JOIN USBoth sides have played a match each — against India — and have contrasting results to show. While Zimbabwe stunned India with a six-wicket triumph, the Lankans suffered a seven-wicket loss on Sunday.
The contrast is evident in the batting line-ups of both sides as well. While Sri Lanka’s batting, barring skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan and Angelo Mathews, was largely lacklustre against India, the Zimbabweans chased down a rather stiff 285 with consummate ease. Mathews was forced to bat with a runner and did not take the field against India, and should he not be available on the morrow, it will be a huge blow for the already weakened Lankan side.
Without regular stars Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka’s bating looked brittle against India and three run-outs didn’t help their cause either.
And if the Lankans have to avoid the embarrassment that India endured, their batting would be crucial and the likes of Thilan Samaraweera and Upul Tharanga will have to strike form. On the bowling front, the Lankans have a decent line-up with Nuwan Kulasekara and Dilhara Fernando heading the pace department, although the latter leaked too many runs against India. Ajantha Mendis spearheads the spin attack but was a tad too expensive against India.
India surpass Aus record
India played their 742nd one-day international match during their seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka here Sunday surpassing Australia’s tally of 741, the most number of ODIs played by any country, reports IANS from Bulawayo.