Zimbabwe’s first ODI at home since December 2007 had a promising beginning but ended in disaster. Their top order laid a steady platform against Sri Lanka on Thursday, reaching 124 for 3, but they lost their last seven wickets for three runs in 3.5 dramatic overs. Zimbabwe’s last six batsmen were all dismissed for 0, equalling the record for most ducks in an innings. It was a calamitous collapse that would have severely dented the confidence of a young side, but captain Prosper Utseya said his batsmen had learnt from the experience. Converting the knowledge into an improved on-field performance, however, won’t be easy as Sri Lanka are unlikely to take the hosts lightly.
Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan captain, said he wanted a “much better standard” from his players. He said Zimbabwe should not have scored as much as 127 and called for improvement despite winning by six wickets and with 16.4 overs to spare.
