Colombo, February 19 Sri Lankan batsmen struggled against Zimbabwean spinners in the middle overs on a slow pitch, but managed to reach a par score of 178 for 7 in their Group B T20 World Cup match here on Thursday.
Choosing to bat first, Sri Lanka got off to a decent start with openers Kusal Perera (22) and Pathum Nissanka (62) adding 54 runs in 4.5 overs.
The left-handed Perera looked uncomfortable but managed to hit a couple of boundaries off pacer Blessing Muzarabani.
However, he was soon dismissed by the pacer. Perera failed to connect with a Muzarabani bouncer, resulting in a catch by Graeme Cremer at short fine leg.
Muzarabani also impressed on the day, tucking the ball into the pitch to take the pace off, keeping the batsmen waiting.
Despite this, the Sri Lankans still ended the power play at a respectable 61 for 1, but found it difficult to score in the subsequent phase.
Zimbabwe spinners – Sikandar Raza, Cremer, Ryan Burl, and Wellington Masakadza – did not give any room for the home batsmen, with the next four overs producing only 21 runs.
They also lost Kusal Mendis (14, 20b) during this period.
In between, Nissanka, fresh off his century against Australia in the previous match, completed his fifty in 34 balls.
The right-handed Nissanka judged the pace of the pitch perfectly, focusing on taking quick singles and doubles, and only unleashing his power at the most opportune moments.
However, Nissanka eventually fell victim to the slow nature of the pitch, a reverse sweep off Cremer ending with a catch by Tony Munynoga.
Talented Pavan Rathnayake (44, 25b) smashed Brad Evans for 4, 6, and 4 in the 19th over, helping Sri Lanka cross the 150-run mark before being dismissed in the same over. The last two overs produced 30 runs, which could have made a difference in the outcome
