Chigumbura takes Zimbabwe A to final
Zimbabwe A qualified for the final after a match-winning spell of 6 for 24 by Elton Chigumbura
ESPNcricinfo staff
19-Jul-2012
Seamer Elton Chigumbura's career-best spell of 6 for 24 bowled Zimbabwe A to the final of the tri-series in Harare. Sri Lanka A needed a victory to have a chance of reaching the final but were rolled over for 81 by Chigumbura, virtually ending their chances.
The early wicket was provided by Tendai Chatara, who took 2 for 27, and Zimbabwe kept taking wickets thereon as Chigumbura destroyed the middle order. Vusi Sibanda and Craig Ervine ensured Zimbabwe did not slip after a couple of wickets in their chase, and reached the target in the 19th over.
A 25-run opening stand turned out to be the highest partnership of Sri Lanka's innings, after which they lost seven wickets for 27 runs. Allrounder Sachithra Serasinghe tried to lead a recovery through a 24-run partnership for the eighth wicket with No. 8 Kanishka Alvitigala, but Alvitigala was trapped lbw by Chigumbura for 10. Left-arm fast bowler Brian Vitori, who claimed five for 37 in his previous match against Sri Lanka A, took the final two wickets.
Sri Lanka began well with the ball by reducing Zimbabwe to 19 for 2 in the fifth over, but Sibanda and Ervine put on 64 runs to achieve the target safely. The win was Zimbabwe's second in the tournament, and meant that Sri Lanka lost all four of their matches in the tri-series.
