Zimbabwe 'A' lose one-day practice game

Whilst the format of the game may have changed the end result remains the same. Zimbabwe are running out of time for a victory on this tour, after they lost this one-day practice match by 6 wickets at Moors Sports Club in Colombo.

This BCCSL XI, lead by Kumar Sangakkara and composed of players from the Sri Lanka A pool, proved to be far too good for the Zimbabweans. The visitors, most of whom have not toured for such a long period of time, look a tired and jaded outfit at present

Zimbabwe were asked to bat first on this small ground by Sangakkara. It was a brave call by the little wicket-batsmen, who was prepared to chase despite the likelihood of the wicket breaking up in the afternoon. In the event the wicket played badly throughout the day and didn't deteriorate markedly.

In the birth place of the 'pinch hitter', Angus Mackay(27) opened the innings for the visitors with an exhilarating 15 ball cameo. Donald Campbell (47), who was also promoted in the order, then continued the good work. Unfortunately he aggravated an old lower back problem in the process and looks doubtful for the series start on Friday.

Through the efforts of Mackay, Campbell and a watchful Wishart (67) Zimbabwe got themselves into a strong position in this match only to collapse in the last six overs. Cruising on 191-3 in the 44th over they should have scored at least twenty more runs than they did. However they lost seven quick wickets in the space of 6 overs, as they struggled against the left arm spin of Dinuk Hetterachchi (3-34) and Nistha Rupasinghe (2-44).

In reply the Sri Lankans made batting look easy on a difficult wicket. Both Shantha Kalavitigoda (43) and Kumar Sangakkara (95) attacked the bowers from the start. Everton Matambanadzo being welcomed back to competitive cricket after injury with two boundaries in his first over. They had put on 82 for the first wicket before Kalavitigoda was caught behind off a delivery from Blignaut that went through the top.

Ian Daniels (0) has spent most of this tour on the sidelines. Alas for him he wasn't able to capitalise on this opportunity, as he was run-out after being sent back by Sangakkara. Upeka Fernando was then caught and bowled by Blignaut in the 23rd over to leave the home side on 96-3.

Zimbabwean hopes were quickly dashed by a 90 run partnership between Sangakkara and Jayasinghe (47*) in just 14.3 overs. Poor Sangakkara deserved a century but just fell short when he was brilliantly caught by a diving Maragwede after top edging a sweep.

Pushpakumara (20*) and Jayasinghe quickly finished off the match with a succession of boundaries. BCCSL XI reaching their target with over 6 overs remaining.