Zimbabwe thrash Sri Lanka by eight wickets

HARARE - Brendan Taylor scored an unbeaten century as Zimbabwe thrashed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the sixth One-day international of the triangular series here Monday.

With both the teams having already made the final, the match was of only academic interest and was seen as the warmup game for the title clash. And Zimbabwe boosted their confidence as Taylor hit 119 not out, second ODI ton, to achieve 240 for two in 47.5 overs after the bowlers skittled out Sri Lanka for 236 in 47.5 overs.

Put in to bat, Sri Lanka got off to a flier with a 122-run stand between captain Tillakaratne Dilshan (78) and Upul Tharanga (69). But Zimbabwe bowlers came back well to eventually bowl out the visitors for a modest 236 at the Harare Sports Club.

For Zimbabwe, Chris Mpofu, Prosper Utseya and Graeme Cremer scalped two wickets apiece.

While chasing, Taylor got good support from Chamu Chibhaba (58) and the duo shared 134 runs for the second wicket. Taylor’s sterling unbeaten 137-ball knock was studded with nine fours and a six.

Taylor then completed the chase with Tatenda Taibu (42 not out) for company as the duo put on an unbeaten 92-run stand.