Announcement

**AnjuRatty** · 07-18-2013, 05:39 PM

SL Side:
D Karunaratne
G Maneshan
K Sangakkara
L Thirimanne
A Mathews
A Perera
S Eranga
C Jayampathi
A Dananjaya
I Khan

Zimbabwe Side:
T Mawayo
B Taylor
C Zhuwao
E Chigumbura
F Mutizwa
K Kondo
B Chapungu
B Chari
D Tiripano
T Manatsa

Zimbabwe Won the toos and chose to Bat

Day 1:

Disaster for Zimbabwe as they were bundled out for 84 in the 2nd session. It all started when the two new ball bowlers (Jayampathi and I Khan) got got the two openers before settling in leaving them 10 for 2 and they never really recovered. Their highest contributor was B Chari with 28.
SL Bowling: Imran Khan : 5 for 31
Charith Jayampathi: 2 for 28
Shaminda Eranga : 2 for 6
A Dananjaya : 1 for 18

Sl had a decent start with a partnership of 51 between Maneshan and Karunaratne. Chigumbura struck the first blow getting Maneshan out for 27. But then Sangakkara steadied the ship with a partnership of 68 leaving SL 119 for 1 at the end of day one.

Day 2:

Things were looking bad for Zimbabwe as they were unable to stop the flow of runs. But Tiripino injected some life in to Zimbabwe bowling as he struck in the middle of the first session and removed Karunaratne for 84. Soon after that Thirimanne went for just 1 as Chigumbura struk for the second time. Then captain Mathews steadied the ship with a useful partnership of 81 with Sangakkara. Soon after Sangakkara reached his 100, Mathews fell for 34. Angelo Perera didn't last long as he departed for 9. Dinesh Chandimal energetically walked to the crease and looked very comfortable in his stay. After a while Sangakkara departed for a well-made 158. Then Chandimal took control as he finished 94 off 114 balls making a steady partnership with Shaminda Eranga of 120. Sri Lanka are 456-6 at the end of Day 2.

Day 3:

Soon after the start of Day 3 Dinesh Chandimal reached his century off 123 balls. Tiripano struck soon after removing Eranga for 38 breaking the partnership of 149. It was Chigumbura who struck again and removed Chandimal for 129 off 159 balls. Jayampathi on debut contributed with some useful runs before he edged to the 2nd slip for 15 off bowling of Manatsa. Soon after Manatsa struck the final blow as Imran Khan edged to the wicket keeper for 5 leaving Akila Dananjaya 19*. Sri Lanka All Out for 534
(K Sangakkara 158 , D Chandimal 129 , D Karunaratne 84 , E Chigumbura 4 for 131 , T Manatsa 3 for 112)

Imran Khan struck the first blow getting B Taylor leg before wicket for 14. Soon after T Mawayo mis-hit a shot off bowling of Imran Khan for 17 leaving Zimbabwe 40 for 2. It was poor decision by Chigumbura as he lofted a shot straight to a fielders hands off Jayampathi for 10 leaving Zimbabwe 59 for 3.
Zhuwao fighted hard for his 25 but edged off Akila Dananjaya's bowling. Mutizwa made a useful contribution as he went for 51 as Mathews broke the intimidating partnership of 67. Chapungu failed to trouble the scorers as we departed for a duck getting lbw off Akila Dananjaya's bowling. Eranga bowled B Chari trough the gate for 29. And soon followed K Meth for 2 as he was caught lbw off Eranga's bowling. Imran Khan was bought back to take a wicket and he did just that Removing Tiripano for a useful 30. Part-Timer Angelo Perera struck the final blow as he Manatsa for 1.
Zimbabwe: 245 ( F Mutizwa 51 , K Konda 50*, D Tiripano 30 , B Chari 29 , I Khan 3 for 34 , S Eranga 3 for 36 , A Dananjaya 2 for 87 )
Sri Lanka won by an innings and 205 runs.

Post Press Conference:

Mathews: " We're delighted of this win. I hope this will be a start of a new generation of Sri Lankan cricket. I'm very satisfied with the way youngsters performed and we'll be looking to continue the good work."

Zimbabwe Captain : "Not what we hoped to achieve but it was our fault. Our batsman need to step up so our bowlers could put pressure on the opositions batsman but we weren't able to do that"

MoM: K Sangakkara

**AnjuRatty** · 07-19-2013, 02:33 PM

Squad for the 2nd Test vs Zimbabwe

D Karunaratne

L Thirimanne

KC Sangakkara

A Mathews(C)

R Silva

N Dickwella

A Perera

D Chandimal (wk)

S Eranga

C Jayampathi (Uncapped in Tests)

A Dananjaya

I Khan (Uncapped)

Anjula Ratnayaka: "We made two changes to the squad. Roshen Silva will replace Ashan Priyanjan and Niroshan Dickwella will replace Gayan Maneshan. Hope the changes will not make a huge difference, I'm hoping that Angelo Perera will perform to his potential in this Match"

Sri Lanka Side
A Perera
N Dickwella
K Sangakkara
L Thirimanne
R Silva
A Mathews(C)
D Chandimal
S Eranga
C Jayampathi
A Dananjaya
I Khan

Zimbabwe Side
B Taylor
T Mawayo
C Zhuwao
E Chigumbura
F Mitizwa
K Kondo
B Chari
M Waller
K Meth
D Tiripano
T Manatsa

Players to watch out for:
Angelo Perera: Haven't had a great start to his international career but says he has a lot of potential. He's just a bomb waiting to Explode!

M Waller: A hero, calm and composed under pressure, Zimbabwe will be counting on him to strengthen the middle order.

Sri Lanka won the toss and choose to bat first.

Day 1:

Oh God!, Angelo Prera departs early again, bowled strainght trought the gate for 7 by Chigumbura. Zimbabwe soon took control over the game bowling Sangakkara straight through the gate for 4 and it's Chigumbura again. Sri Lanka are 39 for 2. Thirimanne got a life, dropped for 9 off Tiripano's bowling. Another bowled, his time it's the 21 year old N Dickwella gone for a well-made 33 off bowling of Kegan Meth.Just when the pair of Thirimanne and Roshen Silva was looking as if they are taking control, Roshen Silva fell for 37 bowled by Manatsa putting an end the a partnership of 96. After a partnership of 55 with Mathews, Thirimanne was lbw for 88 off the bowling of Waller.
Captain Mathews and in-form Chandimal made Sri Lankans breath easy by putting a partnership of 99 before Mathews was run out for 90. Sri Lanka are 323 for 6 at the End of Day 1.

