Sri Lanka Development XI defeated Zimbabwe Development XI by 5 wickets in their four-day match which concluded yesterday at Harare Sports Club.
On the final and fourth day, the visitors needed to 143 runs with 9 wickets remaining. Anuk Fernando who came in as a night watchman on day three remained unbeaten scoring 61 off 81 deliveries and smashing the winnings runs with a huge six. Apart of Fernando’s knock, opening batsman Pabasara Waduge and Sandun Weerakkody made 30 and 35 respectively.
Fernando was involved in two key partnerships of 44 runs each with Weerakkody and skipper Rumesh Buddhika respectively after being on 97 for 4 at one stage.
Earlier on day three, Zimbabwe Development XI was bowled out for 177 in their second innings as right-arm fast bowler Shehan Madushanka, making his first-class debut picked up 3 wickets while leg-spinner Sanjaya Chathuranga also chipped in with 3 scalps. Skipper Brian Chari was the top performer with the bat scoring a 109-ball 59.
Sri Lanka Development XI in their first innings was propelled by the twin centuries by Sandun Weerakkody (151) and Charith Asalanka (103) as they were short only by 3 runs in gaining a first-innings lead. The home team had four half-centurions while accumulating 349.
The three-match one-day series between both these teams will commence on 3rd September at the same venue.
Zimbabwe Development XI – 349 all out in 100.1 overs: Brian Chari 76, Charles Kunje 53 Tarisai Musakanda 61, Luke Jongwe 50, Jaylord Gumbie 47, Anuk Fernando 2/23, Shehan Madushanka 2/69, Charith Asalanka 2/79.
Sri Lanka Development XI – 346 all out in 89.4 overs: Sandun Weerakkody 151, Charith Asalanka 103, Victor Nyauchi 3/48, Carl Mumba 6/89.
Zimbabwe Development XI (2nd inn) – 177 all out in 54.2 overs: Brian Chari 59, Tarisai Musakanda 24, Shehan Madushanka 3/25, Sanjaya Chathuranga 3/50, Kasun Madushanka 2/33.
Sri Lanka Development XI (2nd inn) – 185/5 in 41 overs: Anuk Fernando 61*, Pabasara Waduge 30, Sandun Weerakkody 35, Carl Mumba 2/54, Luke Jongwe 2/25.
