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There was no respite for hapless and outclassed Zimbabwe as they were beaten for the 12th straight times when Sri Lanka cantered home by 63 runs in the opening match of the Khaleej Times Trophy here Friday.

Chasing a not too formidable target of 256, Zimbabwe found the going tough and were bowled out for 183 in 50 overs with medium-pacer Charita Buddika making a dream debut by claiming five wickets for 67 runs. His performance earned the newcomer the Man-of-the-Match award.

Zimbabwe, still finding their feet at the highest level, did well to restrict Sri Lanka to 256. But their fragile batting once again caved in without Fight.

Only a late defiance by all-rounder Sean Ervine gave the total some respectability with his chancy 47 that included two huge sixes and three fours.

From the movement opener Doug Marillier got out in Buddika's first over, it was an uphill struggle for Zimbabwe batsmen. Everything depended on Flower brothers and when Andy was removed by Dilhara Fernando, it was virtually all over.

The fate of the match was sealed when Grant Flower was run out while going for a second run to make 89 for four. The task of overtaking Sri Lanka's total Looked a hopeless cause.

Later, Zimbabwe batsmen's plight was compounded by master off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan who was virtually unplayable to finish with outstanding figures of 10-4-16-2.

On today's performance it will need something out of ordinary by Zimbabwe to make the Nov 4 final and in all probability it will be a repeat of April final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Earlier, on a flat and easy paced track Sri Lanka failed to take advantage and managed just 256 for six wickets.

Perhaps the early and cheap dismissals of the openers skipper Sanath Jayasuriya and Avishka Gunewardena made the other batsmen be more circumspect. However, Marvan Atapattu (92) and Russel Arnold (76 not out) did ensure a respectable total for the bowlers to bowl at. The two steadied the innings after Maheela Jayawardena (33) became second run out victim due to a misunderstanding.

Arnold and Atapattu put on 115 for the fourth wicket in almost run-a-ball before the former holed out to Craig Wishart for a well-crafted 92 made off 110 balls with five fours.

Arnold, from then on, held the innings together but could not score freely against a modest Zimbabwe bowling resources in which only part-timer Doug Marillier emerged with much credit. He conceded only 36 runs from his quota of 10 overs.

Despite losing Romesh Kaluwitharana (3) and Chaminda Vaas (13) in quick succession, Arnold kept going and ended up unbeaten on 76 scored off 94 balls with only three fours.

Zimbabwe attack lacked sting but they fielded superbly and it did help in restricting Sri Lankans galloping to an unchallengeable total.

© Dawn