Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe 1997-1998

At Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, January 26. Sri Lanka won by four wickets. Toss: Zimbabwe. International debuts: D. A. Gunawardene, M. N. Nawaz.

Jayasuriya made a memorable debut as captain of Sri Lanka- after an inauspicious start - scoring a run-a-ball century to ensure a clean sweep. Sri Lanka rested five senior players, including Ranatunga, but their young blood had enough ammunition to overhaul Zimbabwe's best batting of the series. Riding on Grant Flower's maiden one-day international century and a stand of 144 with brother Andy, Zimbabwe rattled up 281 for six. But Sri Lanka responded magnificently. Jayasuriya, who had lost the toss, put down two catches and conceded 66 runs off his ten overs, came good, with his seventh century in 150 one-day internationals. Later, Jayawardene, playing only his second, maintained the momentum with a stylish 74.

Man of the Match: S. T. Jayasuriya. Man of the Series: S. T. Jayasuriya.

†At Taupo, February 3. Zimbabweans won by eight wickets. Toss: Zimbabweans. New Zealand Academy XI 193 (48.3 overs) ( C. D. Cumming 41, M. S. Sinclair 51; M. Mbangwa three for 29, A. R. Whittall three for 24); Zimbabweans 195 for two (36.5 overs) ( G. W. Flower 54, M. W. Goodwin 66 not out, A. Flower 35 not out).