can he convert it to a ton here?

53.5

1

Loopy on middle, Sikandar flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

53.4

.

Floated on middle, Raza punches it straight to the bowler.

53.3

.

Flatter delivery on middle, pushed to cover.

53.2

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Raza blocks it out solidly.

53.1

.

Full delivery on off, Raza pushes it back to the bowler.

52.6

4b

FOUR BYES! Poor delivery! Good length delivery down the leg side, Williams looks to flick but misses. The keeper fails to collect it cleanly and the ball races to the fine leg fence. 200 up for the hosts.

52.5

.

Full on middle, Sean works it to mid on.

52.4

.

Fullish on middle, Williams pushes it back to the bowler.

52.3

1

Short ball outside off, Raza punches it to deep cover for a single.

52.2

.

On off, Raza prods forward and drives it to mid off.

52.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Raza shoulders arms to this one.

51.6

2

Short delivery outside off, Williams punches it to deep cover for a couple.

51.5

1

Flighted on off, Raza pushes it through mid off for a single.

51.4

1

Floated on middle, Williams drives it down to long on for a single.

51.3

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

51.2

.

Loopy delivery on off, defended out.

51.1

1

Floated on middle, Raza drives it to long off for a single.

Lasith Embuldeniya is back into the attack. He had gone off the field due to an injury and good to see him up and running.

50.6

.

Full on off, Sean drives it to mid off for nothing.

50.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Williams slashes it to point.

50.4

1

Outside off, Raza drives it to deep cover for a single.

50.3

.

Full on middle, Raza tucks it to mid-wicket.

50.2

2

Short ball outside off, Raza punches it towards deep cover and before the fielder can come across to clean it up, the batters take two.

50.1

.

Fernando dishes one full ball on middle, Raza pushes it to mid on.

49.6

.

On middle, driven to mid on.

49.5

.

Short ball outside off, Williams sways away from it.

49.4

.

Fullish ball on middle, Williams pushes it towards mid on.

49.3

.

Full delivery on off, Williams defends it out.

49.2

1

Good length ball on the pads, Raza flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

49.1

.

Good length ball on off, Raza defends it off the back foot.

48.6

.

On off, defended off the front foot to point.

48.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Sean tucks it to mid-wicket.

48.4

.

On a length on off, pushed to point.

48.3

4

EDGY FOUR! Length ball on off, Williams looks to defend but gets an outside edge and the ball goes past the gully fielder for a boundary. 50-run stand is up between the two.

48.2

4

FOUR! Great shot from Williams. Full delivery on middle, Williams gets his front foot out of the way and drives it through mid off for a boundary.

48.1

1

Good length ball on middle, Sikandar tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

47.6

.

Length ball on off, Williams taps it to point.

47.5

.

Short on off, punched to cover.

47.4

.

Short ball outside off, Williams sways away from it.

47.3

.

Full delivery on off, Williams pushes it to the mid off fielder.

47.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Raza attempts the flick but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls to square leg for a single.

47.1

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Raza looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

46.6

.

On off, pushed to mid off.

46.5

2

Fullish outside off, Williams drives through the cover region and picks up two.

46.4

.

Fullish delivery on off, pushed to cover.

46.3

.

Length ball on middle, Williams defends it out.

46.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Raza looks to work it away but it goes off the inside half of the bat. The ball goes to square leg and the batters take a single.

46.1

.

Good length ball on off, Fernando defends it to cover.

45.6

.

A yorker but just outside off, Williams jams it out towards point.

45.5

.

On the fuller side and on middle, Williamson strokes it to mid off.

45.4

.

Another appeal but it is turned down again! Full and on the pads, the batter looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and goes to the keeper who dives to his right and stops it.

45.3

1

Good running! Fuller and on middle, Raza hits it towards mid on and takes off. The fielder picks the ball up and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses.

45.2

.

An appeal from the bowler but he is the only one doing so! Down the leg side, Raza looks to flick but it hits the pad and goes to the keeper. An appeal but it is turned down.

45.1

.

This is angled into the pads, Raza works it towards mid-wicket.

Lahiru Kumara is back on! The physio is out to have a look at Williams' hand. He is in a little pain here.

44.6

.

Another one on off, Williams strokes it towards mid off.

44.5

.

On the fuller side and on off, SW strokes it to mid off.

