Sri Lanka capped off a memorable tour of Zimbabwe by clinching a 2–0 ODI series victory in Harare, powered by a match-defining century from opener Pathum Nissanka. His elegant 122 off 136 deliveries not only anchored Sri Lanka’s chase of 278 but also symbolized a broader statement of resurgence for the island nation in one-day cricket.
The second ODI was a nerve-wracking affair. Zimbabwe, buoyed by strong home support, posted a competitive 277 for 7. Ben Curran struck a composed 79 while Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 59 gave their innings much-needed momentum in the final overs. Yet, Sri Lanka responded with calm determination. Nissanka’s fluent stroke play, peppered with boundaries and smart running, ensured that pressure never translated into panic.
Captain Charith Asalanka provided the perfect foil, scoring a brisk 71 off 71 balls. Together, the pair put on a 90-run partnership that swung the game decisively in Sri Lanka’s favor. Although a few late wickets added tension, Sri Lanka eventually crossed the finish line with three balls to spare, sealing the five-wicket win and the series sweep.
This was no ordinary result. It marked Sri Lanka’s first overseas ODI series triumph in six years, ending a long drought that had often raised questions about the team’s ability to compete outside the subcontinent. For a squad under transition, balancing youth with experience, the win delivered a crucial confidence boost ahead of bigger challenges on the international calendar.
Nissanka’s performances across the two games earned him the Player of the Series award. In the opener, his composed 76 had already laid the platform for a narrow seven-run victory. His follow-up hundred in the decider underlined his growing stature as Sri Lanka’s premier opener. At just 27, he has quickly evolved into the fulcrum of the batting lineup, showing both consistency and temperament in pressure situations.
Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, himself a legendary opener, was full of praise for the young star and the team as a whole. He highlighted the squad’s ability to adapt to the pace-friendly Zimbabwean conditions and commended their composure during crunch moments. While admitting that fielding lapses and occasional bowling inconsistencies still need work, he stressed that the series win represents a turning point for Sri Lanka’s ODI ambitions.
Captain Asalanka echoed the sentiment, remarking, “I wanted to see a big hundred—and Pathum supplied that. The young players are doing a great job, and the batters played with less risk while rotating the strike well. That’s what we need to keep building on.”
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, were left ruing missed opportunities. Skipper Sean Williams admitted that his side had enough runs on the board and could have squared the series, but lapses in the middle overs and inconsistent bowling cost them dearly. The narrow margins in both games suggest that Zimbabwe were not far off, yet Sri Lanka’s ability to seize key moments proved the difference.
With the ODI leg wrapped up, both teams now turn their attention to the three-match T20I series starting September 3 in Harare. For Sri Lanka, the challenge will be to sustain their momentum and build a habit of winning abroad. For Zimbabwe, it is about regrouping quickly and finding the sharpness needed to convert close contests into victories.
In the bigger picture, this ODI series win stands as a historic marker for Sri Lanka. More than just numbers, it was a test of character—and one they passed with composure, grit, and a glimpse of a brighter future.
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