Cricholic
Nissanka was the hero in Harare, scoring a fluent 122 that powered Sri Lanka to a thrilling five-wicket win over Zimbabwe. With this result, the visitors completed a 2-0 clean sweep of the ODI series. Charith Asalanka’s attacking 71 further ensured that Sri Lanka chased down 278 with only three balls remaining.
Zimbabwe set up 277 with Curran and Raza ⚡
Zimbabwe, after being asked to bat, posted a competitive 277/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Ben Curran played the anchor role, compiling a composed 79 from 95 balls. Meanwhile, Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams contributed useful runs in the middle overs to keep the innings steady.
However, it was Sikandar Raza who provided the late spark. He struck a lively 59 off 55 balls, and in the process, lofted Dushmantha Chameera into the stands during the 49th over. As a result, Zimbabwe’s total looked challenging despite the slowing surface.
On the bowling front, Sri Lanka found their best performer in Chameera, who claimed 3/52. In addition, Asitha Fernando picked up two wickets in a single over, finishing with figures of 2/67. Consequently, Zimbabwe were prevented from crossing the 300-mark.
Nissanka anchors chase with commanding century 💯
In response, Nissanka constructed a measured innings, holding the chase together with 122 from 136 balls. Importantly, his knock was laced with 16 boundaries, which eased the pressure at crucial moments.
First, he built a steady 78-run partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama, ensuring Sri Lanka stayed on track during the early phase. Later, he found the perfect partner in skipper Charith Asalanka, as the duo added 90 runs for the fourth wicket.
Nissanka and Asalanka’s 90-run stand boosts momentum 🚀
Asalanka, meanwhile, injected much-needed urgency into the innings. His 71 from 61 balls featured bold strokes, and therefore shifted momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor. Together, Nissanka’s calm approach and Asalanka’s aggression created the perfect balance.
Nissanka dismissal sparks late drama 🔥
Despite Sri Lanka’s dominance, Zimbabwe managed to create tension in the closing stages. In the 45th over, Richard Ngarava dismissed Nissanka, and then in the 49th, he removed Asalanka. As a result, the match briefly seemed to tilt towards the hosts.
Nevertheless, Sri Lanka held their nerve. With only a handful of runs required, Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage stayed composed. Eventually, they completed the chase in 49.3 overs, securing a 5-wicket win and confirming the series sweep.
Brief Scores 📊
- Zimbabwe: 277/7 in 50 overs (Ben Curran 79, Sikandar Raza 59*; Dushmantha Chameera 3/52, Asitha Fernando 2/67)
- Sri Lanka: 278/5 in 49.3 overs (Pathum Nissanka 122, Charith Asalanka 71; Richard Ngarava 2/53, Brad Evans 2/54)
👉 Result: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets and sealed the ODI series 2-0.
