Mumba’s three wickets arrest Sri Lanka after Zimbabwe capitulate

Pace bowler Carl Mumba’s burgeoning reputation increased on day 3 of the second test against Sri Lanka as his wickets arrested the burst of Sri Lanka’s second innings after the hosts suffered a collapse of proportions at Harare Sports Club.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 272 just before tea, giving Sri Lanka a cushion of 233 runs after the last five wickets fell for for just 19 runs.

Poor shot selection was the main cause of Zimbabwe’s demise as few batsmen got starts but failed to kick on.

Particularly disappointed will be Brian Chari who looked good for a big score when he fell on 80. So too Sean Williams who fell lbw to Dilruwan Perera.

History was made when left-arm spinner Rangana Herath who became the third bowler after Muttiah Muralitharan and Dale Steyn to pick up five-wicket hauls against all Test opposition.

Zimbabwe’s breakthrough was early as Carl Mumba had Kaushal Silva caught for 6 before Kusal Mendis joined him in the changing room for a 10-ball 0.

Opener Dimuth Karunaratne held the innings together as he made his third half century of the series even as Upul Tharanga (17) and Dhananjaya de Silva joined the procession of batsmen removed from the crease.

The tourists ended the day on 102-4 334 runs ahead of Zimbabwe. Mumba’s figures read 3-31 from 11 overs.

Play resumes at 10 am tomorrow.