Day 2:

Dinesh Chandimal continued on his Mary way putting up a partnership of 91 with Shaminda Eranga before he fell for 82 off bowling of Manatsa. The reliable tailender Eranga recorded his 3rd test match 50 before getting lbw for 63 off Meth. Jayampathi showed that he's well capable with the bat making useful 39 run before falling lb for Chigumbura. Chigumbura continued the good work by bowling Imran Khan trough the gate for 6 ending the Sri Lankan innings.
SL 478 all out ( A Mathews 90 , L Thirimanne 88 , D Chandimal 82 , S Eranga 63 , E Chigumbura 125 for 4 , K Meth 75 for 2 , T Manatsa 2 for 119 )

It's Imran Khan again who struck first again, Removing B Taylor for 15 and T Mawayo for 25 lbw. But he didn't stop there as he removed the key man Elton Chigumbura lbw for 6 leaving Zimbabwe 53 for 3. Introduction of Spin bought further misery to Zimbabwe batsman with Akila Dananjaya removing F Mutizwa lbw for 18. further suffering for Zimbabwe batsman As Zhuwao tried to pull Eranga for a six but only managing to edge the ball to the slips for 18. Zimbabwe are 106 for 5 at the End of day 2.

Day 3:

Not a good start for Zims as B Chari is bowled through the gate by Eranga for 16. The key man we spoke of is gone trying to sweep Akila Dananjaya and getting caught for just 3. Kegan Meth didn't last long as he lofted the ball straight in to a fielders hand for 1 and It's Eranga's 3rd wicket. D Tiripano was looking aggressive but was lbw by Akila for 13. Eranga struck again bowling Manatsa for 1 and It's the end of Zimbabwe's first innings.
Zimbabwe: 157 all out (K Kondo 37* , T Mawoyo 25 , C Zhuwao and F Mutizwa 18 , S Eranga 4 for 57 , A Dananjaya 3 for 35 , I Khan 3 for 34 )

Zimbabwe are enforced to follow-on

Finally Zimbabwe showed some resistance putting up 97 for the opening stand but T Mawoyo edged to the wicket keeper off Eranga's bowling for 64. B Taylor was soon caught and bowled by Angelo Mathews for 40. Elton Chigumbura made a very useful contribution of 44 before Edging Akila Dananjaya. Zhuwao soon reached his first 50, and he;s defiantly looking dangerous. Imran Khan does his thing again, Zhuwao edged Imran to 2nd slip and he's gone for 63. At the end of Day 3 Zimbabwe are 251 for 4

Day 4:

Akila Dananjaya struck in the first over of the day removing stubborn Mutizwa for 29. Imran Khan!!, K Kondo gone, caught in the deep for 3. They are not repeating the good performance of the last day, B Chari caught off Dananjaya for 1. Jayampathi bought back in to the attack and he's struck, K Meth is gone, lbw for a duck. Tiripano gone, Akila get another wicket.
New ball is taken and Jayampathi strikes, Malcom Waller is gone for 12.
Zimbabwe 278 all out (T Mawoyo 64 , C Zhuwao 63 , E Chigumbura 44 , B Taylor 40 , A Dananjaya 69 for 4 , C Jayampathi 70 for 2 , I Khan 85 for 2 )

Sri Lanka win by an innings and 43.

Press Conference

A Mathews: "I think Zimbabwe really fought back well in the second innings but the lower order couldn't back it up. Again a really satisfying performance from our boys"

Zimbabwe Captain: "Just as Mathews said we did fought back in the second innings, Zhuwao played really well and Kondo is also performing well for us and I think those are the positives that we can take from the Test"

MoM: S Eranga

**AnjuRatty** · 07-19-2013, 03:34 PM

Post Series Analysis of Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Test Series

Sri Lanka win the series 2-0

Man of the Series : Imran Khan (SL)

Highest Run Scorers

For Sri Lanka
Dinesh Chandimal :
Average : 105.50
Strike Rate : 63.55
Runs : 2011

For Zimbabwe
C Zhuwao :
Average : 30.00
Strike Rate : 51.05
Runs : 120

Highest Wicket Takers

For Sri Lanka
Imran Khan:
Average: 14.15
Wickets: 13
Econ : 3.43
Overs : 53

For Zimbabwe
Elton Chigumbura:
Average:32.00
Wickets:8
Econ :3.21
Overs :82

Rising Stars

Imran Khan:

Do not get confused by his name, He's a product of Royal College, vice-captained his schools U-19 Team, The broke in to First-Class Arena taking 2 for 47 for Bloomfiled against Saracans. He continued to perform well for his Domestic side despite being too expensive. That was corrected when Chaminda Vass took him under his wing in 2014 and He might just be the pacer Sri Lanka have been looking for for the future

Full name Imran Khan

Born May 10, 1992, Colombo

Current age 21 years 70 days

Major teams Royal College, Saracens Sports Club

Batting style Left-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm fast-medium

Height 5 ft 10 in

Education Royal College, Colombo

Akila Dananjaya

Another installment from Sri Lanka's production line of unorthodox spinners, Akila Dananjaya sparked controversy when he was picked in the preliminary squad for the 2012 World Twenty20, despite never having played a professional match in his life. Able to deliver a legbreak, googly, carrom ball, doosra and a stock offspinner with astounding control, he had impressed Mahela Jayawardene so much as a net bowler at a Sri Lanka practice session, that Jayawardene requested he be fast-tracked to the national squad.

Full name Mahamarakkala Kurukulasooriya Patabendige Akila Dananjaya Perera

Born October 4, 1993, Panadura

Current age 19 years 288 days

Major teams Sri Lanka, Chennai Super Kings, Wayamba United

Playing role Allrounder

Batting style Left-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm offbreak

Height 5.07

Education Mahanama Vidyalaya, Panadura

Brian Chari

A promising batsman who represented Zimbabwe U-19 team and Matabeleland Tukers at Domestic Level with a Defensive approach to the game. Beware if you leave the Leg-Side open for this boy. With aims of being a permanent player for as long as he's fit, He might be just the batsman with the temperament to succeed in Test Level that Zimbabwe been looking for.

Full name Brian Chari

Born February 14, 1992

Current age 21 years 155 days

Major teams Matabeleland Tuskers, Matabeleland Tuskers B, Zimbabwe Under-19s

Batting style Right-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm offbreak

**cricfan1** · 07-19-2013, 04:54 PM

Srilanka Vs Zim Nice opponent Both are equal strength

Sri will never be No 1 in any format in next 5 Years I can bet

**AnjuRatty** · 07-19-2013, 05:42 PM

Cricket Buzz

Your Reliable Cricketing Magazine

Mahela , Dilshan retires from International Cricket and Kumar retires from ODI's

After a glorius World Cup campaign, Sri Lankan legends , Mahela and Dilshan decides to retire from all formats while Sangakkara retired from ODI cricket with the No.1 Ranking in ODI's with 904 points (3 point ahead of Hashim Amla).

Sri Lanka Trashes Zimbabweans 2-0

Sri Lanka have Beaten Zimbabweans comprehensively 2-0. Sri Lanka remains at the 7th Position and Zimbabwe also Remain at the 10th Position.
Debutant Imran Khan represented Sri Lankan National Team for the first time have had a magical debat picking 5-31 in his first innings and going on to pick up 13 wicket in the series at a average of 14. Dinesh Chandimal impressed with the bat and the selectors might consider moving him up the order.

