The Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI delivered a thrilling contest in Harare. Sri Lanka successfully chased 278 and secured a five-wicket victory with just three balls left. Moreover, the match showcased some incredible batting, solid bowling, and a whole lot of excitement. Fans enjoyed every moment as ODI cricket once again proved its excitement.
Zimbabwe’s Batting Scorecard – 277 (7 wkts, 50 ov)
| Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Brian Bennett | 21 | 29 | 2 | 0 |
| Ben Curran | 79 | 95 | 9 | 0 |
| Brendan Taylor | 20 | 37 | 0 | 0 |
| Sean Williams (c) | 20 | 28 | 1 | 1 |
| Sikandar Raza* | 59 | 55 | 5 | 1 |
| Tony Munyonga | 10 | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| Clive Madande (wk) | 36 | 36 | 4 | 0 |
| Brad Evans | 8 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Richard Ngarava | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling Figures
- Asitha Fernando – 9 ov, 67 runs, 2 wkt
- Dilshan Madushanka – 10 ov, 57 runs, 1 wkt
- Dushmantha Chameera – 10 ov, 52 runs, 3 wkts
- Janith Liyanage – 7 ov, 36 runs, 1 wkt
Zimbabwe chose to bat first and posted a competitive 277 for 7 in 50 overs. Ben Curran took the lead by smashing 79 runs off 95 balls. He rotated the strike smartly and punished loose deliveries. Meanwhile, Sikandar Raza accelerated in the final overs with a quick 59 not out from 55 balls. His aggressive stroke play pushed the score past 270 and gave Zimbabwe momentum at the death.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept fighting. Dushmantha Chameera struck at crucial times and finished with 3 for 52. Meanwhile, Asitha Fernando backed him up with impressive figures of 2 for 67. However, Zimbabwe’s middle order resisted well and ensured the hosts set a challenging target.
Sri Lanka’s Batting Scorecard – 278 (5 wkts, 49.3 ov)
| Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Pathum Nissanka | 122 | 136 | 16 | 0 |
| Nuwanidu Fernando | 14 | 27 | 2 | 0 |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 5 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama | 31 | 46 | 2 | 0 |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | 71 | 61 | 7 | 0 |
| Janith Liyanage* | 19 | 16 | 2 | 0 |
| Kamindu Mandis* | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Bowling Figures
- Richard Ngarava – 9 ov, 53 runs, 2 wkts
- Brad Evans – 10 ov, 54 runs, 2 wkts
- Ernest Masuku – 5 ov, 32 runs, 1 wkt
Sri Lanka began their chase steadily but lost wickets early. Despite the pressure, Pathum Nissanka stood firm. Similarly, He played with patience, placed the ball into gaps, and reached a superb 122 from 136 balls, including 16 boundaries. His knock became the backbone of the innings.
At the other end, captain Charith Asalanka provided the perfect support. He added urgency with an attacking 71 from 61 balls. Nissanka and Asalanka teamed up to create a partnership that led to a thrilling match victory. Their calm approach during tense moments tilted the game in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Zimbabwe tried to fight back with the ball. Further, Richard Ngarava removed Nissanka and ended with 2 wickets, while Brad Evans also picked up 2 wickets. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka’s batsmen handled the pressure and kept the chase on track.
Key Highlights
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets
- Top Bowler (Sri Lanka): Dushmantha Chameera 3/52
- Top Bowler (Zimbabwe): Richard Ngarava 2 wickets
- Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka
First, Curran’s steady knock gave Zimbabwe a strong start. Next, Raza’s late hitting lifted the team to a competitive total. Additionally, Nissanka’s incredible century really set the stage for Sri Lanka’s chase. Further, Asalanka’s fearless 71 sealed the victory in style. These pivotal moments truly defined the outcome of the match.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka showed skill and calmness under pressure, while Zimbabwe displayed determination and fight. Similarly, Sri Lanka’s batting depth and experience carried them home. The victory also sealed the series for the visitors. In the end, the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI highlighted the charm of ODI cricket, where every run and wicket matters until the very last ball.
