HARARE, Zimbabwe, May 1: Sri Lanka were 66-2 at close of play on Saturday after the first day of their three-day match against a Zimbabwe 'A' side featuring five white players playing their first match since going on strike.
The Zimbabwe side had scored 294 all out after winning the toss, with Sean Ervine making 75 and Elton Chigumbura 63.
Four of the white players have been in dispute with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union over the sacking of former captain Heath Streak a month ago but have relented while the Union considers their proposals, submitted three days ago, in an effort to reach a permanent settlement.
If these are turned down, the players say they will walk out again. They have set a deadline for Tuesday.
The five selected for this match were Streak - who appeared rusty in making only one run - Ervine, Trevor Gripper, who scored 26, and spin bowler Ray Price from the "rebels" and Mark Vermeulen, who has not been involved in the row. Vermeulen made 25.
For Sri Lanka Upul Chandana took three wickets for 90 and Kumar Sangakkara hit a spirited 41 not out in Sri Lanka's reply.
Scoreboard
ZIMBABWE 'A' (1st Innings):
S. Matsikenyeri b Maharoof 4
T.R. Gripper c Maharoof b Fernando 26
M.A. Vermeulen st P. J'dene b Herath 25
V. Sibanda lbw b Fernando 32
S.M. Ervine lbw b Herath 75
E. Chigumbura c P. J'dene b J'suriya 63
A. Maregwede c Sangakkara b Chandana 25
H.H. Streak c Daniel b Chandana 1
R.W. Price lbw b Chandana 22
P. Utseya not out 1
N.B. Mahwire c Samaraweera b Maharoof 0
EXTRAS (LB-10, NB-10) 20
TOTAL (all out, 78.3 overs) 294
FALL OF WKTS: 1-16, 2-59, 3-61, 4-151, 5-219, 6-262, 7-264, 8-292, 9-294.
