Zimbabwe took on Sri Lanka in the second One Day International (ODI) set at Harare Sports Club on Thursday. Sri Lanka, having won the toss, elected to bowl first. As a result of this exceedingly poor decision, Zimbabwe had the opportunity to post an ambitious target of 278 runs. The home side posted 277 runs for the loss of just seven wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Zimbabwe’s innings was littered with moments of quality. Their captain really left his mark, providing a solid anchor as he top scored while anchoring their innings. As Sri Lankan bowlers consistently took the pressure off through the innings, it was up to Brad Evans and Ernest Masuku to make pivotal Zimbabwean breakthroughs.
In reply, Sri Lanka produced an admirable display with the bat, led by a brilliant century from Pathum Nissanka. He went on to finish not out on 100 as his side passed the target with plenty of wickets and time to spare. Sri Lanka ended up with 170 runs, having lost only three wickets in only 35 overs. They now require only 15 overs more to win on their own.
Brad Evans starred with the ball for Zimbabwe, taking two wickets, as well as Masuku, who had an impact with the ball, taking one wicket. Despite efforts from the Zimbabwean bowlers, including Sikandar Raza, who did not claim any wickets, they could not contain the Sri Lankan batsmen.
Kusal Mendis and N Fernando were early casualties for Sri Lanka, falling to Evans for five and fourteen runs respectively. As it turned out, in a very critical moment, Samarawickrama was caught by Masuku for 31 runs. Asalanka joined Nissanka late in the innings. He made a calm 14 not out to guide Sri Lanka home to a seven-wicket victory.
Match officials were Richard Kettleborough, Iknow Chabi, Percival Sizara, Jeff Crowe and Forster Mutizwa. As a result, they almost choked out the proceedings at Harare Sports Club.
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