Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by 5 wickets in the second and final ODI match played in Harare and won the series 2-0. Chasing the target of 278 runs, Pathum Nissanka (122 runs) scored a brilliant century and shared a crucial 90-run partnership with captain Charit Asalanka (71 runs). This partnership turned the match around and Sri Lanka won with three balls to spare.
1st innings: Zimbabwe’s struggling score
Batting first, Zimbabwe started fast. Ben Curran (79) and Brendan Taylor shared a partnership but the team fell behind in the middle overs due to slow run rate. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan bowlers found rhythm and took wickets to strengthen their hold on the match.
Second innings: Nissanka and Aslanka’s brilliance
Sri Lanka had a strong start. Pathum Nissanka batted brilliantly and converted his innings into a century. His score of 122 runs proved to be the foundation of the team’s victory.
Nissanka was supported by captain Charith Asalanka, who scored 71 runs and there was a partnership of 90 runs between the two. This partnership strengthened Sri Lanka and made the chase easy.
In the final overs Kamindu Mendis and Asalanka together achieved the target with three balls to spare.
Pathum Nissanka’s innings was not only the highlight of the match but also the most important innings of the entire tour. He not only led the team to victory by scoring 122 runs, but also impressed everyone with his technique and patience.
His choice of shots and patience against spinners showed that he is adept at playing long innings. This is why he was chosen as ‘Player of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Series’.
Zimbabwe’s bowling failure
Even though the batsmen put up a good score, Zimbabwe’s bowling failed to live up to it.
The bowling lacked edge in the initial overs.
Blessing Muzarabani tried but his line and length proved ineffective against Nissanka.
Fielding lapses in the middle overs took the match away from Zimbabwe.
Many cricket experts said that this performance of Sri Lanka will strengthen the team’s preparation. At the same time, Zimbabwe will have to pay special attention to its bowling and fielding.
Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara said that Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI will be remembered because of Nissanka’s batting.
Former Zimbabwean player Andy Flower encouraged the team and said that “the team showed resilience, but the ability to withstand pressure needs to be improved.”
The series was crucial for Sri Lanka as the team needed confidence ahead of the upcoming tournaments. On the other hand, for Zimbabwe, the series proved to be an opportunity to identify their weaknesses and improve.
Zimbabwe national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team match scorecard clearly shows that Sri Lanka’s batting and partnerships are the strengths of the team, while Zimbabwe will have to strengthen their bowling unit.
Pathum Nissanka smashes his seventh ODI century to guide Sri Lanka in a clinical chase 💯#ZIMvSL 📲 https://t.co/VqLJP2bXdA pic.twitter.com/aiHTyg7f3y
— ICC (@ICC) September 1, 2025