Australia and West-Indies draws the series 1-1

After a embarrassing defeat against the West-Indies (West-Indies beat Australia by inn/47 runs), Australia came back strongly to beat West-Indies by 365 runs. Australia batted first and only managed 286 P Hughes(51) and Ed Cowan(52) scoring half century's. Their innings was wreaked by J Searles who took 6-76. West-Indies innings was a disaster and they got out for 154 with D Ramdin and K Edwards scoring 20. Peter Siddle was fierce with his bowling (4-39) and was well backed up by Ben Hilfenhaus (3-17) and James Pattinson (2 for 54). Australia managed 328 run in their second innings thanks to 86 by David Warner and a fighting half-century by Ed Cowan (57). Mitchel Starc also provided some entertainment down the order with a unbeaten 48. Kemar Roach was the pick of the bowlers picking up 6 for 105. Second innings were absolutely destroyed by the Aussie Bowlers as they were bundled out for 95. In the second innings Shane Watson (3-6) , Ben Hilfenhaus (3-14) , James Pattinson ( 3-25).

James Pattinson topes the Test Bowling Rankings

After a fierce performance against Windies, Australian Paceman, James Pattinson tops the Test bowling ranking with 1012 points, 63 point ahead of Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin

Prasad Kellopotha Knocks on the Selector door

Facing a press conference the 23 year old youngster said that He will be looking to wear national color soon. With the new manager looking for fresh talent, He said that he hopes that his name will not be ignored. Prasad have been a consistent performer for Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club
Averaging 43 in First-Class Cricket and 30 in List-A cricket and his highest score in First-Class cricket is 217. He's also cableple with the ball having picked up 113 First-Class wicket at an average of 30.

**AnjuRatty** · 07-20-2013, 05:22 AM

Squad for the ODI Series vs Zimbabwe

A Perera

L Thirimanne

B Rajapaksa

A Mathews(C)

A Priyanjan

R Silva

N Dickwella

D Chandimal (wk)

K Perera

Upul Tharanga

N Kulasekara

L Malinga

A Dananjaya

T Kaushal

T Perera

Anjula Ratnayaka: " This will be a challenge to the young Sri Lankan batting order with no seniors to hold their hand.High expectations on Tharindu Kaushal and Angelo perera to perform and we'll be looking for a series win"

Players to watch out for

T Kaushal: A miracle worker in Domestic cricket but haven't really been a success in International Arena. If he gets the ball spinning, Be Aware!

T Manatsa: Really good at cleaning up the tail as he shown in the Test series, will be looking make a impact.

1st ODI

Sri Lankan Side :

A Perera
LThirimanne
A Mathews(C)
R Silva
D Chandimal
K Perera(wk)
T Perera
N Kulasekara
A Dananjaya
L Malinga
T Kaushal

Zimbabwe Side:

B Taylor(wk)
H Masakadza
F Mutizwa
C Ervine
M Waller
E Chigumbura
C Zhuwao
K Meth
D Tiripano
T Manatsa

Sri Lanka won the Toss and selected to bat first.

The new opening pair got of a blasting start scoring 29 run of two over before Angelo Perera was lbe to Elton Chigumbura. Kusal Perera got a promotion to keep the run rate but but he failed giving a easy catch to the wicket-keeper Brendon Taylor for just 5. Lahiru Thirimanne kept blasting the oppositions attack but the other end weren't doing the same, Roshen Silva struggled for his 16 runs off 39 balls and gave a easy catch to the wicket-keeper off the bowling of Keegan Meth. Sri Lanka are 66 for 3 in 14 over, Inexperience is really showing here. Lahiru Thirimanne continued without much trouble as he bought up his 7th ODI fifty in 53 balls in the 21th Over, Sri Lanka are 88 for 3. Powerplay is taken in the 26th Over. Poweplays bring wickets they say, Thrimanne gone for 80 off 74 balls bowled by Chigumbura in the 29th Over, SL are 136 for 4. At the end of 40 over Sri Lanka are 195 for 4 with Mathews just reaching his 50 off 80 balls. In- Form Dinesh Chandimal is also playing well, He's 31 off 30 ball at the moment. Every thing was going well for Sri Lanka until Keegan Meth picked up Chandimal for 43 off 39 balls giving a easy catch to the wicket keeper. Thisara Perera failed as he only Maned 3 runs off 7 balls before Edging Matasa to the slips. Nuwan Kulasekara played a little cameo at the end scoring 10 off 7 and Sri Lankan innings ended at 247 for 6 with skipper Mathews 76* off 119 balls at the end.
Sri Lanka 247 for 6 (L Thirimanne 80 off 74 , A Mathews 76 off 119 , D Chandimal 43 off 39 , K Meth 2 for 40 , E Chigumba 2 for 53 )

Kulasekara struck first blood bowling Brendon Taylor through the gate for 5. Just when it looked like Zimbabwe are taking control, F Mitizwa backed away and tried to blast Malinga through the off-side but only managing to to edge it to the safe hands of second slip, He goes for 24 off 27 and It's 41 for 2 in the 8th over.
Hamilton Masakasda tried to pull Perera but Perera managed to sneak through and Hamilton is gone for 22 off 33 and Perera gets his first wicket. Craig Ervine soon followed getting lbw to Mathews for 21 off 22 and It's 83 for 4 in 16 overs.
Futher Misery as M Waller stay was a short one got out the same way Mutizwa did but only this time it was Perera, He goes for 6 off 14 balls. They are not seems to be fighting back as C Zhuwao is gone for 1 off Mathews caught by Thirimanne. Two overs after, Perera struck thrice in one over removing Chigumbura for a duck lbw, K Meth and T Maruma caught for a duck. 93 for 9 aftter 20 overs. Dananjaya finishes it off, T Manastsa bowled by Akila for a duck,
Tiripano 23* and Zimbabwe are 107 all out
Zimbabwe 107 all out (F Mitizwa 24 off 27 m H Masakadza 22 off 33 , D Tiripano 23 off 10 , C Ervine 21 off 22 , T Perera 23 for 5 off 5 overs , A Mathews 21 for 2 off 5 overs)

Sri Lanka win by 140 runs.

Press Conference

Mathews: " A really good showing by our boy all round, 247 was a decent total of that pitch and it was more than enough in the end "

Zimbabwe Captain: " We need to convert our good starts in to big ones and I think that's were we failed, I think there was four of five of our guys who passed the 20 mark but no one could pass the 30 mark. We'll defiantly look to improve on that"

MoM: T Perera

**AnjuRatty** · 07-20-2013, 06:05 AM

2nd ODI

Players to watch out for

Upul Tharanga : Dropped from the team for a long time, Upul will be looking to make his mark.

Elton Chigumbura : Been a consistent performer with the ball for Zimbabwe, Today he'll be looking to show what he'll capable with the bat.

