Taylor stars in Zimbabwe defeat

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on October 29, 2007

Poor bowling cost Zimbabwe an otherwise likely victory in the first 50-over match against Sri Lanka A at Bulawayo. Brendan Taylor top scored for Zimbabwe with 50, while proving his allround class with a stumping.

Sri Lanka A, sent in to bat first, lost Dilruwan Perera for 7 in the fourth over. But then the fireworks began, with Malinda Warnapura and captain Tillakaratne Dilshan both smashing centuries.

Warnapura made 100, while Dilshan smashed 111 at better than a run a ball.

The breakthrough came at 3/259, when Taibu handed the wicketkeeping gloves over to Brendan Taylor. Taibu managed to get one past Warnapura, and quick as a flash, Taylor whipped the bails off. This was one of crickets rare instances when a different player has been handed the gloves and then taken a stumping.

Part timer, Justice Chibhabha, took 2/58, making him Zimbabwe's leading wicket taker for the match.

Chasing 320, Zimbabwe got off to a poor start, losing hard hitting Vusi Sibanda for 12. Taylor was the mainstay for the first 20 overs, reaching his half century before being clean bowled by Dammika Prasad.

While all of the other batsmen got off to starts, nobody went on to make a big score. Justice Chibhabha made 44, while Stuart Matsikenyeri added 43 to the score.

Dammika Prasad was Sri Lanka A's best bowler, with 3/36.

Zimbabwe made 9/267, and lost the match, leaving them 0-1 in the series.

In other news, it has been revealed by the South African cricket board that Zimbabwe won't be participating in the country's top first-class competition. However, they are hopeful Zimbabwe can participate in the domestic limited overs tournaments.