Riding on Hamilton Masakadza‘s century and half-centuries by Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams,Zimbabwe defeated ICC World T20 2014 champions Sri Lanka by seven wickets in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 warm-up match at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in New Zealand on Wednesday.
Needing 280 to win, Zimbabwe lost Chamu Chibhabha and Sikandar Raza very early in the match. However, Masakadza and Taylor’s partnership made sure Zimbabwe were well settled. After completing his half-century, Taylor was removed by Tillakaratne Dilshan, who did not come out to bat during the Sri Lankan innings.
It will be a major blow for Sri Lanka, who have had disappointing New Zealand tour prior to the start of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 preparations.
Masakadza scored 117 from 119 balls, which included eight fours and three sixes. Test captain Taylor scored 63 from 68 balls, hitting six fours. Williams also put up an all-round show. After picking up three wickets in the Sri Lankan innings, Williams scored 51, hitting seven fours.
Sri Lanka on the other hand used nine bowlers. Lasith Malinga went wicketless as the African team was able to chase the target within 45.2 overs. - cricketcountry