Sri Lankan Side :

A Priyanjan
U Tharanga
A Mathews(C)
A Perera
K Perera(wk)
D Chandimal
T Perera
N Kulasekara
A Dananjaya
L Malinga
T Kaushal

Zimbabwe Side:

B Taylor(wk)
H Masakadza
F Mutizwa
C Ervine
M Waller
E Chigumbura
C Zhuwao
K Meth
N Madziva
T Manatsa

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first.

The pair of Tharanga and Priyanjan got off to a more than a good start scoring 67 in 8 over before Upul Tharanga edged a cover drive to the slips off Chigumbura for 36 off 26 balls. K Perera came in next but was over ambitious trying to blast every ball and edged to the slips for 4 off Chigumbura. Sri Lanka re 81 for 2 in 10 overs. Oh Why? Why? Angelo Perera gone for 13, run out. Captain blasted his way for 21 off 15 balls before being lbw to Manatsa, Sri Lanka are 148 for 4. Manatsa did it again, Gone right through the defense of Priyanjan, he's gone for 79 off 65 balls and it's showing sings of a collapse because Thisara Perera is not well known for his patience. And there goes Perera
for 7, caught off the bowling off Madziva, Sri Lanka are 165 for 6 in 23 overs. Dinesh Chandimal made a steady partnership with Kulasekara before departing for 35 off 39 bowled by meth caught by wk. Kulasekara made a useful contribution of 29 off 51 balls before being lbw to Maruma, SL are 247 for 8. A superb diving catch by Maruma makes sure Malinga won't score more than 1 run as he departs off the bowling of Madziva. A little cameo in the end by Akila Dananjaya made sure that Sri Lanka completed their full overs with 269 for 9.
Sri Lanka 269 for 9 (A Priyanjan 79 off 65 , U Tharanga 36 off 26 , D Chandimal 35 off 39 , A Dananjaya , 35 off 58 , N Kulasekara 29 off 51 , E Chigumbura 2 for 64 , T Manatsa 2 for 55 , N Madziva 2 for 40 )

A decent start by Zimbabwe but but wasn't for long as Masakadza was lbw for 10 off 21 balls by Malinga. soon followed Taylor for 15 off 14 caught by Perera bowled Kulasekara. oh, disaster for Zims, C Ervine gone in the same fashion Taylor did, same shot , same bowler , same fielder. After that Zimbabwe looked to take control, F Matizwa played some glorious shots hitting 6 fours in his 39 off 45 balls before Mathews picked him up. Zims are 87 for 4 in 17 overs. The man we talked about before the game Elton Chigumbura walkes out to the crease and He Gone! , run out for a golden duck!. A good partnership was building up between Waller and C Zhuwao but M Waller was picked up by a beauty by Tharindu Kaushal, He's gone for 50 off 56 balls, lbw. Out clean bowled by Tharindu Kaushal and C Zhuwao for 33 off 33, So a double strike by Tharindu. Poor choice of of shots by Madziva as he tried to sweep Akila and the rusult was lbw, he's gone for 5 off 10. Another one for Kaushal, K Meth gone for 4, bowled by Tharindu. And Tharindu Kaushal finishes it off, Manatsa gone for a duck and Maruma stranded on 10 off 18.
Zimbabwe 175 all out (M Waller 50 off 56 , F Mutizwa 39 off 45 , C Zhuwao 33 off 33 , T Kaushal 4 for 27 in 7.2 overs , N Kulasekara 26 for 2 in 5 overs , L Malinga 1 for 19 in 6 overs)

Sri Lanka win by 94 runs

Press Conference

Mathews: Our bowling has been the key all the tour, And our batting clicked too. Hoping to a few changes in the next match"

Zimbabwe Captain: Again we failed in both department, all credit goes to the Sri Lankans, we'll be looking to salvage pride from our last encounter"

MoM : T Kaushal

**AnjuRatty** · 07-20-2013, 08:56 AM

3rd ODI

Players to watch out for

Niroshan Dicwella: A young kid with a fearsome school and domestic reputation, can rip apart any attack on his day.

B Taylor: A sleeping Bear, just waiting to go on a rampage

Sri Lanka Side:

N Dickwella
B Rajapaksa
A Mathews(C)
A Perera
K Perera(wk)
D Chandimal
T Perera
N Kulasekara
A Dananjaya
L Malinga
T Kaushal

Zimbabwe Side:

B Taylor(wk)
H Masakadza
F Mutizwa
C Ervine
M Waller
E Chigumbura
C Zhuwao
K Meth
N Madziva
T Manatsa

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first

B Taylor started an assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers thrashing a wayward Malinga all over the place, and He's gone, lbw to Kulasekara for 23 off 23 balls. Zims are 39 for 1 in 7 overs. They are thrashing the bowlers all over the place, Now this is what Zimbabweans been lacking in this series, controlled aggression, there's no slogging going on here. And finally Akila brakes the partnership F Mutizwa is lbw for 38 off 56 balls, He played second fiddle to Masakadza. Double-Strike, C Ervine is lbw to Kaushal for just 2. Triple-Strike, Malcom Waller gone for a golden duck, caught and bowled by Akila. Zimbabwe are 162 for 4 in 28 overs.
Wickets are raining for SL , This time it's the big fish, Masakadza is lbw to Kaushal for 97 off 90, came so close to a hundred and this probabaly is one of the best innings he played. A good partnership was building up before Chigumbura edged Tharindu for 17 off 25 balls, Now it's looking very dull for the Zims but they are still going over a run rate of 5, and Karindu Srtikes again in the Same over, T Maruma is gone for a duck, stumped by Chandimal. Bowled beaten by pace Madziva goes for 10 off 16 ,bowled comprehensively by Malinga. C Zhuwao is been very good in this series as he pile on some useful runs but couldn't be there at the end because Malinga got him lbw, for 34 off 50, Zims are 245 for 9 in 48 overs. Zimbabwe fell just 1 run short of 250, A good little cameo at the end by Meth 22 off 27 and Manatsa stays 2 off 5.
Zimbabwe 249 for 9 (H Masakadza 97 off 90 , F Mutizwa 38 off 56 , C Zhuwao 34 off 50 , K Meth 22 off 27 , T Kaushal 51 for 4 , A Dananjaya 2 for 50 , L Malinga 2 for 53)

What a start, Chigumbura bowled Rajapaksa through the gate for a duck second ball. What a great diving catch, Maruma took a blinder in the slips off K Meth, Dickwella gone for 19 off 15.K Perera walk out to the crease, It'll be pressure on him to perform as he failed horribly in this series. and Chigumbura gets him, lbw for 9 off 6 balls, Sri Lanka in trouble 39 for 3 in 4 overs. God no!, Mathews is lbw to Meth for 5 off 8. Further misery, D Chandimal gone for 10 off 37 balls, lbw to Manatsa, Sri Lanka 81 for 5 in 17 overs. At the end of 20 over, Sri Lanka are 111 for 5, A Perera and Kulasekara going steady. Kulasekara is gone, lbw to Maruma for 18 off 25 balls, now only two Perera's are Sri Lanka's only hope, and A Perera is gone, lbw to Manatsa for 52 off 57, SL are 115 for 7 in 23 overs. SL's last hope T Perera is gone, the ball swung away from him and he tried to play it straight edging the ball to Maruma in the Second slip. Zimbabwe are coming closer and closer to the victory as Akila skied one off Maruma and it fell into the safe hands of Waller, he gone for 17 off 27. Manatsa finishes it off,T Kaushal gone for 5 off 10 and Malinga stays 20 off 23.
Sri Lanka 174 all out (A Perera 52 off 47 , L Malinga 20 off 23 , T Manatsa 4 for 36 in 7.3 overs , E Chigumbura 2 for 28 in 5 overs , K Meth 2 for 33 in 5 overs , T Maruma 38 for 2)

