Zimbabwe Emerging XI managed to record an easy win over Sri Lanka Emerging XI by winning the first one day match of the three match one day series with 5 wickets to spare.
Sri Lanka Emerging XI captain Rumesh Buddika won the toss and elected to bat first in Harare.
Sri Lanka opening batting duo, Sandun Weerakkody and Sadheera Samarawickreme gave a very good start to the innings where they added 43 runs for the first wicket within 6.4 overs. But Sri Lanka lost both their openers in a quick succession which left Sri Lanka total 47 for 2 after 7.3 overs.
Middle order batsmen also struggled to contribute much to the scorecard and Sri Lanka at one stage were 99 for 6. But Anuk Fernando and Sanjaya Chathuranga built a partnership of 54 runs off 81 balls for the seventh wicket which saw Sri Lanka got to 153 for 7. Then Sanjaya Chathuranga contributed to another partnership with Kasun Madushanka for the eighth wicket. They put on 71 runs off 73 balls which helped Sri Lanka Emerging XI to pose a total of 230 all out in 48.1 overs. Sanjaya Chathuranga was the top scorer for Sri Lankans as he managed to get 53 runs off 66 balls. Kasun Madusanka (43) and Anuk Fernando (35) also contributed with the bat.
For Zimbabwe, right arm fast medium bowler Carl Mumba was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed 3 wickets for 26 runs. Victor Nyauchi (58/2) and Nathan Waller (38/2) picked up four wickets between them.
In reply, Zimbabwe Emerging XI got off to a good start to their innings as opening batsman Brian Chari and number three batsman Tarisai Musakanda built a partnership of 94 runs for the second wicket. After the dismissal of Brian Chari who made 52 runs off 70 balls, Peter Moor joined the party and had a partnership of 86 runs with Tarisai Musakanda for the third wicket. Peter Moor played an aggressive innings as he scored 63 runs off 59 balls which included 6 fours and 3 sixes. However, the top scorer for Zimbabwe was Tarisai Musakanda who played a match wining innings of 83 runs off 95 balls.
With the ball, Sri Lanka had a less effective day at Harare as Shehan Madushanka picked up two wickets for 52 while Sanjaya Chathuranga, Lasith Ambuldeniya, and Kasun Madushanka picked up one wicket each.
The second match of three match one day series will be played on 5th September at the same venue.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka Emerging XI – 230 all out in 48.1 overs: Sanjaya Chathuranga 53, Kasun Madushanka 43, Anuk Fernando 35, Carl Mumba 26/3, Nathan Waller 38/2, Victor Nyauchi 58/2
Zimbabwe Emerging XI – 232 for 5 in 45.1 overs: Tarisai Musakanda 83, Peter Moor 63, , Brian Chari 52, Shehan Madushanka 52/2, Kasun Madushanka 42/1, Lasith Ambuldeniya 45/1,
