Mendis, Tharanga fifties propel SL to 316

50 overs Sri Lanka 316 for 5 (Mendis 86, Tharanga 79*, Gunathilaka 60, Chatara 2-49) v Zimbabwe
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Kusal Mendis became the joint second-fastest Sri Lankan to complete 1000 ODI runs © Getty Images

Another flowing century stand between Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka formed the basis of Sri Lanka’s commanding 316 for 5 against Zimbabwe in Galle, with Upul Tharanga also contributing an intelligent 79 not out.

The young batsmen had also been impressive during the Champions Trophy – their long partnership against India led to Sri Lanka’s only victory in the tournament – and their association in Galle followed a familiar template. There were moments of fortune for Gunathilaka, but otherwise, the two men were quick to punish poor balls, and manipulated the field with precision. Mendis top-scored again, with 86 off 80 deliveries.

Full report to follow

Andrew Fidel Fernando is ESPNcricinfo’s Sri Lanka correspondent. @andrewffernando

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Source: ESPN Crickinfo

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