Zimbabwe win by 75 runs

Press Conference

Mathews: " Well, that was a disaster wasn't it (laughed) , I think we tied to be over aggressive at the start and we lost wicket but then we tried to play normally but it was too late, Wickets were fallen and the pressure was on us, But I'll take nothing away from the Zimbabwe bowlers, kudos for them. We didn't expect to white-wash them anyway, We're a young and rebuilding team and we'll only get better with the time "

Zimbabwe captain : " Very pleased with the way our boys played, Hammy was at his destructive best, I think Chigumbura and Manatsa bowled really well taking early wickets and we'll be looking to do this more often "

MoM: Hamilton Masakadza

**AnjuRatty** · 07-20-2013, 03:19 PM

Post Series Analysis of Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI Series

Sri Lanka win the series 2-1

Man of the Series : Tharindu Kaushal (SL)

Highest Run Scorers

For Sri Lanka
Angelo Mathews:
Average :51.00
Runs :108
Strike Rate:71.83

For Zimbabwe
Hamilton Masakadza:
Average : 43.00
Runs : 129
Strike Rate: 89.58

Highest Wicket Takers

For Sri Lanka
Tharindu Kaushal:
Average: 11.37
Wickers: 8
Econ : 5.00
Overs : 15

For Zimbabwe
T Manatsa:
Average: 20.14
Wickets: 7
Econ : 5.13
Overs : 27

Rising Stars

Tharindu Kaushal

Coming from a not so hot school from Galle, was the 2nd Leading wicket taker in 2012 U-19 World Cup. Stormed into First Class Cricket taking 50 wicket from just 8 matches. Fast tracked into the national team but unlike his counter part Akila, Tharindu haven't had much success in the International Arena. Then the management thought he'll need to mature more before giving him a go again.

Full name Paskuwal Handi Tharindu Kaushal

Born March 5, 1993, Galle

Current age 20 years 137 days

Major teams Nondescripts Cricket Club, Sri Lanka Under-19s

Batting style Right-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm offbreak

Education Devapathiraja College, Galle

Tatenda Manatsa

A medium pacer, fast tracked into the National team after some good showing in Domestic Arena for the Mashonaland Eagles to strengthen the weak Zimbabwean bowling attack, performed as he was expected to. He might be the long term bowling spearhead for the Zimbabweans.

Full name Lovemore Tatenda Gumunyu-Manatsa

Born May 17, 1990, Harare

Current age 23 years 64 days

Major teams Mashonaland Eagles

Batting style Left-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm medium-fast

**AnjuRatty** · 07-21-2013, 05:04 AM

Squad for the T20Is Zimbabwe

A Priyanjan

A Perera

B Rajapaksa

A Mathews(C)

R Rambukwella (Uncapped)

K Vithanage

R Buddika (Uncapped)

K Perera (wk)

N Dickwella

A Mathews

T Perera

N Kulasekara

L Malinga

S Eranga

T Kaushal

A Dananjaya

Anjula Ratnayaka: We're going for a young and inexperienced side with no Chandimal and Thirimanne. Rambukwella come to the side as a pinch hitting all-rounder, and Rumesh is rewarded for his consistency at the Domestic Level.

1st T20

Players to watch out for

K Perera: No.2 Ranked T20 player, have been out of-form all tour, It'll be pressure on him to perform and show the Zimbabweans what he capable of!

H Masakadza: Coming fresh off a blistering innings, He'll be full of confidence and looking take the SL bowling attack apart

Sri Lankan Side:
A Perera
B Rajapaksa
A Mathews (c)
K Perera (wk)
R Rambukwella
R Buddika
A Priyanjan
T Perera
A Dananjaya
L Malinga
T Kaushal

Zimbabwe Side:

B Taylor (wk and c)
H Masakadza
F Mutizwa
C Ervine
M Waller
E Chigumbura
K Kasuza
T Maruma
N Madziva
K Meth
T Manatsa

Sri Lanka won the and elected to bat first

A very slow start by the Sri Lankans only managed to score 24 in the first five overs. First wicket fell in the 8th over Bhanuka lbw to Maruma for 18 off 21 balls, SL are 39 for 1. First sings of aggression as Angelo Perera and Kusal Perera to Madsiva for 14 runs in the 11th over. onslaught continued as Manatsa went for 13 runs in the 12th over. Kusal fell in the next over trying to cut the ball and it went to a fielder, He goes for 23 off 21. The pinch hitter Rambukwella didn't last long as he fell for 10 off 5 off the bowling of Chigumbura. Angelo Perera smashed Meth for 15 in the 17th over but edged the last bowl to the wicket keeper, He's gone for a well-made 63 off 53. Debutant Buddika didn't last long as he also went as the same fashion as Rambukwella did off Meth, gone for 5 off 6. Ashan Priyan did some pinch hitting at the end but was out in the last over for 12 off 4 bowled chigumbura caught Taylor. at the end of 20 overs, Sri Lanka managed to get to 149 for 6 with Mathews not out 12 off 13 and Perera 1 off 1
Sri Lanka 149 all out ( Angelo Perera 62 off 53 , K Perera 23 off 21 , E Chigumbura 2 for 30 , K Meth 2 for 39 , T Maruma 1 for 21 )

Zimbabwe got off to a blistering start scoring 47 in the first four overs but B Taylor was lbw to T Perera on the 5th over, gone for 26 off 15. onslaught continued , but Mutziva fell for 13 off 13 off Perera. Zimbabwe are 128 for 3 in the 13th over as Ervine skied one off Malinga for 17 off 17. Zimbabwe won the match comfortably in the 17th over.
Zimbabwe 150 for 17 in 17.4 overs ( H Masakadza 80 off 49 , B Taylor 26 off 15 , T Perera 2 for 33 )

Zimbabwe win by 7 wickets

Press Conference

Mathews: " I think the difference between two teams was Masakadza, He didn't mistime any shot, haven't edged a ball, two lbw appeals but given not out, It was almost a perfect T20 innings.