44.4

.

Slightly fuller and on off, Williams strokes it to covers.

44.3

.

Inside edge! On a length and around off, it jags back in. Williamson looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

44.2

4

FOUR! Short ball and hammered away! Williams picks the length early and it is pulled through mid-wicket for a boundary.

44.1

.

Angled into the pads, Williams works it to mid-wicket.

Vishwa Fernando is back on!

43.6

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

43.5

.

Looped up ball on off, Raza defends it to cover.

43.4

4

FOUR! Cut away nicely. Short ball outside off, Raza punches it off the back foot for a boundary.

43.3

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Williams works it to for a single.

43.2

.

On off, Williams is solid in defense.

43.1

.

Floated on middle, Williams blocks it out.

DRINKS!

42.6

.

Shorter in length on off, Raza stands tall and defends it out.

42.5

1

Back of a length ball on middle, worked to deep square leg for a single.

42.4

.

Short ball on off, Williams pushes it to point.

42.3

1

Length ball on the pads, Raza works it to fine leg for a single.

42.2

.

Short ball around off, Raza pulls it to mid-wicket.

42.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Raza works it to mid-wicket.

41.6

2

TOP EDGE! Floated on off, Williams goes for the sweep but it takes the top edge and lobs over the first slip fielder. The batters manage to take a couple.

41.5

6

SIX! Excellent use of the feet. Floated on off, Williams dances down the track and hammers it over the long off region for a boundary.

41.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Williams lunges forward and defends it to cover.

41.3

.

Floated on middle, blocked out.

41.2

2

Short ball on middle, Williams pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.

41.1

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Williams defends it to short leg.

Dhanajaya de Silva is back into the attack. He has a wicket to his name, can he take another?

40.6

.

Back of a length delivery on middle, Raza looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

40.5

.

OUCH! That was hit hard! Jeez! Short ball on middle, Raza pulls it very hard. It goes towards mid-wicket where Embuldeniya is tationed. He gets hit on the thumb and the ball pops out. It was not an easy catch though as it was travelling. Embuldeniya has hurt himself and that too on his bowling hand.

Almost everybody is walking towards Embuldeniya! He has been hit on the wrist. He seems to be in a lot pain, the physio has also come out. Embuldemiya is walking off the field now.

40.4

3

Full delivery on off, Williams pushes it through the cover region for three. 150 up for the hosts.

40.3

.

Short of a length ball on off, Williams defends it out.

40.2

4

FOUR! A juicy delivery and it has been put away. Full toss on off, Williams caresses it through the cover region for a boundary.

40.1

1

Full delivery on off, Raza pushes it through covers for a couple.

Lahiru Kumara is back on. 5-2-8-1, his figures so far.

39.6

1

On middle, worked to mid-wicket for a single.

39.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Raza defends it out.

39.4

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Flatter delivery outside off, Raza cuts it through the point region for a boundary.

39.3

.

Looped up ball on off, Sikandar prods forward and defends it out.

39.2

.

Full delivery outside off, Raza drives it to cover.

39.1

1

Floated on middle, Williams works it to deep square leg for a single.

38.6

.

On off, tapped to point.

38.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Raza works it to square leg.

38.4

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Raza shoulders arms to this one.

38.3

.

Fullish delivery on off, Sikandar drives it straight back to the bowler.

38.2

.

On off, pushed to cover.

38.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Raza leaves it alone.

37.6

1

Floated on middle, Raza sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

37.5

1

Short delivery outside off, Williams pushes it to deep cover for a single.

37.4

.

Floated on off, Williams defends it solidly to cover.

37.3

1

Floated ball on middle, Raza paddles it to fine leg for a single.

37.2

1

Short delivery on middle, Williams pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

37.1

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Williams defends it back to the bowler.

36.6

.

BEATEN! What a delivery from Suranga Lakmal. Full delivery outside off, moving away a little bit. Raza prods forward to defend but fails to get any bat on it.

Sikandar Raza is the new man in.

36.5

W

OUT! LBW! Lakmal strikes yet again and Taylor after getting a start has to make his way back to the pavilion. This is brilliant bowling though from Lakmal. Full delivery on middle, Taylor looks to drive but gets hit on the pads. Lakmal and the rest appeal and the umpire raises his finger immediately. Looked plumb to the naked eye.

