Zimbabwe Lose First Test

Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWE have lost the first of two test matches against Sri Lanka by 10 wickets at Harare Sports Club.

The Chevrons posted 358 in their first innings, while Sri Lanka responded with 515 on day 4 before they declared.

The hosts could only manage 170 all-out in their second innings and Sri Lanka only needed 14 runs to win.

After ending day 4 on 30 runs with 10 wickets remaining, Zimbabwe’s performance was characterised by poor batting, with captain Sean Williams the best at 39.

Brendan Taylor went out with 38 while Regis Chakabva was on 26. Suranga Lakmal was outstanding for Sri Lanka’s attack taking four for 27 on day five.

Given this was return of test cricket to Zimbabwe after a long spell, pushing the test to day 5 has been commendable and with improved batting, they could have forced a draw.

ZIMBABWE: Prince Masvaure, Kevin Kasuza, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Regis Chakabva (wk), Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams (capt), Ainsley Ndlovu, Victor Nyauchi, Donald Tiripano

SRI LANKA: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara