Pathum Nissanka’s measured ton floors Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka clean swept the ODI series against Zimbabwe with a five-wicket win in the second and final match in Harare, gunning down 278 in a chase that went on till the final over of the innings. Pathum Nissanka‘s ebulient hundred and Charith Asalanka’s counterpunching fifty ensured that the islanders overcame an applause-worthy effort from the hosts.

Put in to bat, Zimbabwe posted 277 for 7 on the board after a rock-solid start led by Ben Curran. The left-hander looked in sublime touch during his 79 off 95 balls, setting up the foundation with crisp and confident strokeplay despite the surface acting weirdly at times as the ball got older and softer. Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams showed their experience in the middle overs, but it was Sikandar Raza who gave the innings the final flourish. He struck 59 from 55 balls, finding the fence on several occasions at the death and even hoisting Dushmantha Chameera into the stands in the 49th over.

For Sri Lanka, Chameera provided the start turn, finishing with 3 for 52, while Asitha Fernando returned 2 for 67 in his 9 overs.

Nissanka then spearheaded the reply with an equanimous 122 off 136 deliveries, laced with 16 boundaries. He added 78 for the third wicket with Sadeera Samarawickrama and later forged a 90-run partnership with Asalanka.