36.4

2

Uppish! Full delivery on middle, Taylor looks to whip it away but it takes the outer half of the bat and lobs off over the cover fielder. A couple taken.

36.3

.

Full delivery on off, Taylor drives it to cover.

36.2

1

Length ball on off, Sean taps it towards gully and takes a single.

36.1

.

Fuller one off, Williams pushes it to cover.

35.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Taylor prods forward and defends it out.

35.5

1

Flatter one on middle, Williams pushes it down to long on for a single.

35.4

6

SIX! Thrashed! Floated on off, Williams dances down the track and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket region for half a dozen.

35.3

1

Flatter delivery outside off, Taylor pushes it to deep cover for another single.

35.2

1

Short ball on middle, Sean pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

35.1

.

Floated on middle, Williams defends it back to the bowler.

34.6

.

Full delivery outside off, tailing back in. Taylor leaves it alone.

34.5

.

Length ball outside off, Brendan makes a leave to this one.

34.4

.

Fullish on off, Taylor defends it to point.

34.3

.

An appeal for LBW turned down. Good length ball on the pads, Taylor looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. Lakmal and the rest appeal but the umpire shakes his head.

34.2

.

Fullish delivery on middle, Taylor defends it to mid-wicket.

34.1

4

FOUR! Strays in line this time! Good length ball down the leg side, Taylor just helps it on its way to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

33.6

.

Williams defends this floated ball on off back to the bowler.

33.5

1

Flatter one outside off, pushed to deep cover.

33.4

.

Flatter one outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one.

33.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Taylor prods forward and defends it back to the bowler.

33.2

1

Short delivery on middle, Williams pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

33.1

1

Well played in the end! Taylor comes down the track but the bowler fires it wide outside off. Taylor strokes it through covers for one.

Sean Williams is the new man in.

32.6

W

OUT! TIMBER! That's an absolute peach from Suranga Lakmal. Kasuza walks back disappointed. Earlier, Lakmal was getting the ball to move away but this one tails back in. It is a length ball around off, tailing back in sharply. Kasuza misreads it and decides to leave it. The ball goes and hits the off stump. The partnership is broken.

32.5

.

Good length ball on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.

32.4

.

Good length ball on off, Kasuza looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes towards gully.

32.3

.

Fullish ball outside off, Kasuza makes another leave.

32.2

.

Length ball outside off, Kevin leaves the ball alone.

32.1

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery outside off from Lakmal. Kasuza prods forward and drives it through the cover region for a boundary.

31.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Taylor defends it off the front foot.

31.5

4

FOUR! FIFTY! Brilliant counter-attacking innings from Taylor. Floated on middle, Taylor sweeps it to the fine leg region for another boundary.

31.4

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

31.3

4

FOUR! Floated on middle, Taylor bends on his knees and sweeps it to the deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

31.2

.

BEATEN! Flighted ball outside off, Taylor attempts the sweep but misses it altogether.

31.1

1

Floated on off, Kasuza guides it to third man for a single.

Lasith Embuldeniya will bowl from the other end.

30.6

.

Lakmal bowls another full delivery outside off, Brendan lets it go to the keeper.

30.5

.

Full delivery outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one.

30.4

4

FOUR! Hammered! Full on middle, Taylor thrashes it straight past the bowler and into the fence. Brings up the 50-run stand between the two. 100 up for the hosts.

30.3

.

On off, Taylor prods forward and defends it out.

30.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to this one.

30.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Taylor shoulders arms to it.

30.1

1nb

No Ball!!! Full delivery outside off, Taylor drives it to mid off. Lakmal has overstepped.

We are all set for the action to begin! The Zimbabwe batters, Brendan Taylor and Kevin Kasuza make their way out to the middle to resume their innings. Suranga Lakmal to start the proceedings for the visitors. Here we go...

... Day 1, Session 2 ...

The Lankan bowlers, on the other hand, started off decently. They kept it nice and tight in the first hour. However, the spinners have had no answer to this counter-attacking cricket from Taylor and Kasuza in the second. They have got the ball turn a little but the Zimbabwe batters have tackled it nicely. What different can we see from the Lankans in the second session? We will find out shortly.

