England v Zimbabwe

At R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, September 18 (day/night). England won by 108 runs. Toss: England. International debut: I. D. Blackwell.

Marcus Trescothick scored his first one-day century in a successful cause for England as they extended their winning streak against Zimbabwe to nine. Set 299, Zimbabwe caught not a whiff of victory as Hoggard - who swung the ball as effortlessly as Kapil Dev in his prime - decimated their top order with a superb spell. Even Andy Flower, defiant as ever during his 44, could do nothing about an asking-rate that was up to nine midway through the innings. Irani's dobbers did the rest, and although Streak lashed out with a 58-ball fifty, the three-figure margin said it all. Trescothick had unveiled his repertoire of caressed drives, meaty pulls and nonchalant slog-sweeps. His 119 occupied 102 balls, only five more than Hussain's 75 which was alternately classy and clumsy. From 185 for one in 31 overs, England stumbled to 298 for eight, and handed Hondo another four-for as most of the batsmen gave the impression of a mission already accomplished.

Man of the Match: M. E. Trescothick.