Zimbabwe 'A' on the brink of defeat

Despite the fortune of a delayed start and the heriocs of Craig Wishart (103), Zimbabwe were forced to follow on at Galle Internationa Stadium today after being bowled out for 221. Starting their second innings 110 runs in arrears they then slumped to 20-3 at the close and appear to be on the verge of their first defeat.

Having enforced the follow on, and with the luxury of the cool evening sun, the Sri Lankan opening bowlers tore into the Zimbabwean top order in the second innings. Gavin Rennie (1) lasted just 4 deliveries before he was trapped LBW by Kaushalya Weereratne in identical fashion to his first innings dismissal. Douglas Marrillier(7), promoted in this innings could have been dismissed in the same over as he flashed at a wide delivery and was dropped at first slip. However the Sri Lankan's didn't have to wait long to make amends with Dinusha Fernando inducing another edge in the next over. This time Indika De Silva made no mistake at second slip and Zimbabwe were 11-2.

Thilan Samaraweera who had intelligently rotated his bowlers throughout the day, now surrounded the batsmen with close fielders. Three slips, one gully, two short legs and a short mid-wicket all waited expectantly for a catch.

Neil Ferreira (1) was the next to go, caught behind of Weereratne in the 6th over of the innings. Donald Campbell (3*) and Raymond Price (4), both of whom had been promoted in the batting order, then negotiated the final few overs before the light had deteriorated too much and the umpires decided to call it a day.

The situation could have been even worse for the visitors if the start of todays play had not been delayed due a leak in the pitch covers. Quite why the BCCSL decided to experiment with a new type of pitch cover during an unofficial test match we will never know. The seams of the cover leaked and water spread onto the popping crease at both ends. The result was a three hour delay before play could commence.

When play did resume Craig Wishart (103) confirmed why he has already played for the senior side with a superb century. For the first time in the tour he managed to marry his undoudted ability to strike the ball with sound shot selection. Strong all round the wicket he started the morning in a positive fashion with crisp shots allround the wicket.

Andy Blignaut (34) supported him well and the pair put on 83 runs for the 5th wicket. However just when it was looking possible for the Zimbabweans to reach the safety of the 282 follow on target, Rangana Herath struck. His left arm spin looking innocuous for the second match in succession, Herath had the wit to bowl wide of leg-stump when Andy Blignaut was looking to reach forward. Surprised by the line and momentarily off balance, Bignaut was well stumped by Jayawardena.

The Sri Lankan captain alternated his bowlers cleverly throughout the day. The spinners bowled tightly and keep the pressure on the batsmen whilst the pacemen were given licence to attack from the other end. When the ball grew old and soft the captain opted for a policy of containment until the second new ball could be taken.

With the run-rate slowed to a crawl Douglas Marillier (34) and Wishart put on 45 runs for the sixth wicket before Herath struck for the second time in the innings, this bowling Marillier. Five balls later Donald Campbell (0) offered no stroke to Thilan's off spin and was adjudged LBW.

Straight after the evening drinks break the Sri lankans took their long awaited new ball and struck immediately. Craig Wishart's lone vigil coming to an end as he tried to pull Dinusha's second ball. The wicket singled the beginning of the end for the Zimbabwean's despite some sensible batting from Raymond Price (20*).

Zimbabwe will now be praying for a seasonal monsoon shower tomorrow if they are to survive. It would take a herculean effort to bat through the day without assistance from the weather. The Sri Lankan bowlers are currently bowling with great skill and confidence. With the current ball only 10 overs old and another available after tea tomorrow they look certain to win this match for their side.