New Delhi: Zimbabwe humiliated Sri Lanka 3-2 on their home turf to clinch their first away series victory in 8 years. And their ODI series win against a Test playing nation since 2001.
Having won the toss, Zimbabwe skipper Greame Cremer invited the hosts to bat. Pacer Tendai Chatara drew the first blood by sending Niroshan Dickwella back to the pavilion. The Sri Lankan opener had entered the contest with two consecutive centuries.
The Angleo Mathews led side slipped to 153 for 8 in 42nd over before Gunaratne and Chameera put on 50-run stand for the ninth wicket, to take Sri Lanka to 203/8
Sikandara Raza rattled Sri Lanka’s batting order as he scalped 3 for 21.
Chasing an easy target of 204 runs, Hamilton Masakadza fired 73 off 86 balls. His innings included 9 fours and 1 six. The hard hitting batsman reached 5000 ODI runs. Solomon Mire on the other hand smashed 43 off just 32 deliveries.
Zimbabwe rattled in middle overs but skipper Greame Cremer and Sikandar Raza stitched unbeaten 29-run stand to guide Zimbabwe home.
Zimbabwe displayed brilliant batting performance throughout the ODI series, winning all of their 3 games while batting second.
A lot credit of credit for such a tremendous performance with the bat goes to their batting coach – Lance Klusener. South African all-rounder played a key role in Zimbabwe’s success in the Asian sub-continent
It is also worth to mention Lance Klusener was among the top 10 contenders for India’s coaching job but BCCI appointed CAC left him out of the 6-member list to be called for interview.