ZIM vs SL (2nd ODI) – Highlights
Sri Lanka orchestrated a tense but successful chase, securing a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe as they reached the target just before the final over could begin. Pathum Nissanka was the shining star of the match in a composed century under pressure in the chase of 278, asserting his authority on the chase with maturity and restraint. Not only did his superb innings see Sri Lanka to victory, but he was also awarded Player of the Match and Player of the Series, showing the dominance he had during the game and the series.
ZIM, batting first after being asked to set a target, put together a competitive total of 277 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. Ben Curran laid a solid foundation with a gritty 79 from 95 deliveries, anchoring the innings during crucial middle overs. Every shot from Raza’s bat felt like a chess move, calculated yet crushing, guiding Zimbabwe to a commanding close. Clive Madande added a valuable 36, while contributions from Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor ensured Zimbabwe maintained momentum.
SL pace attack was instrumental in keeping Zimbabwe in check, with Dushmantha Chameera claiming three wickets for 52 runs and Asitha Fernando taking two key scalps. Dilshan Madushanka and Janith Liyanage also chipped in with a wicket each, restricting Zimbabwe’s charge in the death overs despite their 19 wides.
Sri Lanka’s chase was built around the brilliance of Nissanka, who played with patience and precision, hitting 16 boundaries in his 122-run knock. The visitors lost Nuwanidu Fernando and Kusal Mendis early, but Nissanka’s partnerships steadied the ship. He combined well with Sadeera Samarawickrama, who scored a steady 31, to consolidate the innings. The game-changing moment arrived with Charith Asalanka’s counter-attacking 71 off 61 balls, which shifted momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor. Asalanka’s aggressive stroke play complemented Nissanka’s composure, and their 90-run stand effectively broke Zimbabwe’s resolve.
Ngarava and Evans delivered double blows apiece, but ZIM failed to contain the onslaught at the death. Asalanka’s dismissal late in the chase briefly opened a window of opportunity for the hosts, but Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis finished the job with calm heads, steering Sri Lanka to 278 for 5 in 49.3 overs.
Zimbabwe did show some character and fight, with Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza being the two standout batsmen for them, but they just couldn’t score runs at vital times, which really let them down. Zimbabwe’s resilience wasn’t enough as Sri Lanka pushed through to claim the win.
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard
Zimbabwe – 277/7 (50)
Sri Lanka– 278/5 (49.3)
Result – Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets (with 3 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka
ZIM vs SL Playing XIs
Zimbabwe | Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams (c), Sikandar Raza, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande (wk), Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Ernest Masuku, Blessing Muzarabani. |
Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka. |
