ZCZC
BSP-20
CRICKET-ZIM-SRI
Zimbabwe make steady start in first home Test since 2017
HARARE, Jan 19, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Zimbabwe made sedate progress and reached
lunch at 62 without loss against Sri Lanka after winning the toss in Harare
on Sunday in their first home Test since 2017.
Prince Masvaure compiled a watchful 42 and will resume the afternoon
session alongside debutant Kevin Kasuza, unbeaten on 20, in Zimbabwe’s first
Test in 14 months.
Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams elected to bat first despite overcast skies
at the Harare Sports Club as the hosts handed Test debuts to three players —
opening batsman Kasuza, left-arm spinner Ainsley Ndlovu and seam bowler
Victor Nyauchi.
Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal returned for Sri Lanka, having missed the entire
Pakistan series, while Angelo Mathews was also included in an experienced
side led by Dimuth Karunaratne.
The two-Test tour was only announced by the Sri Lankan cricket board
earlier this week.
Zimbabwe were readmitted as an ICC member last October following a three-
month suspension over political interference.
The Sri Lanka games represent their first Tests since a 1-1 series draw in
Bangladesh in November 2018.
Zimbabwe last played a Test at home against the West Indies in October
2017.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1648 hrs