Angelo Mathews Rescues Sri Lanka

A maiden half-century from Angelo Mathews rescued Sri Lanka after a mid-innings collapse and enabled them to post 210 for six against Zimbabwe in their tri-series ODI in Mirpur. Mathews was unbeaten on 52 as he helped his side bounce back from 97 for five with stands of 69 with Jehan Mubarak (31) and 44 with Thilan Thushara (28 not out). Sri Lanka had made a good start before an Ed Rainsford triple strike knocked them back. The paceman sent back Kumar Sangakkara (4), Mahela Jayawardene (0) and Chamara Kapugedera (4) to leave Sri Lanka reeling. Sanath Jayasuriya (42) and Upul Tharanga (22) had put on 51 for the first wicket in 8.4 overs, Jayasuriya blasting six fours. Right-hander Mathews dropped anchor to ensure that his side wouldn't be bowled out, occupying the crease for 96 balls, hitting one four and two sixes towards the end of the innings to haul Sri Lanka up to a competitive total. Thushara also smashed two sixes late on as Rainsford finishd with figures of three for 41. Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 38 runs in the opening match on Saturday (January 10th). © Cricket World 2009