Clinical Sri Lanka clinch tri-series title

The fairytale finish Zimbabwe were hoping for didn’t transpire as the hosts crumbled under pressure in front of their supporters in Bulawayo on Sunday (November 27) against Sri Lanka to lose the tri-series final by six wickets. Sri Lanka clinched the title with an all-round performance that was initially set up by their bowlers as they bowled out the hosts for just 160.

Chasing 161 for victory, half-centuries from Kusal Mendis and skipper Upul Tharanga helped the island nation seal a comfortable win with 75 balls to spare after an initial hiccup before the lunch break. Mendis was named the player of the match and the series as well.

Brief scores:

Zimbabwe 160 all out (Tarisai Musakanda 36, Sean Williams 35; Asela Gunaratne 3-10, Jeffrey Vandersay 3-50) lost to Sri Lanka 166/4 in 37.3 overs (Upul Tharanga 57*, Kusal Mendis 57; Brian Vitori 3-52) by six wickets.