Sri Lanka [346 & 391/6] beat Zimbabwe [356 & 377] by 4 wickets in the one-off Test

[czar]

Good test so far.

[czar]

Cremer should hang around a bit.

[Executioner]

388 to chase pressure on Lanka.

Cremer is the key man for Zim.

[MMHS]

ZIM is showing the inexperience - almost 400 to defend and they are allowing Lankans to rotate strike at will.

[Amjid Javed]

Shaping up to be a good final inns here, Zimbabwe need to dry up the easy runs to try and force mistakes through pressure to get wickets at moment.

[czar]

The pitch seems to have eased up, Lankans batting comfortably.

[Executioner]

278 more runs needed with 8 wickets in hand

I think advantage Zimbabwe. Tomorrow is the 5th day so can't expect much from Lanka batsman.

[Junaids]

I think Sri Lanka will win by 4 wickets, but the Zimbos have done better in SL than Australia did a year ago.

Give them back:

Brendan Taylor
Garry Ballance
Kyle Jarvis

..... and they would be a serious team.

Can't happen though: they're the wrong colour!

[Dios]

Zimbabwe will win this.

[DRsohail]

I think Sri Lanka will win by 4 wickets, but the Zimbos have done better in SL than Australia did a year ago.

Give them back:

Brendan Taylor
Garry Ballance
Kyle Jarvis

..... and they would be a serious team.

Can't happen though: they're the wrong colour!

enjoying the contest more than odi and t20..if these teams lift themselves then test cricket is the most fascinating criket form to watch.though i am not that old ,just 27 but love test cricket,,,,,the real format ,not on UAE pitches,where it is just labour ..

[Executioner]

Zimbabwe's game to lose

Wow

[Executioner]

I think Sri Lanka will win by 4 wickets, but the Zimbos have done better in SL than Australia did a year ago.

Give them back:

Brendan Taylor
Garry Ballance
Kyle Jarvis

..... and they would be a serious team.

Can't happen though: they're the wrong colour!

Sorry sir do you understand cricket?

On a 5th day they need score around 250 with 6-7 wickets left.

Zimbabwe should win this easily. For the record they scored 344 in the first innings snd have to chase 380ish in the second innings

[shaz619]

I think Sri Lanka will win by 4 wickets, but the Zimbos have done better in SL than Australia did a year ago.

Give them back:

Brendan Taylor
Garry Ballance
Kyle Jarvis

..... and they would be a serious team.

Can't happen though: they're the wrong colour!

What is that supposed to mean they left their country for a better life elsewhere, the Zimbo board is corrupt, their cricket development infrastructure is non-existent and their players are all paid peanuts; which is why the names you speak of preferred a guaranteed money contract as it ensures their financial security and that of their family's.

Jarvis was quoted as follow when he announced his retirement:

"I have held off a few opportunities over the last few months but my decision was made about a week ago when the pay disputes arose and I felt my time to leave had come."

[Arham_PakFan]

Hopefully Zimbabwe win.Looking forward to an entertaining fifth day.

[Markhor]

Still a long way to go. Get a couple of early wickets in the morning session and its Zimbabwe's to lose.

[Square Drive]

Day 5 should be a thriller.

Zimbabwe will win by 40-50 runs.

[Hasan123]

In for a thriller of a conclusion. Current partnership is key, if Mendis and Matthew can play themselves in they will score at a good rate once set. If Zimbabwe can pick up a wicket early they'll believe they can win this.

I'll go with Zimbabwe to win this game.

[aloo paratha]

Debating whether I should wake up in the middle of the night to watch.

[Specialisttailender]

This thread proves that Pakistanis are easily the best cricket fans, you guys watch all the matches as long as they have life in them.

[SL_Fan]

Well played Zim hats off! Deserve the win here played some great cricket thus far. Our lot depending on just one or two guys as has been the case last couple of years even at home. Shows where our cricket is at. When Herath calls it a day that will be the final nail in the coffin.