B Taylor : " Every knows how good a player Hamilton is , He's been out of form for a while but when He's on song no body can stop him. Very satisfied by the win, they are the No.4 ranked team in the world so, This'll do our confidence a world a good "

MoM: H Masakadza

**AnjuRatty** · 07-21-2013, 05:28 AM

2nd T20

Players to watch out for

Shaminda Eranga: Haven't played a international match for a long time so He'll have a point to prove

D Tiripano: A decent performance in the Test series, been in and out of the team, He'll be looking to seal his place.

Sri Lankan Side:

A Perera
B Rajapaksa
A Mathews (c)
K Perera (wk)
R Rambukwella
R Buddika
A Priyanjan
T Perera
A Dananjaya
L Malinga
S Eranga

Zimbabwe Side:
B Taylor (wk and c)
H Masakadza
F Mutizwa
C Ervine
M Waller
E Chigumbura
K Kasuza
T Maruma
D Tiripano
K Meth
T Manatsa

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl

Gone!!!, Bhanuka fails again, bowled for a duck first ball, Tiripano gets wicket. Another one for Tiripano, It's Kusal who's gone for 17 off 16, caught and bowled, SL are 29 for 2 in the 4th over. Thisara Perera came into pinch hit and removed by Tiripano for 12 off 8, caught by the wicket keeper. And Priyanjan goes, caught in the deep for 6 off 7 off the bowling of Meth. Mr.Reliable A Perera goes, 35 runs off 30, bowled by Manatsa, Sl 85 for 5 in the 12th over. Pressure is back on the Zims, Maruma is taken for 19 runs by Ramith and the Skipper. Again, 12 runs off the next over. Mathews departes in the 18th over for 32 off 29, bowled by Manatsa. Ramith Rambukwella departes for 36 off 24 off the bowling of Chigumbura. SL ended with 142 for 7.
Sri Lanka 142 for 7 (R Rambukwella 36 off 24 , A Perera 35 off 30 , A Mathews 32 off 29 , D Tiripano , 3 for 28 , T Manatsa 2 for 22 )

Danger Man Hamilton goes for a duck first over, Caught in teh deep, bowled my Malinga. A fine partnership by Taylor and Mutizwa saw Zims 87 for 1 in the 11th over before Taylor fell for 53 off 45 , off Dananjaya. Akila strikes again as he removes Mutizwa lbw for 35 off 30. Clean bowled by Dananjaya, Ervine gone for just 2 off 5. Unbelievable stuff, Three in an over Elton Chigumbura edges it to the Wicket-Keeper, What a turn around this has been. Gone, this time It's Eranga, Kasuza gone for 4 off 4 , plumb in front. 5-fer!!!, Waller is gone , 10 off 6 , lbw to Dananjaya, They just haven't picked him. 6-fer, K Meth is gone, lbw and Akila's on a Hat-Trick, And He's got it!!!!!, Tiripano goes and It's lbw again, And Its a Hat-Trick, And It's officially the best bowling figures in a T20 International.What a day this kid is having, And He ends with outstanding figures of 7 for 30.
And Malinga finishes it off , full and straight and right through the gate, T Maruma gone for 3 off 4 bowled by Malinga. Manatsa stranded on 1 off 2.
Zimbabwe 110 all out ( B Taylor 53 off 45 , F Mutizwa 35 off 30 , A Dananjaya 7 for 30 , Malinga 2 for 13 off 2.3 , S Eranga 1 for 14 in 3 overs)

Sri Lanka win by 32 runs

Press Conference

Mathews : " We knew he was a special bowler at the time we found him and He's just shown the world what He's capable off, Happy with the way our boys played, specially fielding have been excellent, And It was a good all-round performance"

Taylor : " Well, We just didn't pick him, He was the difference between the two teams, We did pick up some positives from this game , I though Tiripano was excellent, Mutizwas also played some glorious shots, Its 1-1 so we're happy with our efforts. "

**AnjuRatty** · 07-21-2013, 10:04 AM

Cricket Buzz

Your Reliable Cricket Magazine...

Dananjaya Re-Writes the History books

Dananjaya became the first bowler to take 7 wicket in a T-20 International match on the April 24th breaking the previous Record set by him fellow countryman.
his 7-30 vs Zimbabwe turned the match completely around, Zimbabweans were 80 for none in the 10th over before Dananjaya show started, In his first over, He was hit for 19 runs off 5 balls before He got Zimbabwe Skipper Brendon Taylor(caught behind) in the sixth ball, Mutizwa(bowled) , Ervine(lbw) , Chigumbura(caught behind) , Waller(lbw) , K Meth(lbw) , Tiripano(lbw), He also took a Hat-Trick (Waller , Meth and Tiripano) along the process and became the 4th bowler to take an T20I Hat-Trick. 4 out of 7 wickets he got was off lbws , and 1 bowled and 2 to the keeper.

Scores

Start-16 Mays 2015 New Zealand vs England Test Series
1st Test - NZ win by 43 runs
2nd Test - NZ win by 10 wickets

Start-31 May 2015 New Zealand vs England ODI Series
1st ODI - Eng win by 8 wickets
2nd ODI - Eng win by 5 wickets
3rd ODI - Eng win by 8 wickets

Start- 11 Jun 2015 Pakistan vs Zimbabwe Test Series
Pak win by 99
Pak win by 256

Start- 11 Jun 2015 India vs Bangladesh
India win by 354
India win by 10 wickets

Start-11 Jul 2015 New Zealand vs England T20I Series
Eng win by 56
NZ win by 2 wickets

Start- 25 Jul 2015 Pakistan vs Zimbabwe ODI Series
Pak win by 71
Pak win by 52
Pak win by 173

Start- 1 Jul 2015 Pakistan vs Zimbabwe T20I Series
Zim win by 49
Pak win by 6 wickets

Start- 10 Jul 2015 England vs Australia Test Series
Eng win by 82
Aus win by 247
Eng win 191

Start- 11 Jul 2015 South Africa vs Bangladesh Test Series
SA win by 306
Ban win by 33

Start- 11 Jul 2015 West India vs Zimbabwe Test Series
WI win by 10 wickets
WI in by 6 wickets

Start- 25 Jul 2015 South Africa vs Bangladesh ODI Series
SA win by 7 wickets
SA win by 142
Ban win by 2 wickets

Minnows beat the Mighty SA
Bangladesh managed to beat South Africans by 33 runs in their 2nd Test match. Bangladesh batted first and put up a decent 286 (N Hossain 64 , T Iqbal 35) and every so consistent Philander took 6 scalps for 85. South Africans failed to take lead as they fell for 274 ( G Smith 79 , J Rudoloph 43 ) and the off-spinning all rounder took 5 for 94. Bangladeshis failed to get going as they fell for a low total of 167 ( J Islam 51 ) , Philander continued his rampage as he took 5 for 51. South Africans were the favorites to win the match but the offie E Sunny had other ideas, He ripped through the batting order taking 5 for 48 well back up by other as SA were bowled out for 146 ( G van Buuren 56).

Kent boy running high

The 23 year old who play for Kent scored 1014 runs Averaging 67.60 sroing 2 100's and 5 50's and highest score of 240* at First-Class level this season in 18 innings playing in the middle order. He says he have aims to wear national color as he continued to re the ultimate run machine for Kent.

