Bowlers, de Silva guide Lanka to eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in ODI tri-series

Sri Lankan bowlers produced a brilliant performance before opener Dhananjaya de Silva struck an unbeaten half-century to guide their side to a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the opening match of the ODI tri-series at the Harare Sports Club here on Monday.

After being asked to bat first, Zimbabwe batting line-up failed to counter Lanka's bowling attack and were eventually bundled out for mere 154 runs.

Peter Moor (47) and Graeme Cremer (unbeaten at 31) were the only batsmen to provide his side with some resistance.

Asela Gunaratne was the pick of the bowlers for Lanka as he finished with the figures of three for 21. Suranga Lakmal,Nuwan Pradeep and Suranga Lakmal scalped two wickets each while Sachith Pathiranaalso chipped in with a wicket each.

In reply, de Silva struck a 78-run knock, including 12 boundaries, besides sharing a crucial 84-run partnership with Niroshan Dickwella for the second wicket to help the visitors chased down the target in 24.3 overs.

The second match of the triangular series will be played between Sri Lanka and West Indies at the same venue on Wednesday.