[SL_Fan]

SUCCESSFUL 4TH INNINGS CHASES IN SL

Team Score Opposition Ground Start Date
Pakistan 382/3 v Sri Lanka Pallekele 3 Jul 2015
Sri Lanka 352/9 v South Africa Colombo (PSS) 4 Aug 2006
Sri Lanka 326/5 v Zimbabwe Colombo (SSC) 14 Jan 1998
India 264/3 v Sri Lanka Kandy 22 Aug 2001
India 258/5 v Sri Lanka Colombo (PSS) 3 Aug 2010
Bangladesh 191/6 v Sri Lanka Colombo (PSS) 15 Mar 2017

[SL_Fan]

Gonna have to break a few records to save face here. Should be a good day of cricket.

[MMHS]

Mathews dug his own grave here. In 4th innings big chase, batting at 35 SR is criminal. He just shut himself out of scoring.

[czar]

SL should shut their shop and look to survive for a while.

[czar]

Zimboks only bowling the spinners here, looks like it will be a long long day.

[Executioner]

170 runs to get with 5 wickets left, advantage Zimbabwe.

Winning the test match after the ODI series sweet sweet victory.

I was dissappointed by Zimbabwe off late but they have proven us wrong. I think they are probably the best minnow side right now in ODIs and Tests, ahead of Ireland and Afghanistan. This is good for their cricket.

Just yesterday Malcom Waller was signed for BPL. This series will help these Zim cricketers a lot

But pity of Lanka. They have gone from bad to worse this year and I am being honest.

[czar]

The fast bowlers see yet to bowl anything in the Final innings.

[czar]

Bangaldesh should invite Zimbabwe for a series including 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and 3 T20's, will be a cracker of a contest with a slight edge to Zimbabwe considering their current form.

[czar]

Raza leaking runs, Zimboks must bring a fast bowler from one end and keep Cremer at another

[czar]

Both batsmen are tying to counter attack and are naturally a bit of Fast scorers in Odis.

[czar]

Stumped?

Survives.

[Executioner]

Bangaldesh should invite Zimbabwe for a series including 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and 3 T20's, will be a cracker of a contest with a slight edge to Zimbabwe considering their current form.

Apart from T20s it will be a one sided contest like it was last time around. Zim lost 5-0 in ODIs and 3-0 in tests and only one test match was close.

Better for everyone if Zimbabwe invites us. Will be a good contest and our boys will learn to play in alien conditions. Right now even Zimbabwe is more alien than England or Australia.

[Executioner]

As per Cricinfo there was nothing behind the crease, bad luck for Zimbabwe.

[cricfan967]

That stumping was clearly out... Zimbabwe robbed here.

[Shutdown Corner]

Bangladesh has had such stumpings and no balls go against them on a couple of occaisions.

[Titan24]

As per Cricinfo there was nothing behind the crease, bad luck for Zimbabwe.

Makes me wonder how such umpires who cant even make a proper decision after seeing replays become international umpires.

[Arham_PakFan]

Poor Zimbabwe...unlucky.

Can thus deny them a test victory?

[MMHS]

I have a question- I have watched that replay in 65" 4K Tv for 5 minutes from both angles & I am not sure if if one of his spikes or a millimeter of sole touching the ground behind the line, which happens to be a day 5 wicket, when the bail was completely dislodged from it's grove. It's not a DRS umpire call - it's a stumping decision.

Now, I don't know if CricIfo people or 3rd umpire is watching better quality picture or not, but based on what I have seen, I can't be sure if batsman is confirmed out or not - so, benefit of doubt goes to batsman. I don't think, ZIM's underdog status deserves some pity sympathy here.

[ego-gambit]

Clearcut cheating in favour of home team nothing else

[Executioner]

I have a question- I have watched that replay in 65" 4K Tv for 5 minutes from both angles & I am not sure if if one of his spikes or a millimeter of sole touching the ground behind the line, which happens to be a day 5 wicket, when the bail was completely dislodged from it's grove. It's not a DRS umpire call - it's a stumping decision.