M Perris signs a contract with Bloomfield

The 22 year old Slow Left Arm Bowler who played 12 Matches for Sri Lanka 2nd Team Taking 39 wickets at a average of 13.87 is yet to play a Domestic Match and have signed a contract with Bloomfield. This gutsy little player also scored 319 run at an Average of 45.57 in 7 innings.

**AnjuRatty** · 07-21-2013, 12:26 PM

Squad for the 1st Test vs New Zealand

D Karunaratne

L Thirimanne

KC Sangakkara

A Mathews(C)

N Dickwella

K Silva

A Perera

D Chandimal (wk)

S Eranga

G Shaman (Uncapped)

A Dananjaya

T Kaushal

Anjula Ratnayaka: We made a lot of changes from the last squad. New Zealand are coming off fresh after whitewashing England in a Test Series, So we are going with the best players we have. Kaushal Silva is coming in to the squad after 2 years and We'll hope he'll cement his place. G Shaman have done very well in the 2nd team so he gets a chance

1st Test

Sri Lankan Side:
A Perera
D Karunaratne
A Mathews (C)
K Sangakkara
L Thirimanne
D Chandimal (wk)
K Silva
G Shaman
S Eranga
A Dananjaya
T Kaushal

New Zealand Side:
H Rutherford
J Raval
J Ryder
C Munro
M Guptill
B Watling
P Fulton
T Southee
T Boult
B Wheeler
A Milne

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl

Day 1

After a fine partnership of 73 between Rutherford and J Raval, Raval edged one to Silly point off Tharindu and he went for 33. Double-Strike, J Ryder edges Kaushal to the slips and he's gone for 5, NZ are 85 for 2. 2nd Session started well for NZ but at the half-way, C Munro trapped lbw for 30 by Kaushal, NZ are 159 for 3. And the debutant Shaman gets a wicket, M Guptill gone for 17, edged to the wicket keeper. Dananjaya have been quite, but not anymore, B Watling goes for 7, caught by silly point. Bowled, beaten by spin Hutherford gone for a fine 116 and that's Dananjaya s 2nd wicket, NZ are in trouble 227 for 6. And the debutant breakes the threatening partnership between Southee and Peter Fulton, another wicket to Shaman and an another catch to the wicket keeper, Fulton goes for 36. Kaushal strikes again again, T Boult goes for 20 off 24 and a comfortable catch for the slip. Wheeler didn't stay long as he goes for 8 , a wicket for Shaman and a catch for the slip. And Shaman finishes it off, Southee goes for a well-made 39 and another catch for the keeper in the last ball of the day. NZ are 315 all out at the End of Day 1
New Zealand 315 all out ( H Rutherford 116 , T Southee 39 , P Fulton 30 , J Raval 33 , G Shaman 4 for 56 , T Kaushal 4 for 93 , A Dananjaya 2 for 73 )

Day 2

Not a good start for SL as Southee trapped Karunaratne lbw for 4. Skipper came in at No.3 and frustrated the bowlers as the two Angelo's put up a partneship of 159 before Angelo Perera fell for 82, clean bowled by Southee, SL are 178 for 2. Trouble, Mathews run out for 83. SL are 184 for 3. Thirimanne edged southee for 14 , This is trouble. And Chandimal goes, gone for 1 , clean bowled by Southee, SL are 227 for 5. And at the End of day 2, SL are 283 for 5

Day 3

Oh, what a start for NZ, K Silva retired hurt off the bowling off T Southee. Shaman hanged around for 29 balls and scored 5 before Boult got him lbw, SL are 307 for 6. Wheeler finally get a wicket, Sangakkara gone for 100 caught in the slip. Milne get Eranga for 6 , lbw and Kaushal caught in the 2nd slip for a duck next ball.
Sri Lanka 347 all out ( K Sangakkara 100 , A Mathews 83 , A Perera 82 , K Silva 30 , T Southee 4 for 90 , A Milne 2 for 92

Wicket-less first 10 overs as Kiwi openers pummeled my opening bowlers all over the ground, And finally in the 11 th over Shaman got Raval for 23 lbw. Spinners are into the attack int the 13th over. As usual Akila got smashed around the park and took the wicket of Rutherford for 55 lbw, Kiwies are 95 for 2. Ryder and Munro were really giving me a scare before Kaushal got Munro for 65 lbw, NZ are 222 for 3 and now a solid platform, really need to get some quick wicket here. boo-yaah, Ryder gone for 84 , lbw to Dananjaya, That guy was killing me. And at the end of day 3 NW are 247 for 4 and in the driving seat.

Day 4

I think I'll ope the day with paceman, Let's see how that'll work, eeh, not much luck, switching to spinners. Oh first over of spin and Watling goes for 16 off Akila and a good low catch by the gully. Fulton didn't last too long either, gone for 7 , Lbw by Akila , kiwies are 333 for 6, match is kinda swinging our way, spinning i would rather say. Oh the new ball, yes I would take it, back to the seamers. And bowled , new ball worked for Shaman as Southee is gone for 1. After the launch brake I switched back to the spinners, Finally Martin is gone , lbw to Kaushal for a massive 166 , NZ are 468 for 8 and 436 ahead, and another one in the same over, Wheeler gone for a duck lbw to Tharindu. After a good little cameo by Boult (58) he's gone, bowled by Kaushal ending the NZ innings at 483 all out.
New Zealand 483 all out ( M Guptill 166 off 208 , J Rayder 84 off 115 , C Munro 65 , H Rutherford 55 off 71 , T Boult 58 off 118 , A Dananjaya 4 for 145 , T Kaushal 4 for 166 , G Shaman 2 for 91 )

We got 4 sessions to chase down 483 , hope I'll not loose any wicket today. aaand our first wicket is gone , A Perera is gone for 23 off 42 , clean bowled by Milne and We are 50 for 1. Well , not not damage i would say , We ended on 108 for 1 at the end of Day 4 with Karunaratne reaching his 50.

Day 5

So we have to get 344 in 3 session, I think this'll be a draw, conditions are in favor of spinners but They doesn't seem to have any spinners. And Karunaratne goes first ball of the day, bowled by Boult for 52. After showing some promise Mathews also gone , scored 13 and caught and bowled by Southee. At the launch intervel , thing are going well for us as we are 1880 for 3 and Sanga playing well. What?? Are you kidding me, Sangakkara gone for 100 lbw to Southee, That's just what happened in the 1st innings. New Zealand takes the new ball and get smacked for 14 runs in the over. At the Tea intervel we are 274 for 4 needing 178 to win from the last session. I tried to be a little aggressive and Lahiru Thirimanne went for 52 lbw to Southee. I decided to shut the shop and play defensively , G Shaman hanged around for a bit and went for 9 , Chandimal is our only hope. And he's gone , bowled by Raval for 66 and we got another 7 overs to survive. Akila's gone for 2 lbw by Munro and we still got 5 overs to survive. No!!! What have you done Eranga, Tried to pull Mline and gone for 1 off 22 and NZ wins the match.
Sri Lanka 331 all out ( K Sangakkara 100 , D Chandimal , 66 , L Thirimanne 52 D Karunaratne 52 , T Southee 3 for 58 , A Milne 2 for 108)

New Zealand win by 120 runs

Press Conference

Mathews: It came so close to a draw , I think the turning point was in the last session we tried to be very aggressive and lost Thirimanne , If he stayed there I think it should have been a draw. But very satisfied with our boys played , Youngsters showed very good temperament in their batting and Spinners and Shaman have been great.

