Sri Lanka held their nerve to clinch a narrow seven-run victory over Zimbabwe in the opening ODI of the two-match series at Harare Sports Club on Friday. Despite a spirited chase led by Sikandar Raza and Ben Curran, the hosts fell just short, giving Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the series.
Winning the toss, Zimbabwe opted to bowl first. Sri Lanka capitalized on a good batting surface, posting 298/6 in their allotted 50 overs. Opener Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with a solid 76 off 92 balls, setting the platform for the middle order. The real acceleration came in the final overs as Janith Liyanage smashed an unbeaten 70 from just 47 deliveries, while Kamindu Mendis added a quickfire 57 off 36 balls, propelling Sri Lanka to a competitive total.
For Zimbabwe, pacer Richard Ngarava impressed with figures of 2/34 in 7.4 overs, while Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza chipped in with a wicket each.
Chasing 299, Zimbabwe fought valiantly but were restricted to 291/8 in 50 overs. Ben Curran anchored the innings with 70 from 90 balls, keeping Zimbabwe in the hunt alongside skipper Sean Williams, who struck 57 off 54 deliveries. The star of the chase was Sikandar Raza, who showcased his class with a brilliant 92 off 87 balls, laced with boundaries and crucial partnerships.
However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck at key moments. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka was the pick of the attack with 4/62, while Asitha Fernando’s 3/50 ensured Zimbabwe never fully took control. Kamindu Mendis also chipped in with an important breakthrough.
In the end, despite Raza’s heroics, Zimbabwe fell just short, leaving the home crowd heartbroken.
With this win, Sri Lanka take a 1-0 lead in the two-match ODI series, setting up a decisive second ODI at the same venue. Zimbabwe will need to bounce back strongly if they are to level the series, while Sri Lanka will look to seal it with another commanding performance.
Match Summary:
- Sri Lanka: 298/6 (50) – Nissanka 76, Liyanage 70*, Kamindu 57; Ngarava 2/34
- Zimbabwe: 291/8 (50) – Raza 92, Curran 70, Williams 57; Madushanka 4/62, Fernando 3/50
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 runs, lead 1-0 in the series
- Venue: Harare Sports Club
