Solomon Mire helps Zimbabwe thrash ‘pathetic’ Sri Lanka in first ODI

Solomon Mire smashed his maiden one-day century on Friday to take Zimbabwe to a historic six-wicket win over Sri Lanka and pile pressure on the beleaguered Asian nation. Mire hit 112 off 96 balls as Zimbabwe reached 322-4 to pass Sri Lanka’s 316-5 with more than two overs to spare. It was the first time in more than 200 one day internationals in Sri Lanka that a visiting team has scored more than a 300 run target to get a victory.

Sri Lanka have been criticised in recent days by the country’s sports minister for being overweight and unfit. Captain Angelo Mathews also laid into his players after the defeat. “Having 315 on the board, I thought it was enough,” he said. “Our bowling was poor and our fielding was pathetic. It was a good batting effort by them.”

Mire, known for his quickfire hitting, was twice dropped as Sri Lanka virtually gave the game away. Sikandar Raza hit an unbeaten 67 and Sean Williams 65 as Zimbabwe stunned the home side in the first one-day international to be held in Galle for 17 years. The day did not start badly for the home side. Kusal Mendis blasted 86 off 80 balls …read more