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Tharanga century key for Sri Lanka

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AHMEDABAD, India -- Opener Upul Tharanga's second consecutive century was the platform for Sri Lanka's 144-run win over Zimbabwe and place in the Champions Trophy proper on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old left-hander hit 13 fours and a six in his 130-ball 110 as Sri Lanka made 285 for seven to notch up their second straight win in the four-team qualifiers.

Zimbabwe, who lost to defending champions West Indies in their opening match, were bowled out for 141 in 42.3 overs in the day-night game at Ahmedabad.

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who finished with 3-25, and his new-ball partner Ruchira Perera struck early to reduce Zimbabwe to 23-3.

Hamilton Masakadza (30) and Brendan Taylor (30) put up a brief resistance with a 63-run stand off 77 balls for the fourth wicket, but exited in quick succession.

Skipper Prosper Utseya and Tawanda Mupariwa delayed the inevitable with scores of 20s before off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and Malinga struck to seal the issue.

Tharanga earlier shared in a 165-run third-wicket partnership off 171 balls with the stylish Kumar Sangakkara (80) after Sri Lanka lost opener Sanath Jayasuriya (9) and skipper Mahela Jayawardene (4).

Following on from his 105 against Bangladesh in the previous match, Tharanga helped his side out of a tight corner with the sixth one-day century of his career.

Sangakkara, who reached 5,000 runs in one-day internationals during the innings, hit seven fours.

Tharanga's exit, bowled while giving off spinner Stuart Matsikenyeri the charge with the score at 214 in the 39th over, set off a collapse as Sri Lanka lost four more wickets.

However, a controlled 33 not out by Marvan Atapattu, who returned for this tournament after a six-month injury lay-off, guided his side to a healthy total.

Sri Lanka, who beat Bangladesh in their opening encounter, will meet West Indies on Saturday in the match that will decide the topper of the preliminary stage.

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