An excellent session for Zimbabwe! Yes, they have lost two wickets but the way they played is what they will be happy about. They really took the attack to the bowlers especially the spinners. Both Taylor and Kasuza have really played well so far and are amidst a good stand. Also, it is a much-needed one as Zimbabwe lost two wickets quite early. The hosts will hope the two can continue and make this start a significant one.

29.6

.

Flatter one on middle, Kasuza works it to short leg. LUNCH ON DAY 1.

29.5

.

Flighted ball on middle, Kevin solidly blocks it.

29.4

.

On off, Kasuza defends it out.

29.3

1

Full on middle, Taylor sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

29.2

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Taylor defends it out.

29.1

4

FOUR! This is poor bowling! Floated ball down the leg side, Taylor sweeps it to the fine leg region for a boundary.

28.6

.

Full on middle, Kasuza drives it to the bowler.

28.5

.

Floated ball outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms.

28.4

2

Flighted delivery on middle, Kevin looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and goes towards fine leg. A couple.

28.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

28.2

.

Loopy one on on off, Kasuza pushes it to point.

28.1

.

Floated ball outside off, spinning away,. Kasuza shoulders arms to this one.

27.6

1

Short delivery outside off, punched to deep point for a single.

27.5

.

On middle, worked to short leg.

27.4

1

Flatter one on middle, Taylor punches it down to long on for a single.

27.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Taylor defends it to point.

27.2

2

Fullish delivery on off, Taylor paddle sweeps it to fine leg for a couple.

27.1

1

Flatter one on middle, Kevin works it to deep square leg for a single.

26.6

.

Looped up ball on off, Taylor blocks it solidly.

26.5

.

Floated on off, Taylor defends it out.

26.4

4

FOUR! Poor delivery! Flighted down the leg side, Taylor paddle sweeps it to the fine leg region for a boundary.

26.3

4

FOUR! Taylor plays this shot very well! Floated ball outside off, Taylor lunges and drives it over the extra cover region for a boundary.

26.2

.

On middle, blocked back to the bowler.

26.1

.

Loopy ball on middle, Taylor defends it back to the bowler.

25.6

1

Full toss, whipped to mid-wicket for a single.

25.5

4

FOUR! Innovation. Floated ball on middle, Taylor plays the reverse sweep towards the third man region for a boundary.

25.4

1

Floated ball on middle, Kasuza sweeps it to fine leg for a single.

25.3

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

25.2

1

The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.

25.1

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

24.6

.

A dot to end as the last ball is pushed towards cover.

24.5

1

Follows the boundary up with a single as this is worked around the corner.

24.4

4

FOUR! Nicely played! This time connects with the reverse sweep and hits it through short third man for a boundary.

24.3

.

One more delivery on middle, Taylor is solid in defense again.

24.2

.

On middle, kept out.

24.1

.

Floats it up on off, Taylor pushes it to covers.

23.6

.

Outside off, punched off the back foot to cover.

23.5

1

Driven towards the mid on region. They pick up a single.

23.4

4

FOUR! Cut away nicely! Short ball outside off, Taylor cuts it through the point region for a boundary.

23.3

2

Flighted on middle, Taylor works it to the leg side for a couple.

23.2

.

Floated on middle, Taylor blocks it out.

23.1

.

Floated on off, Taylor goes for the reverse sweep but fails to get any bat on it. It seems to have gone off the arm and it lobs to square leg. The fielder takes the catch and the Lankans go up in huge appeal. The umpire is not interested though. Wait, a minute. The replays roll in and they show that it has gone off the gloves. Taylor is very lucky to survive there. There are no reviews available for this series.

22.6

.

A maiden! A little too full this time, it is driven hard but hits silly point.

22.5

.

Another floated delivery on the off pole. Kasuza keeps it out.

22.4

.

Another tossed up delivery on middle, Kasuza is solid in defense.

22.3

.

Loopy ball on middle, defended.

22.2

.

Slows it up and lands it on off, Kasuza initially looks to drive but then keeps it out.

22.1

.

Floats it up on off, it is hit towards the man at short covers.

21.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

21.5

1

Floated on middle, Kasuza drives it to long on for a single.

21.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Kasuza defends it back to the bowler.

21.3

.

NOT OUT! Taylor shows good presence of mind there. De Silva dishes a full ball on middle, Kasuza drives it straight back to the bowler. Dhananjaya gets a hand on it and the ball goes onto hit the stumps. He puts in an appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. They replays roll in and they show that Taylor had got his bat inside the crease.

