Tillakaratne Dilshan could not have played a better captain’s knock as he scored an unbeaten 108 to guide his team to the 200-run target in just the 35th over. Dilshan, who scored his seventh One-Day International century, hit 14 boundaries as he put on 160 runs for the opening wicket with Upul Tharanga (72). Both batsmen seemed to be in a hurry to finish the game as Zimbabwe, in desperation, used seven bowlers to provide a breakthrough that finally came from a run-out.
Dilshan, pleased with his performance, now eyes the World Cup next year.
“I got my form back as well. I want to carry it to the World Cup,” he said. “I’m very happy. The boys performed well. The two fast bowlers set the tone for us by bowling really well.”
Zimbabwe, who batted surprising well throughout the competition, had their work cut out as Sri Lanka brought back Nuwan Kulasekara and Ajantha Mendis, having rested the duo from the previous group match that Zimbabwe won.Kulasekera had danger man Hamilton Masakadza in the fifth over to put Zimbabwe on the back foot. Tatenda Taibu was the lone batsman to offer resistance as he scored 71 and added 90 runs for the fourth wicket with Greg Lamb. But Mendis (two for 44) and Dilhara Fernando (three for 36) ensured that Zimbabwe finished with less than 200.
Published in the Express Tribune, June 10th, 2010.
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