Spin sensation Ajantha Mendis [ Images ] bagged three wickets as Sri Lanka [ Images ] scored a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first game of the Canada [ Images ] T20 tournament in Toronto on Friday.

Mendis, the ICC's [ Images ] Emerging Player of the Year, finished with 3-15 from three overs after ripping the heart out of the Zimbabwe middle order including dismissing Prosper Utseya with his 'carrom ball', which turns away from the right-handers.

For his effort he was named man of the match.

Tatenda Taibu, the former captain, finished on 45 to push Zimbabwe to 106-8 off 17 overs in match shortened by the damp outfield at the King's City venue.

In reply, Sri Lanka openers Tillakaratne Dilshan [ Images ] and Mahela Udawatte put on 36 in four overs, before Udawatte was caught behind.

Left-arm spinner Ray Price bowled an economical spell which yielded two wickets including debutant Jeevantha Kulatunga and Dilshan.

Thilina Kandamby and skipper Mahela Jayawardene [ Images ] were both run-out as Zimbabwe reduced the Asian side to 77-5 before Chamara Kapugedera [ Images ] and Farveez Maharoof saw their team home.