Taylor: When we came here we expected to win our first game and start on a high. I think we can repeat the good performance in England.

MoM: H Rutherford

**AnjuRatty** · 07-22-2013, 06:37 AM

Squad for the 2nd Test vs New Zealand

D Karunaratne

L Thirimanne

KC Sangakkara

A Mathews(C)

N Dickwella

R Silva

A Perera

D Chandimal (wk)

C Jayampathi

G Shaman (Uncapped)

A Dananjaya

T Kaushal

Anjula Ratnayaka: We bought in Roshen Silva in for Kaushal Silva because Silva in out injured for 3 weeks and Eranga seems to be going through a bad patch so Jayampathi comes in replacing him.

2st Test

Sri Lankan Side:
A Perera
D Karunaratne
A Mathews (C)
K Sangakkara
L Thirimanne
D Chandimal (wk)
R Silva
G Shaman
C Jayapathi
A Dananjaya
T Kaushal

New Zealand Side:
H Rutherford
J Raval
J Ryder
C Munro
M Guptill
B Watling
P Fulton
T Southee
T Boult
B Wheeler
A Milne

Sri Lanka win the toss and elected to bat first

Day 1

Oh , oh, Not a good start for us as A Perera edged Milne to the Slips for 4 in the first over. Aaaand Sanga goes, He edged Wheeler to the 2nd slip for 13. We are in trouble at 39 for 2. Okay , I give up , WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING HERE!, This time R Silva edges Wheeler to the 3rd slip, What next, will there be a 4th slip on now?. Serous Serious Trouble, Karunaratne caught at shot fine leg for 26 off Munro. At Launch were 71 for 4 , I don't think we're going to digest our launch. Yay! Mathews and Chandimal got us out of the hole, putting up a partnership of 145 just before Mathews was lbw to Milne for 74 in the last over of the day. At the end of the day were are 213 for 5.

Day 2

Chandimal continued to impress as he got 130 before edging Wheeler to the slips. We are 299 for 6. Wicket bring another wicket they say and Thirimanne gone for 38 off Milne and Slips are having a good time. Shaman goes for 2 lbw to Boult. Jayampathi again showed capability with bat scoring a useful 25 before giving ANOTHER catch to the slips and bowled by Southee, I think I should give him some batting training. Akila was the final victim as he fell for 14 lbw to Wheeler leaving Tharindu 13 not out.
Sri Lanka 358 all out ( D Chandimal 130 , A Mathews 74 , L Thirimanne 38 , B Wheeler 3 for 50 , A Milne 3 for 112 , T Boult 2 for 77)

Jayampathi rewarded us for his selection getting the early wicket of J Raval for 9 caught behind. Yay! another one , Rutherford lbw for 15 to Jayampathi, NZ are 41 for 2. Jayampathi on FIRE!!!, Munro goes for 1 caught in the slips. I switched to the spinners in the 19th over. It took some time but Akila finally got a wicket removing Guptil for 31 caught my Mathews in Mid-on. and another one, This time It's Kaushal who got rid-of Ryder for 65 caught at short square leg and another one in the same over, It's Fulton who's gone for a duck clean bowled by Kaushal. Again a tiny partnership and Akila gets Southee for 12 caught in the deep. I gave the pacers a go again and Jayampathi didn't disappoint me as he Bowled Boult for 8. And Jayampathi get a 5-fer, Wheeler gone for 8 lbw to Jayampathi. and Shaman finished it off A Milne for 2 lbw.
New Zealand 203 all out ( J Ryder 65 off 84 , B Watling 46 , M Guptill 31 , C Jayampathi 5 for 60 , A Dananjaya 2 for 46 , T Kaushal 2 for 51 )

The SL opening pair didn't have any trouble trashing NZ bowlers this time befre A Perera got out to Milne caught behind for 52. Dimuth Karunaratne played gloriously for his 83 but skied one straight to the hands of Guptill off Southee , SL are 155 for 2. Chandimal failed this time only managing to score 13 before edging Wheeler to the slips.

Day 4

started aggressively before but Mathews fell for 62 in the lattler part of the 1st session. Sangakkara got out for 93 lbw to Milne as the innings was declared at 319 for 5. NZ need 475 run to win which is highly unlikely. Our pace bowlers were put under heavy fire as NZ blasted their way to 64 in 11 overs before Jayampathi got rid-of Rutherford for 30 off 31. Next came in Ryder but lasted only 13 balls as he was bowled by Jayampathi for 2 leaving NZ at 66 for. In the next over Shaman struck as he bowled Raval for 33 off 42, Now NZ are in trouble at 66 for 3. Bowler seems to be tired so I'm switching to the spinners. And got a wicket, C Munro gives a easy catch to Chandimal for a duck off Kaushal and now NZ are 69 for 4. They played very defensively but Kaushal removed Guptill in the start of the 3rd session for 11. He's having a dream spell as he picks up another one, B Watling gone for 16 lbw to Kaushal. They played out a few maiden over before they tried to attack Kaushal again scoring 11 off his first 4 balls before Sothee was lbw for 12. Now NZ are 120 for 7, And a 5-fer, T Boult bowled by Kaushal for 2, Interesting thing is that all of Kaushal 5 wicket have been lbw s and Bowled s. Stumped by Chandimal , Wheeler goes for for a duck and another wicket to Kaushal.

Day 5

Only need one wicket to win and Peter Fulton and Milne are the only one who's standing between Us and Our victory, starting with pacers. And Shaman bowls Fulton for 40 and It's the end of the Test match
New Zealand 162 all out ( P Fulton 40 , J Raval 33 off 42 , H Rutherford 30 off 31 , T Kaushal 6 for 34 , G Shaman 2 for 28 , C Jayampathi 2 for 62 )

Sri Lanka win by 312 runs

Press Conference

Mathews: Won of the best test match we ever played, We out-gunned them in all departments and In the end it's a comprehensive victory, Special credits go to Chandimal for holding our innings together and Jayampathi is the one who made it possible with the early wicket and Kaushal finished it off with style. So as I said a good all-round performance from our boys.

Taylor: I think over-confidence cost us the game, pleased with Wheelers improvement and we got big plans for him in the future and It won't bother us much because we haven't lost the series

MoM: A Mathews

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A New Genaration of Lion ( A SL Tale)

A New Genaration of Lion ( A SL Tale)

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