Record-breaking Sri Lankans beat Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka gained the second Super League berth for Group B of the ICC Under-19 World Cup with some record-breaking performances in their 63-run victory over Zimbabwe today.

Sri Lanka batted first at Hagley Oval at Zimbabwe's request and while two wickets down for 34, the recovery was mounted by Sumalka Perera and Jeevan Mendis who each scored 57, Perara off 75 balls and Mendis off 98. Mendis played an anchor role for the side and was seventh man dismissed.

Charith Sylvester scored 36 off 36 balls as Sri Lanka reached 206/9 in their 50 overs.

Hamilton Masakdza was the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers, taking two wickets for 39 runs.

Zimbabwe got bogged down in the middle stages of their innings after being relatively comfortable at 102/3. Charles Coventry scored 36 off 42 balls but was second man out at 51.

Sri Lanka then introduced Mendis to the bowling crease and he mesmerised the Zimbabweans with his control and he took seven wickets for 19 runs, an Under-19 World Cup record for a bowler, while he was helped considerably by wicket-keeper Sylvester who made four stumpings, all of them from Mendis, to go with the four catches he made in the innings.

His performance is certainly an Under-19 world record and is probably the best wicket-keeping performance in international cricket at any level.

Zimbabwe were all out in the 45th over for 143 and will now play in the Plate Championship in Auckland next week.