ZIM VS SL - Final, Sri Lanka and West Indies in Zimbabwe Tri-Series, 2016

Tharanga collects the trophy, which seems pretty heavy. His teammates help him lift it. Time for some photos. Not the most thrilling tournaments that you would see. But it has given hope to Zimbabwe. They keep producing these upsets once in a while. West Indies might have to ponder a bit after they failed to make the final. However, the Lankans would find it as a big relief. They were thumped by the Aussies in the ODI series at home and will take this one as a confidence booster. We will take your leave on that note. Keep following this space for more action.

Tharanga: "It is a big moment. Thanks to the guys, they have done a great job in the last two weeks. We knew we needed just one good partnership. Mendis batted really well and from there it became really easy. Lots of new players came in and performed really. Support staff has done some good job. We will have to work hard for the series against South Africa."

Kusal Mendis (Man of the Match and Series): "I am very happy. The pitch was good. This is the first time I have been Man of the Series, feeling very good."

Cremer: "To get to the finals is always nice. Bit disappointed, did not think the day would end like this. It was tough to bat in the morning. He (Tarisai Musakanda) works very hard and he is going to be with us for some time I think. It was good to watch him in the nets (Vitori). The guys are hungry to do well and win and that's what I think. Fans have been great, to come out in great numbers. Thanks to the sponsors as well."

Talking about the hosts, to reach the final has been an achievement in itself. Both Sri Lanka and West Indies were mighty sides for them. But not once were they bogged down by the status of their guests. Fought well and today, despite having posted a small total, had the tourists at 42/3. However, the lunch break helped the Lankans who replanned their strategy. Tharanga took his time and got support from the other end. The asking rate was never an issue and once things were under control, the captain made sure that Sri Lanka crossed the line with rather ease. Stay tuned for the presentations...

Easy win for Sri Lanka. They have been the best side of the tournament and deserved to win. Barring their first game against West Indies where they were clearly outplayed, this new look Sri Lankan team has been energetic. How hungry they were for a win here was displayed the other day when they came from behind to restrict a cruising West Indies. Talking about today, it was complete dominance. Having put been put to field after losing the toss, they got some early wickets and did not let the hosts off the hook for the rest of the innings. Chase was a bit tricky to start off with the openers trying to force the issue and perishing while doing so. But Tharanga and Mendis ensured that there were no further hiccups.

S Raza to Tharanga, SIX, Tharanga skips down the track and lofts it over the bowler's head for a maximum. With that mighty hit, the captain takes his side home by 6 wickets

S Raza to Tharanga, FOUR, fifty for Tharanga. Gets a full ball on the stumps and flogs it over mid-wicket. Has been a slow but solid innings from him. Will take his side home

S Raza to Tharanga, no run, comes down the track and is forced to defend as the length is not there

Tendai Chisoro to Tharanga, 1 run, and again. This time it is much more aerial and has not even been timed well. But still manages to evade the man at mid-on, who tried to backtrack

Tendai Chisoro to Tharanga, FOUR, skips down the track and wrists the drive to the left of the man at mid-on. He dived but the ball was away from his reach

Tendai Chisoro to Tharanga, no run, gets his front foot across off and wants to slog it over square leg. Beaten and rapped on the pad, struck outside off so no issues there

Tendai Chisoro to Tharanga, no run, lets it turn and works towards square leg

Tendai Chisoro to Tharanga, no run, cramped for room. Defended off the back foot

Tendai Chisoro to Tharanga, no run, charges down and gets too close to the ball, jams back to the bowler

S Raza to Tharanga, 1 run, width on offer. Tharanga camps back and cuts towards sweeper cover

S Raza to Tharanga, no run, floated on off. Blocked

S Raza to Tharanga, no run, goes back and cuts, cannot beat backward point

S Raza to Tharanga, no run, looped up on off and middle. Lets it turn and defends to slip. Asela Gunaratne wanted a single, sent back

S Raza to Tharanga, no run, short and wide, keeps low as well. Tharanga mistimes the cut to short extra cover