Zimbabwe expose Sri Lanka’s inconsistency to level T20 series – Matthews goes from hero to villain in dramatic loss – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sports editor)
Zimbabwe’s tail wagged vigorously as they bounced back to smash Sri Lanka by four wickets in game two of the three match T20 series at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo.
Chasing what seemed like a par total of 173, Craig Ervine, 70 off 54 with 2 sixers and 6 fours, and later tail enders Luke Jongwe 25 off 12 with 2 sixers and 2 fours, and Clive Madande 15 off 5 balls wit 2 sixers ripped Sri Lanka’s attack to shreds to motor to what appeared an unlikely win with a ball to spare.
Jongwe’s last over heroics earned him the Player-of-the-match.
Angelo Matthews who earlier made a significant unbeaten 66 run contribution to Sri Lanka’s total, was at the receiving end of the brutal Zimbabwe onslaught going for over 19 runs an over and undoing his earlier heroics with the bat.
Matthews final over was the difference between winning and losing for the Sri Lankans as he was smashed to all parts in a decisive game changing 1.5 over spell.
Sri Lanka skipper Wannindu Hasarsnga De Silva defended his decision to bowl Matthews in the last over saying he had the experience and ability to do it. ” He has done so many times in the past”, he added.
Sri Lanka’s inconsistent batting came to the fore once again losing the top order cheaply and at 4 for 27, were rescued by Matthews, 66, and Charith Asalanka 69 off 39 balls with3 sixers and 5 fours. They added 118 for the fifth wicket to drag them to respectability.
Zimbabwe have now levelled the three game series, and as predicted, appear to have got Sri Lanka’s measure. Skipper Sikander Raza said the team is on the rise and have committed to playing with pride for their country to resuscitate their lowly status in the world game.
But what it does for Sri Lanka Cricket is that they still find themselves In a deep crevice and are struggling to find a way out.
It’s down to the decider in a couple of days and Sri Lanka will have to readjust their form before facing the more formidable Afganistan team that follows the Zimbabwean’s tour.
The writing on the wall at this stage doesn’t paint a pretty picture for Sri Lanka against the highly talented Afgans unless there is a dramatic change in their fortunes
