Finger spinner Ajantha Mendis broke his own record for the best bowling figures in cricket's shortest format Tuesday, taking 6-8 to lead Sri Lanka to an 82-run win over Zimbabwe in the World Twenty20 opening match.
Mendis surpassed his previous mark of 6-16 against Australia last year with his miserly four-over spell, helping bowl out Zimbabwe for 100 in 17.3 overs after Sri Lanka had totaled 182-4.
The performance by Mendis was particularly remarkable for being his first international after an eight-month layoff because of a back injury.
Namesake Jeevan Mendis claimed 3-24 to add to his 43 not out.
Kumar Sangakkara top-scored for Sri Lanka with 44 while Tillakaratne Dilshan hit 39 South Africa is the other Group D team, with the top two advancing to the Super Eights.
AP