Taylor century helps Zimbabwe defeat Sri Lanka

HARARE, June 7, 2010 (AFP) - Zimbabwe batsman Brendan Taylor blasted a rapid century at Harare Sports Club to steer his side to an impressive eight wicket win over Sri Lanka in their 50-over international on Monday.





This was the last of six Tri-series matches, which included India.



The home team, the least fancied of the three going into the tournament, surprisingly now find themselves favourites to win the final against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

After a good start, Sri Lanka were bowled out for only 236 in 47.

5 overs. It was not enough to deny Taylor who hit the winning runs with 2.



1 overs to spare.

The 24-year-old opener scored an undefeated 119 from 125 balls, hitting nine fours and a six.

He was well supported by Chamu Chibhabha with 58 and Tatenda Taibu who was with him at the end on 43 not out.

Taylor, who picked up his third man of the match award in the series, and Chibhaba shared a second wicket partnership of 134.

It was Taylor's second ODI career century to add to two previous half-centuries in four series matches here.

But it might have been so different if the Sri Lanka fielders had not missed two simple run-out chances.

"We laid a good foundation and kept it going at a decent pac