Zimbabwe produced a fighting performance but were restricted to 277 for 7 by Sri Lanka in the second and final ODI at Harare Sports Club on a surface that was expected to favor the batters. After being asked to bat first, the hosts started strongly and finished well but struggled during the middle overs, leaving them about 20-30 runs short of their ideal target.
Sikandar Raza once again stood tall for Zimbabwe, scoring an unbeaten 59 off 55 balls. He stitched a crucial 76-run stand for the sixth wicket with Clive Madande, who contributed a quick 36 off 36 deliveries, and later added useful runs with the tail. Zimbabwe collected 83 runs in the last 10 overs to recover from a slow middle phase, during which Sri Lanka conceded only 139 runs and picked up four wickets.
The innings began positively for Zimbabwe as openers put on 55 runs in the first 10 overs. Ben Curran anchored the top order with a solid 79 from 95 balls, but partnerships in the middle lacked urgency. A 61-run stand between Curran and the returning Brendan Taylor consumed 84 balls, allowing Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka to rotate his bowlers smartly and keep the scoring in check.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers responded well after an expensive start. Dushmantha Chameera led the attack with three wickets, while Asitha Fernando picked up two, including both Curran and Sean Williams in a single over to turn the game decisively in their favor. Maheesh Theekshana provided control in the middle overs, while occasional bowlers like Janith Liyanage chipped in with important overs.
Curran’s dismissal for 79 triggered a mini-collapse as Zimbabwe slipped from 155 for 2 to 155 for 4. Williams fell soon after for a quick cameo, and from there on, it was Raza who ensured Zimbabwe crossed 250 with a late surge. His aggressive approach included well-placed boundaries and sharp running between the wickets, helping Zimbabwe add 83 runs in the final 10 overs despite hitting only six fours and one six during that period.
Earlier, Chameera struck the first blow by dismissing Brian Bennett after an opening stand of 55. Taylor, returning to the side, struggled for fluency and made 20 off 37 balls before falling to Liyanage while attempting an innovative scoop shot. The lack of rotation during the Taylor-Curran partnership further allowed Sri Lanka to control the game.
While the wicket had some grass and initially assisted seamers from one end, it played true for the most part, offering enough for both pacers and spinners. Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling and Asalanka’s timely changes ensured Zimbabwe never really broke free during the crucial middle overs.
Zimbabwe will look to their bowlers to defend the total, but on a batting-friendly surface and with Sri Lanka’s deep batting lineup, they will need early breakthroughs to stay alive in the contest.