A run out appeal and the umpire has taken it upstairs! The Sri Lankans do not seem excited.

21.2

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Kevin prods forward and defends it.

21.1

.

Flat one on middle, Kasuza defends it out.

20.6

.

Floated ball outside off, Taylor lets it through to the keeper.

20.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

20.4

6

SIX! Nice use of the feet. Taylor will not allow the spinners to settle. Full delivery on off, Taylor dances down the track and hammers it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

20.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Taylor defends it back to the bowler.

20.2

.

Flatter delivery on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

20.1

.

Floated on off, Taylor defends it to cover.

19.6

1

Full on middle, Taylor gets off the mark by pushing this down to long on for a single. 50 up for the hosts.

19.5

.

Floated ball down the leg side, Taylor looks to flick but misses. De Silva thinks there is an edge and appeals but the umpire is not interested.

Brendan Taylor is the new man in.

19.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Bowling change works for Sri Lanka. Dhananjaya de Silva does the trick for the Lankans. De Silva tosses this one up on middle, Ervine prods forward to defend but goes at it with hard hands. It takes the inside edge and goes towards short leg. Oshada Fernando there takes a sharp catch.

19.3

1

Full delivery on middle and leg, Kasuza works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

19.2

.

Floated on off, Kasuza prods forward and defends it out.

19.1

1

Shorter and on the pads, Ervine works it through mid-wicket and takes one.

Dhananjaya de Silva is on now!

18.6

2

EDGED BUT SAFE! Floated outside off, with some spin on it. Kasuza looks to drive it on the up but gets an outside edge which just lands ahead of the cover fielder. Two runs taken.

18.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

18.4

.

Flighted on off, Kevin defends it to point.

18.3

1

Floated on off, Ervine sweeps it to square leg for a single.

18.2

6

SIX! Beautiful shot! Floated on off, Ervine dances down the track and lifts it over the long on region for a maximum.

18.1

.

Flatter one on middle, Ervine tucks it to square leg.

17.6

.

Short on off, Kasuza looks to cut but it takes the bottom edge and rolls onto the pitch.

17.5

.

Fuller one outside off, Kevin leaves it alone.

17.4

.

Kumara bowls a full one on middle, Kasuza pushes it to mid on.

17.3

4

FOUR! Punched away nicely! Short ball outside off, Kasuza stands tall and punches it through point for a boundary.

17.2

.

Fullish delivery on middle, worked to mid-wicket.

17.1

.

Short ball on middle, Kasuza defends it to the leg side.

16.6

.

Loopy one on middle, Ervine works it to square leg.

16.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

16.4

.

Floated around off, Ervine looks to defend but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. There is an appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head.

16.3

1

TOP EDGE BUT SAFE! Loopy delivery on middle, Kasuza looks to sweep but it takes the top edge and goes towards mid-wicket. Luckily for Kasuza, the ball lands safely. A single taken.

16.2

.

Flatter delivery on middle, Kasuza defends it back to the bowler.

16.1

2

EDGY! Floated on off, Kasuza looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes past the first slip fielder towards third man. Two taken.

15.6

.

Kumara dishes a full ball on middle, Ervine defends it back to the bowler.

15.5

.

Outside off, Ervine shoulders arms to this one.

15.4

1

Good length ball on middle, whipped to mid-wicket for a single.

15.3

.

Length delivery on off, Kasuza drives it to mid off.

15.2

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Kevin defends it to mid on.

15.1

.

Short ball around middle, Kasuza ducks under it.

14.6

4

FOUR! Off the mark in style! Slightly fuller again and outside off, Ervine gets to the pitch of the ball, strokes it uppishly but in the gap in the cover region for a boundary. A good over for Zimbabwe.

14.5

1

Nicely played! Good fielding too! Flighted ball on off, Kasuza plays it with the turn towards covers. The fielder there dives and saves at least two for his side. one taken.

14.4

.

Angled into the pads, Kasuza works it towards short leg.

14.3

.

Extremely full this time and on middle, it is jammed out back to the bowler.

14.2

4

FOUR! Excellent shot. A very safe one too. This is tossed up on middle, it is a little too full. Kasuza lofts it over the bowler's head and it goes for a one bounce boundary.

14.1

.

