[Match Thread] OnIy Test: SL vs ZIM

[brmtaylor.com admin]

I'm a bit more optimistic about Zim's chances. I think we've already passed the point where we can win by simply bowling well (rather than relying on a miracle, which would have been the case if we were defending ~160).

If we can push the lead to 300, I think it gets to the point where all things being equal we should win. I like the idea of a 350-400 buffer, but realistically I think once it gets up around 300 it's going to require a monumental effort from SL.

[TapsC]

The way Cremer is spinning the bowl make sure me believe playing M'shangwe instead of Mpofu would have been a master stroke. I wonder how close they came to making that decision. The day before the start of the test Cremer said he wasn't sure whether they would chuck in an extra spinner or not. 2 leg spinners would have ripped this game apart. Nobody could have guessed that though

[eugene]

This game is over. The batsmen will add another 100 runs tomorrow and then Cremer will spin the Lankans to defeat.

[pariah]

2 leg spinners would have ripped this game apart. Nobody could have guessed that though

[Kriterion_BD]

This game is over. The batsmen will add another 100 runs tomorrow and then Cremer will spin the Lankans to defeat.

im not sure. there two issues here.

if Waller is scoring runs so easily, it indicates the pitch has flattened out.

the second thing is Lankan spinners lose their fizz with the older ball, but Cremer - due to being a wrist spinner - got purchase with it.

whichever of those competing factors wins will decide this game.

a few months ago, Bangladesh chased 190 in he 4th innings without any fuss indicating the pitch stayed through all 5 days.

lets say Zim set the lankans 350 to win...how would we budget the bowling...?

i would say Cremer would need to take 5, willy/raza/waller 4, and the seamers chip in with 1.

seamers wont bowl much either way.

[eugene]

This Sri Lankan team has no fight, they are demoralised, the bell tolls for them.

[jaybro]

Really great fighting spirit from the boys mainly Raza with help from Moor & Waller, and with Cremer & Donald still to come a lead of 350-400 is very gettable. But the main thing that stands out is the fight the boys have shown @ 4-23 & 5-59 we looked 'cooked' but three old Zimbo fighting spirit is back and the boys are doing us proud. First target tomorrow is to bat through till lunch then reassess the lead & state of the pitch......

[Kriterion_BD]

This Sri Lankan team has no fight, they are demoralised, the bell tolls for them.

they have been this way for a while...since Murali retired in 2010.

it took the retirements of Sanga, Mahela, and Dilshan to show the true extent. but I do think they will make a comeback of sorts after Herath retires.

[jaybro]

This Sri Lankan team has no fight, they are demoralised, the bell tolls for them.

Mathews quitting as captain was a weak move imo, they're a young side lacking experience & leadership the last thing they needed was their captain to quit .....

[andrewn9]

Highlights here if anyone wants them:

https://www.sonyliv.com/details/highlig ... July,-2017