Innings Zimbabwe 155 (Masakadza 41, Sandakan 4-52, Hasaranga 3-15) v Sri Lanka
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Lakshan Sandakan was wise to the efforts of the Zimbabwe batsmen in their use of premeditated shots and kept them in check by switching his lines © AFP
Two days after Sri Lanka’s spinners were collectively crashed around the Galle Stadium at more than seven runs an over, a new look spin attack took the middle overs by the collar, and spun Zimbabwe out for 155.
On debut, 19-year-old legspinner Wanidu Hasaranga made the most dramatic contribution, befuddling Zimbabwe’s last three batsmen to claim a hat-trick on debut. But Sri Lanka were already in a strong position thanks largely to Lakshan Sandakan, sidelined for long periods by the selectors but deadly upon his return here. Zimbabwe’s batsmen tried to sweep him hard, and often, as they had done to Amila Aponso and Akila Dananjaya in the last match, but Sandakan, wise to this plan, switched up his lines when he saw a premeditated shot coming, and in any case, enacted so many revolutions on the ball, that his dip and bounce created chances. He had Craig Ervine caught behind, before Sikandar Raza top-edged a reverse sweep, Ryan Burl was bowled attempting one, and Peter Moor edged the ball back onto his stumps. To Angelo Mathews’ credit, Sandakan was kept in the attack despite a slightly high economy rate, and was allowed to deliver his 10 overs inside a 21-over period. His final analysis was 4 for 52.
Full report to follow…
Andrew Fidel Fernando is ESPNcricinfo’s Sri Lanka correspondent. @andrewffernando
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo