BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, Dec 1 1: Sri Lanka scored 284 for nine in the first one-day international against Zimbabwe here on Saturday, with three batsmen making half centuries, reports AFP.

Sanath Jayasuriya hit 54 oft 44 balls. Russel Arnold 56 off 53 and Romesh Kaluwitharana a cautious 54 after Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower won the toss and put the tourists Into bat.

Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana. who Often open for Sri Lanka In one-day internationals. got oft to a sparkling start despite the grassy wicket and overcast conditions.

Jayasuriya smashed Mpumulelo Mbangwa for 22 off one over. Including two sixes. Sri Lanka scored 40 off the first six overs and 68 off the first eight. When Jayasuriya was caught on the boundary with the total on 96, the visitors were still only in their 14th over.

The run-rate slowed when Marvan Atapattu joined Kaluwitharana and after Mpumulelo and Henry Olonga were replaced by spinner Andrew Whittali and mediumpacer Gary Brent.