ICC Champions Trophy, 2006-07

At Ahmedabad, October 10, 2006 (day/night). Sri Lanka won by 144 runs. Sri Lanka 2 pts. Toss: Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka made certain of reaching the competition proper with another victory, while Zimbabwe were left searching for positives. There actually were some this time: the new-ball bowlers kept it tight, and both Jayasuriya and Jayawardene were dismissed before they managed a boundary. But Tharanga and Sangakkara could afford the luxury of a little slow reconstruction, and they built a stand of 165 which effectively ended the match, most of the damage being done in ten mid-innings overs of spin from Utseya and Kamungozi. Tharanga's second successive century was another fine exhibition of powerful cover-driving. Sri Lanka failed to reach 300 for the first time in six completed one-day internationals, but it was more than enough: wickets tumbled either side of a useful stand between Masakadza and Taylor.

Man of the Match: W. U. Tharanga.