Sri Lanka win series after spectacular collapse

Zimbabwe lost the final unofficial test in Matara by an innings and 21 runs after a spectacular collapse before and after the luncheon interval. Starting the day with nine wickets remaining they were eventually bowled out by the Sri Lankan spinners for just 97 in their second innings. Thilan Samaraeera leading from the front with a five wicket haul and match figures of 9-64.

Having finished play last night with the loss of only one wicket after 48 overs of determined defense, they would have woke this morning with high hopes of being able to save this match. However the loss of Gavin Rennie in the 21st over of the day precipitated a dramatic collapse in which they lost eight wickets for just 28 runs.

Sri Lanka thus emerge worthy champions in this one-sided test series by virtue of having won two matches by an innings. In truth the large margin of victory in both games accurately reflects the difference between these two sides. The Sri Lankans outplayed the visitors in all aspects of the game and would have won all three matches if they had been more positive in Kurunegala.

Looking back over the game the Zimbabwean coach identified the batting of Indika De Saram as the main difference between the two sides. He was certainly the only batsmen to look comfortable on this turning wicket. If he had been caught by Greg Lamb at short leg when he was on just ten, who knows what would have happened.

The Zimbabweans continued their defensive approach of the previous evening in the morning. The approach allowed the Sri Lankans to crowd the bat with close fielders and surprised the home side. With the batsmen not prepared to use their feet they were always confident of bowling out the Zimbabweans.

Sri lankan captain Thilan Samaraweera opted for the pace of Dilhara Fernando and the spin of Rangana Herath in the morning session. Given licence to bowl flat out Dilhara bowled with great pace on a slow wicket and troubled both the batsmen, eventually trapping Greg Lamb (13) LBW with a yorker.

The arrival of Gavin Rennie (2), who was given a chance to bat in the middle order after three low scores, led to a change in the bowling as Thilan Samaraweera decided to bowl himself. The decision paid off as Rennie was caught at a short gully as he tentatively pushed forward.

Craig Wishart (4) strode to the crease and immediately played with the authority and composure that makes him stand out as a player of international class. Alas for his team he was unable to settle and was caught at slip off Rangana Herath.

Disaster then struck for the Zimbabweans as they lost Raymond Price (21) in the same over. Andy Blignaut worked Herath into the leg-side and called for a comfortable single. However Raymond Price, who had been backing up throughout the innings, was slow off the mark and was run-out after a quick pick and throw from Indika De Saram. In brought to an end an innings that had spanned 212balls and 288 minutes. In the match he had batted for a staggering 499 minutes for just 34 runs. He alone showed the application and concentration that was needed to save the game.

The Zimbabwean innings then went into free-fall. Dion Ebrahim (1) continued his wretched tour as he was caught at bat pad. Daniel Peacock (4) lofted a catch to mid-on four balls after lunch, Blignaut (13) was caught at bat pad, Donald Campbell (5) was caught at mid-off and David Mutendera (0) was stumped two balls later to finish off the match.

Whilst the speed of their collapse in this innings and the margin of defeat in this test series will undoubtedly have been disappointing for the team, the Zimbabweans clearly don't have the depth of talent that is available to the Sri Lankans. Whats more there was a wide differential in terms of experience. What is certain is that they have learnt a great deal and that the players who go on to play for the national side will look back of this tour as an important part of their education

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