HARARE, Aug 31, 2025 (ePRESS) – Opener Pathum Nissanka struck a masterful 122 to guide Sri Lanka to a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second One-Day International on Sunday, sealing a 2-0 series win in Harare.
Chasing Zimbabwe’s total of 277 for seven in 50 overs, the visitors reached their target with three balls to spare, finishing on 278 for five in 49.3 overs.
Nissanka controlled the innings with calm shot selection and firm temperament. His knock of 122 from 136 balls with 16 boundaries was his seventh ODI hundred, the most by any batsman from his debut group, underlining his place among the best contemporary openers.
He played the sheet-anchor role long expected of him by Sri Lanka’s think tank led by Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya delivered a classical innings to end the team’s long wait for a commanding century in the limited-overs format.
After early setbacks when opener Nuwanidu Fernando (14) and Kusal Mendis (5) fell cheaply, Nissanka found solid company in Sadeera Samarawickrama, who turned 30 on match day. The pair added a vital 78-run stand for the third wicket, steadying the innings during crucial middle overs.
Samarawickrama’s 31 came at a key stage before captain Charith Asalanka accelerated with a fluent 71 off 61 balls, striking seven fours. Their 90-run partnership for the fourth wicket brought Sri Lanka to the brink of victory.
Zimbabwe’s innings was built around opener Ben Curran’s 79 off 95 balls and all-rounder Sikandar Raza’s 59 not out off 55 balls. Wicketkeeper Clive Madande chipped in with 36.
For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera (3 for 52) was the most successful bowler, while Asitha Fernando took two wickets.
Chief scores:
Zimbabwe: 277/7 in 50 overs (Curran 79, Raza 59*; Chameera 3/52)
Sri Lanka: 278/5 in 49.3 overs (Nissanka 122, Asalanka 71; Ngarava 2/53, Evans 2/54)
Sri Lanka won by five wickets and clinched the series 2-0.
Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
