Put in to bat, Zimbabwe posted 277/7 in 50 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Ben Curran (79) and *Sikandar Raza (59 off 55 balls)**. The hosts built their innings on three solid stands — 55 for the first wicket between Brian Bennett (21) and Curran, 61 for the second between Curran and Brendon Taylor (20), and a late flourish of 76 between Raza and wicketkeeper Clive Mandande (36).
Curran, who had scored 70 in the first ODI, once again looked in command before falling to Asitha Fernando, who also dismissed skipper Sean Williams (20) in the same over. Zimbabwe were reduced to 176 for 5 in the 37th over, but Raza’s late rally ensured a fighting total.
The series could have gone differently. It could have been 1-1. We missed an opportunity to be more aggressive in the middle overs. Small chances make a big difference at the end of the day.
Sri Lanka Steady Through Nissanka’s Masterclass
Chasing 278, Sri Lanka needed a calm hand, and Pathum Nissanka rose to the occasion with a sparkling 122 (16 fours) — his 7th ODI hundred. He was dropped on 78, a mistake Zimbabwe would rue as he anchored the chase.
It’s been a little while since I’ve been among the runs in ODIs, so I’m glad I was able to score some here.
Captain Leads with Composure
Sri Lanka lost Sadeera Samarawickrama (34) with the score at 146, but Nissanka and captain Charith Asalanka (42) combined for a 90-run fourth-wicket stand, shifting momentum decisively.
It’s a pleasure to have a win in Zimbabwe. Both teams fought hard. I just told the team to do the basics right. I wanted to see a big hundred, and Pathum delivered. Young players are doing a good job. I asked the batters to play with less risk and run hard. Thanks to the Sri Lanka fans who came to support us.
Even though both set batters fell short of the finish line, Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis kept their nerve, sealing victory with five wickets and three balls to spare.
Bowlers Share the Workload
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack kept Zimbabwe in check despite some resistance. Dushmantha Chameera picked up 3 for 52, while Asitha Fernando’s double strike changed the game. The fifth-bowler role — shared between Asalanka and Liyanage — was a significant improvement, conceding just 47 runs for one wicket compared to the costly 80 in the first ODI. However, Maheesh Theekshana remained wicketless across both games, a concern the management may look into before the upcoming T20I series.
Series Sealed, T20I Challenge Next
Sri Lanka completed a 2–0 sweep, riding on Nissanka’s form and improved middle-order stability. Zimbabwe, though beaten, showed resilience and will aim to bounce back in the three-match T20I series that follows.
