Date-stamped : 03 Jan98 - 10:24 2 -5 Jan 1998 Zimbabwe v Sri Lanka Board President's XI Reports from the Daily News Day 1: Zimbabwe pile up 311/6 CHRIS DHAMBARAGE reporting from Matara The visiting Zimbabwe cricket team put up a pleasing performance on the opening day of their three-day match against the Sri Lanka Board President's XI which commenced at the Uyanwatte Stadium, Matara yesterday. The touring team recovered from an early setback and scored 311 for 6, having won the toss and decided to bat first. However they had a shock start to the innings with opener Gavin Rennie departing cheaply in the fourth over of the innings. Grant Flower and Murray Goodwin then repaired the early damage with a superb second wicket stand of 81 runs. Both batted quite aggressively and laid the foundation for a good first innings total. Grant Flower struck 58 in 78 deliveries with the help of one six and nine boundaries, while occupying the crease for 89 minutes. His partner Goodwin also reached a fine half century (52) in 97 deliveries inclusive of one six and three boundaries. Zimbabwe collected 130 runs during the first session while losing only three wickets in 33 overs. The visitors added a further 93 runs during the second session but more importantly they lost only a solitary wicket. Vice captain Andy Flower and Guy Whittal continued with the good work and added 46 runs for the fourth wicket. Andy Flower rallied around through his experience and reached a superb half century from 119 deliveries, and with the help of four boundaries. The Board President's XI had the satisfaction of dismissing skipper Alastair Campbell cheaply with the total on 236. Skipper Russel Arnold struck a crucial blow in his fourth over with Indika de Saram holding on to a good catch at mid-wicket. He was also responsible for the dismissal of Craig Wishart who was really threatening to take control of the situation. But off-spinner Tilan Samaraweera captured his fourth wicket and restricted the opposition to a certain extent during the final session of play. Zimbabwe crossed the 300 run mark in the 92nd over having occupied the crease for 362 minutes. In the next over the Sri Lanka Board President's XI took the new ball in a desperate attempt to capture another wicket. But Andy Flower continued to demoralise the home side and went on to compile a splendid century in 247 minutes of batting time. The left-hander struck nine boundaries and faced 212 deliveries during his painstaking knock of 101. The match will resume on Sunday after today's day of national mourning. Day 2: Unbeaten 91 by Nawaz Chris Dhambarage reporting from Matara Left hander Naveed Nawaz stole the limelight on the second day of the three-day match between the Sri Lanka Board President's XI and the touring Zimbabwe cricket team which continued at the Uyanwatte Stadium, Matara yesterday. The number three batsman hit a splendid knock of 91 not out as the Board XI scored 240 for 5 in their first innings. The home side got off to a good start with the openers Russel Arnold and Chaminda Mendis putting on 48 runs. Both batted confidently and laid the foundation for a good first innings total. However skipper Arnold departed shortly before lunch having scored 27 runs from 42 deliveries with the help of two boundaries. His partner Chaminda Mendis settled down well and certainly made his intentions clear by hoisting of spinner Andy Whittal for a six. But Zimbabwe came back into the game by capturing two quick wickets shortly after lunch. Leg spinner Adam Huckle removed both Chaminda Mendis and Sanjeeva Ranatunga to leave the home side at 89 for 3. The Board XI then collapsed to 121 for 4 following the dismissal of Avishka Gunawardena. The left hander struck two successive boundaries, but failed to capitalise on the good start and was dismissed for 19 runs. Indika de Saram joined Nawaz and the pair took the score past the 200 run mark in 61 overs and 265 minutes of batting time. Nawaz went on to score his half century in 107 deliveries and 140 minutes with the help of a six and five boundaries. Indika de Saram too compiled a superb half century in 95 deliveries inclusive of five boundaries. In addition they put on a century stand for the fifth wicket in 111 minutes of batting time. The match commenced only at 11.45 a.m. with Zimbabwe declaring their first innings at the overnight total of 311 for 6. Indika de Saram's fine effort came to an end when he edged a delivery from Craig Wishart to wicket-keeper Andy Flower. But Naveed Navaz continued with the good work and remained unbeaten on 91 having already occupied the crease for a marathon 263 minutes. His innings was studded with one six and seven boundaries and faced 178 deliveries. Source :: Daily News (http://www.lanka.net) Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)