Floats it up on middle, it is kept out.

Craig Ervine is the new man in. Lasith Embuldeniysa is into the attack.

13.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Finally, Sri Lanka have broken through! This is a poor shot though. Good length delivery outside off, Masvaure looks to drive without moving his feet. He gets a thick outside edge and goes towards the keeper. Niroshan Dickwella makes no mistake behind the stumps and starts celebrating rightly so.

13.5

.

Short ball outside off, Masvaure punches it to point.

13.4

.

Inside edge saves Masvaure! Full delivery on off, Masvaure looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. If he had misses, would have been close.

13.3

.

Shorter one outside off, Masvaure sways away from it.

13.2

.

Kumara bends his back and bowls a short one on middle, Masvaure though is not too perturbed as he defends this one to cover.

13.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to it.

DRINKS! Zimbabwe have started sedately. They are going at a run rate of just around 1. Sri Lanka have bowled well but have been unrewarded so far. They will look to get wickets as quickly as possible.

12.6

.

Full delivery outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to this one.

12.5

.

The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.

12.4

.

Good length ball on off, coming back in sharply. Kasuza looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and gets stuck in the flap of the pad.

12.3

.

Full delivery on off, pushed to mid off.

12.2

4

FOUR! Too straight from Fernando and it has been put away. Full delivery on the pads, Kasuza whips it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

12.1

.

EDGY! Good length ball on off, Kasuza looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes to gully on one bounce.

11.6

.

Fullish on off, Masvaure pushes it to mid off.

11.5

.

Length ball on off, Masvaure defends it to mid off.

11.4

3

Well fielded! Full delivery outside off, Kasuza drives it through the cover region for three. Lakmal chases after it and cleans it up. The umpires check whether it is a boundary but Lakmal has done a good job there.

11.3

.

On a length on off, Kevin defends it to cover.

11.2

.

Good length ball on off, Kasuza looks to defend but it takes the inside edge, hits the pads. Kasuza kicks the ball away as he thinks that it might hit the stumps.

11.1

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Kasuza ducks under it.

10.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

10.5

.

Inside edge! Angled into the left-hander. Masvaure looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

10.4

1

Edgy run! Shorter and around off, Kasuza looks to defend but it hits the outside edge and goes past the gully fielder for one.

10.3

3

Three now! Width on offer again, short and outside off. Masvaure slaps it through covers. It stops as it reaches near the ropes. Three taken.

10.2

.

This is angled into the batter, Masvaure works it to mid-wicket.

10.1

4

FOUR! Just about gets to the ropes! First boundary of the game! A half volley, very full and wide outside off. Masvaure leans into it and creams it through the cover region for a boundary.

Vishwa Fernando is back on! Change of ends for him.

9.6

.

Good length on off, Kasuza defends it out.

9.5

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Kasuza makes another leave.

9.4

.

Good length ball outside off, Kevin lets the ball go to the keeper.

9.3

.

On off, Kasuza lunges forward and drives it to cover.

9.2

.

Full delivery on off, Kasuza drives it to mid off for nothing.

9.1

.

Kumara starts with a length delivery on middle, Kasuza looks to defend but it takes the inside half of the bat and the ball rolls to mid-wicket.

First change of the game! Lahiru Kumara is into the attack.

8.6

.

Length ball on off, Masvaure pushes it to cover.

8.5

1

Short of a length on middle, Kasuza tucks it to deep square leg for a single. Lakmal finally concedes a run.

8.4

.

Full delivery outside off, Kevin leaves it alone.

8.3

.

Lakmal dishes a full ball on middle, Kasuza defends it to mid on.

8.2

.

Full delivery on off, Kasuza prods forward and defends it out.

8.1

.

Length ball on off, Kasuza defends it to mid off.

7.6

.

Full delivery on off, Masvaure drives but it lands just in front of the bowler and rolls to mid off.

7.5

.

Fernando dishes a fuller one outside off, Masvaure lets the ball through to the keeper.

7.4

1

Length on middle, tucked to fine leg for a single.

7.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Kasuza pushes it down to mid on.

7.2

.

Length ball on the pads, Kasuza looks to tuck it to the leg side. He misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.

7.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket.

6.6

.

On a length on off, Masvaure solidly defends it to the cover fielder. 4 maidens in a row from Lakmal.

6.5

.

