Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
15-Apr-2005
At The Oval, September 14. Sri Lanka won by four wickets. Sri Lanka 2 pts. Toss: Sri Lanka.
On a chilly day, Sri Lanka made hard work of victory in what proved to be the closest thing
to an upset in the competition. At 162 for six, they still needed 30 more to see off Zimbabwe's
motley but spirited collection of youngsters, only for their extra experience and the depth of their
batting to steer them to an unconvincing win. It was hard luck on Chigumbura, who had shone
for Zimbabwe with a sparkling all-round performance, but his fine 57 and three-wicket haul were
not quite enough to upset the form book. Early on, it had been business as usual as Zimbabwe
slumped to 85 for six, before a strong rearguard action, led by the defiant Chigumbura, dragged
them to 191 and into the realms of respectability. Sri Lanka's run-chase got off to a disastrous
start, with both openers dismissed in single figures. But Atapattu anchored the innings with a
steady 43, and although Zimbabwe continued to chip away at the middle order, the winning runs
came with more than six overs remaining.
Man of the Match: E. Chigumbura. Attendance: 2,500.