19 September,2012 08:06 AM IST | | Agencies
Sri Lanka registered a convincing win over Zimbabwe in the World T20 opening game here last night. Replying to Sri Lanka's 182 for four in the stipulated 20 overs, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 100 in the 18th over which gave the hosts an 82-run victory.
Slammed! Sri Lankan star Kumar Sangakkara plays a shot during an ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup match against Zimbabwe at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota yesterday. PIC/AFP
Earlier, Kumar Sangakkara and Jeevan Mendis clubbed big scores as Sri Lanka posted a challenging score. Sangakkara, newly crowned ICC player of the year, hit a 26-ball 44, studded with a six and two boundaries, while Mendis smashed four boundaries and a six during his unbeaten 43 off 30 balls, after Zimbabwe put the hosts in to bat.
Tillakaratne Dilshan hit five boundaries during his rapid 39 before he fell caught behind by Brendan Taylor off leg-spinner Graeme Cremer. Skipper Mahela Jayawardene was run out for 13.u00a0Twelve teams competing in the event are divided in four groups, with the top two teams advancing to the Super Eight stage, which will decide the four semi-finalists.
