Zimbabwe spun out in Harare

Muralitharan: 4-14

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First One-Day International
Harare Sports Club
Zimbabwe 127 (M Muralitharan 4-14) v Sri Lanka 130-4 (K C Sangakkara 50 no)
Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 6 wkts

A spectacular first-innings collapse eventually resulted in Zimbabwe losing the opening One-Day International against Sri Lanka by six wickets in Harare.

With the hosts well poised on 124-3, Sri Lanka spun their way into the driving seat as Zimbawe lost seven wickets for just three further runs.

Muttiah Muralitharan (4-14) and Ajantha Mendis (3-16) were in destructive mood as only experienced wicket-keeper Tatenda Taibu succeeded with the bat, finishing 36 not out as he was forced to watch his team self-destruct at the other end.

Useful contributions from Chamu Chibhabha (25) and Stuart Matsikenyeri (21) had put Zimbabwe in a position of strength early in the innings, but the dramatic collapse put paid to any hopes of victory.

Chasing the meagre 128 runs required to go 1-0 up in the series, Sri Lanka lost four wickets - Kumar Sangakarra scoring an unbeaten 46 as the tourists reached 130-4 in 33.2 overs.

Zimbabwe made the perfect start in the field when Upul Thuranga was run out without scoring, however Sangakarra's arrival steadied the Sri Lanka ship.

Off-spinner Ray Price took the scalp of captain Mahela Jayawardene en route to figures of 2-24, however Zimbabwe will now reflect on a woeful batting display as they prepare for the second ODI on Saturday.