Sri Lanka produced a flawless display of skill and composure to sweep the two-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in Harare, underlining their growing strength as a balanced unit ahead of major global competitions. The series was marked by individual brilliance, nail-biting finishes, and the kind of resilience that has become the hallmark of Sri Lanka’s resurgence in white-ball cricket.
The opening ODI set the tone with one of the most dramatic climaxes in recent memory. After being reduced to 161 for 5, Sri Lanka were lifted by a counter-attacking partnership between Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis. Their fearless stroke play added 137 crucial runs, pushing the visitors to a competitive 298. Zimbabwe, however, fought valiantly through Sikandar Raza’s masterful 92 and a determined partnership with Tony Munyonga. With just ten needed off the final over, the hosts looked destined to snatch victory. Enter Dilshan Madushanka. The left-arm quick conjured a final-over hat-trick, dismantling Zimbabwe’s hopes and sealing a dramatic seven-run win. His composure under pressure earned him Player of the Match, and the performance will be remembered as one of the defining moments of his career.
If the first ODI was about nerves and late drama, the second was a showcase of authority and precision. Zimbabwe put up 277, a total that appeared competitive on a tricky surface. Sri Lanka’s response was anchored by Pathum Nissanka, who delivered a masterclass in controlled batting. His unbeaten 122, his seventh ODI century, was a display of temperament and timing. Nissanka absorbed pressure early, accelerated in the middle overs, and ensured the chase was never allowed to spiral out of control. He found strong support in captain Charith Asalanka, who struck a brisk 71, and together they forged a 90-run stand that tilted the game firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor. With three balls to spare, the visitors completed a five-wicket win and sealed the series 2–0.
Nissanka’s form across the series was nothing short of phenomenal. With 198 runs in two matches, he was an easy pick for Player of the Series, confirming his status as Sri Lanka’s most consistent one-day batter in recent years. His calmness at the crease contrasted perfectly with the explosive cameos of others, giving Sri Lanka both stability and aggression when needed.
The bowlers also had their share of the spotlight. Beyond Madushanka’s historic hat-trick, Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera provided crucial breakthroughs in the second ODI. Their discipline ensured Zimbabwe could not convert promising starts into a daunting total.
For Zimbabwe, the series was a tale of missed opportunities. Sikandar Raza once again stood tall, carrying the fight with both bat and ball, but lacked sustained support from his teammates in crunch moments. Their inability to close out the first ODI in particular will haunt them, as it was a golden chance to upset a side on the rise.
For Sri Lanka, however, the sweep was more than just another series win. It was a statement of intent. With a mix of youthful firepower and experienced calm, they demonstrated that they can win thrillers as well as clinical chases. As the cricketing calendar builds toward global tournaments, Sri Lanka’s dominance in Zimbabwe is a timely reminder: they are no longer dark horses, but genuine contenders.
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