Now, I don't know if CricIfo people or 3rd umpire is watching better quality picture or not, but based on what I have seen, I can't be sure if batsman is confirmed out or not - so, benefit of doubt goes to batsman. I don't think, ZIM's underdog status deserves some pity sympathy here.

The replay made me feel it's out. And I am not the only one.

80 percent people felt it's out 20 percent were unsure.

[kaifmazhar]

Oh that stumping.....
Hope Zimbabwe put that behind themselves and come back strongly post lunch.

[Shutdown Corner]

Clearcut cheating in favour of home team nothing else

Umpire who made that call was not Sri Lankan!

[Shutdown Corner]

The replay made me feel it's out. And I am not the only one.

80 percent people felt it's out 20 percent were unsure.

I guess the 3rd umpire thought "This looks out, but you can't be sure that some micrometer of his boot isn't behind the line so benefit of the doubt goes to the batter."

Had this been an ODI or a T20 (unless a major world cup game) it would prolly have been given out.

[czar]

SL winning it easily.

[On_the_up]

Sorry sir do you understand cricket?

On a 5th day they need score around 250 with 6-7 wickets left.

Zimbabwe should win this easily. For the record they scored 344 in the first innings snd have to chase 380ish in the second innings

Looking like a good call now right?

[shaz619]

I think Sri Lanka will win by 4 wickets, but the Zimbos have done better in SL than Australia did a year ago.

Give them back:

Brendan Taylor
Garry Ballance
Kyle Jarvis

..... and they would be a serious team.

Can't happen though: they're the wrong colour!

Mind reading my palm as well Junaids !

[shaz619]

I think Sri Lanka will win by 4 wickets, but the Zimbos have done better in SL than Australia did a year ago.

Give them back:

Brendan Taylor
Garry Ballance
Kyle Jarvis

..... and they would be a serious team.

Can't happen though: they're the wrong colour!

Sorry sir do you understand cricket?

On a 5th day they need score around 250 with 6-7 wickets left.

Zimbabwe should win this easily. For the record they scored 344 in the first innings snd have to chase 380ish in the second innings

Bangladesh fans certainly do not.

Junaids exposing all the minnows.

[shaz619]

Such a damn shame, but you've fought really well Zimbabwe and almost won this Test despite their depleted bowling resources for obvious reasons. Overall a great series for them away from home.

[jonny darko]

A Great week of umpiring by ICC. First simon fry, now shamsuddin.

[DRsohail]

@Junaids u are the great....

[Junaids]

What is that supposed to mean they left their country for a better life elsewhere, the Zimbo board is corrupt, their cricket development infrastructure is non-existent and their players are all paid peanuts; which is why the names you speak of preferred a guaranteed money contract as it ensures their financial security and that of their family's.

Jarvis was quoted as follow when he announced his retirement:

Very true.

Two reasons to:

1) Let the ICC do all scheduling,
And
2) Let the enormous ICC surplus be used to pay all international players.

[hadi123]

I think Sri Lanka will win by 4 wickets, but the Zimbos have done better in SL than Australia did a year ago.

Give them back:

Brendan Taylor
Garry Ballance
Kyle Jarvis

..... and they would be a serious team.

Can't happen though: they're the wrong colour!

4 wickets? wow. What are the lottery numbers for tonight mate haha

[MMHS]

Great win by Lankans, indeed. They took back their record from PAK of highest successful chase in SRL.

[Executioner]

Looking like a good call now right?

Yeah didn't expect this

That stumping called made a huge difference.

I felt luck didn't go Zimbabwe's way but they made Lanka sweat more than Australia could. Kudos to them.

[hadi123]

Bangaldesh should invite Zimbabwe for a series including 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and 3 T20's, will be a cracker of a contest with a slight edge to Zimbabwe considering their current form.

no, Bangladesh will steamroll Zimbabwe in Bangladesh. It would be very entertaining were the series in Zimbabwe

[hadi123]

170 runs to get with 5 wickets left, advantage Zimbabwe.

Winning the test match after the ODI series sweet sweet victory.