Good length ball on middle, Prince defends it to mid on.

6.4

.

On middle, worked to mid-wicket.

6.3

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, Prince works it to square leg. He wants the single but is sent back by Kasuza.

6.2

.

Back of a length ball on off, Masvaure pushes it to cover.

6.1

.

Good length ball down the leg side, Masvaure looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it.

5.6

1lb

Length ball on the pads, Masvaure looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls to square leg and the batters manage to take a leg bye.

5.5

2

Good length ball outisde off, Masvaure pushes it through the gully region for a couple.

5.4

.

Length ball on off, pushed to point.

5.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

5.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Masvaure stands tall and defends it off the back foot.

5.1

.

BEATEN! Good length ball outside off, Masvaure still pokes at it but fails to get any bat on it.

4.6

.

Good length ball on middle, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket.

4.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Kasuza taps it to point.

4.4

.

Good length ball outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to this one.

4.3

.

Good length ball on the pads, Kasuza works it to mid-wicket.

4.2

.

Full delivery outside off, Kevin shoulders arms to this one.

4.1

.

BEATEN! Beautiful delivery from Lakmal. Good length ball outside off, Kasuza looks to defend but misses it altogether.

3.6

.

Good length ball outside off, Masvaure looks to leave but it takes the bottom edge and goes towards gully.

3.5

.

Good length ball on off, Masvaure defends it to point.

3.4

.

Good length ball on middle, Prince blocks it to cover.

3.3

.

Good length ball on middle, Masvaure defends it to point.

3.2

1

Very full delivery on middle, Kasuza looks to dig it out but it takes the inside edge, hits the pads and rolls to square leg. The batters take a run and Zimbabwe are finally off the mark.

3.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Kasuza shoulders arms to it.

2.6

.

Fullish delivery on middle, Prince pushes this down to mid on.

2.5

.

Good length ball outside off, Prince does not fiddle with it and leaves it alone.

2.4

.

Good length ball on off, Masvaure looks to flick but the ball takes the inside edge and hits the pads.

2.3

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Masvaure shoulders arms to this one.

2.2

.

Full delivery on off, Prince lunges and drives it to mid off.

2.1

.

Good length ball on off, Masvaure pushes it to point.

1.6

.

Fullish on middle, pushed to mid on. Two maidens to start with from the Lankans.

1.5

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, worked to mid-wicket.

1.4

.

Full toss on middle, Kasuza works it to square leg.

1.3

.

Good length ball outside off, left alone by Kasuza.

1.2

.

On middle, Kasuza pushes it back to the bowler.

1.1

.

Fernando starts with a fuller one outside off, Kasuza lets the ball go to the keeper.

Vishwa Fernando will bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Lakmal dishes a full delivery on off, Masvaure looks to drive but it takes the outside edge and rolls to point. Maiden to start with from Suranga Lakmal.

0.5

.

Just short of Lakmal! Full delivery on middle, Masvaure looks to defend but it takes the top half of the bat and goes uppishly towards the bowler. Lakmal dives ahead but the ball falls short.

0.4

.

Good length ball on middle, Masvaure works it to the mid-wicket.

0.3

.

Fullish delivery on off, Masvaure defends it to mid off.

0.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Masvaure defends it to the bowler.

0.1

.

Starts off with a length ball around middle, it tails back in a touch. It is pushed back to the bowler.

We are all set to begin! Kevin Kasuza and Prince Masvaure are out in the middle as the openers for Zimbabwe. The Sri Lankan players follow them out. Suranga Lakmal will start for the visitors.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Prince Masvaure, Kevin Kasuza, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams(c), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva(w), Donald Tiripano, Tinotenda Mutombodzi (In place of Ainsley Ndlovu), Victor Nyauchi, Carl Mumba (In place of Kyle Jarvis).

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando (In place of Kasun Rajitha).

Zimbabwe win the toss and choose to bat first.

Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe comfortably in the first Test. Angelo Mathews and Suranga Lakmal were the stars for the visitors. They would look to come up with another terrific performance and win the series 2-0. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, batted well in the first innings but collapsed badly in the second. They would hope that they perform better with the willow in hand and level the series. Welcome to our coverage of the second and final Test of this series. Do join us in a while.

Match Center

2nd Test, Harare, January 27, 2020, 01:30 PM

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