I was dissappointed by Zimbabwe off late but they have proven us wrong. I think they are probably the best minnow side right now in ODIs and Tests, ahead of Ireland and Afghanistan. This is good for their cricket.

Just yesterday Malcom Waller was signed for BPL. This series will help these Zim cricketers a lot

But pity of Lanka. They have gone from bad to worse this year and I am being honest.

Zimbabwe are not ahead of Afghanistan. They have played each other a lot recently and Afghanistan have won pretty much every game and have won every series in ODIs and T20s against Zimbabwe both in Zimbabwe and in UAE. Afghanistan are the best minnows, followed by Zimbabwe, then followed by Ireland.

[DHONI183]

That´s the problem with weaker sides, in particular in Test cricket. They dream before they achieve and lose focus in the process, contributing to dropped catches and missed chances. Another equally important factor is that, not necessarily from the fans or the crowd, but a match situation like this puts them under huge pressure from within their own minds that this is their game for the taking and only they themselves can lose. So a combination of it all leads to mistakes out there, especially from the fielders.

Was watching live today the last session and was so hoping for Zimbabwe to get their act together; not to be! Test cricket,... the chances of the stronger team losing are always very slim.

Either way, an excellent comeback by Sri Lanka quite late in the game. Dickwella has of late been quite a consistent performer, and Gunaratne mostly chips in when the going gets really tough. I really like that guy.

[jonny darko]

The zimbabs spent their runs like they were sons of millionaire.

No building of pressure, same two bowlers bowling all the time. They never posted a short fine leg for the sweeps. Hope they'll learn.

[Abdullah719]

I don't see anything behind the line...

[MMHS]

I don't see anything behind the line...

True - I also thought so. But, the other side camera wasn't conclusive, probably because of the boot angle. These are those few cases where Umpires are going to lose always in either decision. In general understanding is, one should give a batsman out only when he is confident & confirmed.

Cricket rule favors batsmen, because it's the most perfectionist job - one mistake & you might be specialist fielder for 5 days & I am fine with benefit of doubt going to batsmen. Problem is, now they have started to twist law to give batsmen extra edge (like the Free hit - basically penalizing bowler twice for one crime; but they do call back batsmen on reply, if Umpires fail to call a NO ball) & they have tampered the playing condition to give batsmen like 6 handicap.

[Specialisttailender]

True - I also thought so. But, the other side camera wasn't conclusive, probably because of the boot angle. These are those few cases where Umpires are going to lose always in either decision. In general understanding is, one should give a batsman out only when he is confident & confirmed.

Cricket rule favors batsmen, because it's the most perfectionist job - one mistake & you might be specialist fielder for 5 days & I am fine with benefit of doubt going to batsmen. Problem is, now they have started to twist law to give batsmen extra edge (like the Free hit - basically penalizing bowler twice for one crime; but they do call back batsmen on reply, if Umpires fail to call a NO ball) & they have tampered the playing condition to give batsmen like 6 handicap.

You can only give someone out when you have conclusive evidence that it is out. If the umpire is not 100% sure then it is not out.

[Shutdown Corner]

no, Bangladesh will steamroll Zimbabwe in Bangladesh. It would be very entertaining were the series in Zimbabwe

Bangladesh have the ability to steamroll them in Zimbabwe as well. the last time we played we drew 1-1 against a team with Taylor and Jarvis. and that was beofre we had a pace attack.

[aloo paratha]

You can only give someone out when you have conclusive evidence that it is out. If the umpire is not 100% sure then it is not out.

What's more conclusive than his foot not being behind the line??

Lets just not give any LBW decisions anymore because who knows what if a sudden strong gust of wind comes changing the balls path to not hit the stumps. It would be a good rule because it can never be conclusive until it actually hits the stumps.

[Specialisttailender]

What's more conclusive than his foot not being behind the line??

Lets just not give any LBW decisions anymore because who knows what if a sudden strong gust of wind comes changing the balls path to not hit the stumps. It would be a good rule because it can never be conclusive until it actually hits the stumps.

Didnt watch, can't comment. Looks out from the pics.