Zimbabwe Tour Of Sri Lanka – (2nd ODI)
Janith Liyanage’s exceptional batting display guided Sri Lanka to a hard-earned victory against Zimbabwe, propelling them to a 1-0 lead in the series after the rain-marred first ODI.
The clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium showcased Sri Lanka’s resilience in a thrilling encounter, where they chased down Zimbabwe’s total with two wickets and six balls to spare.
Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe faced a formidable challenge from Sri Lanka’s bowlers, with Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka wreaking havoc early on.
Despite notable contributions from Joylord Gumbie, Craig Ervine, and Ryan Burl, Zimbabwe’s innings faltered against Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, ultimately folding for 207 by the 44th over.
In response, Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava inflicted early damage, claiming crucial wickets that had Sri Lanka under immense pressure, especially with the looming threat of rain affecting their DLS score.
Amidst the struggle, Janith Liyanage’s resilient 95-run innings stood out, holding the innings together amidst the fall of wickets.
However, with wickets tumbling around him, including his own dismissal, Sri Lanka found themselves in a tight spot needing 37 runs with two wickets in hand.
Liyanage playing just his second ODI, was joined by Maheesh Theekshana who helped provide a valuable partnership of 52 runs. However, it was the composed efforts of Dushmantha Chameera and a heroic contribution from Jeffrey Vandersay that sealed the thrilling win for Sri Lanka.
Vandersay’s calculated aggression, coupled with Chameera’s composure, guided Sri Lanka over the line, earning them a well-fought victory in a tense encounter that kept home supporters on the edge of their seats.
Chief Scores:
Zimbabwe – 208 for 10 in 44 overs (Craig Ervine 82, Ryan Burl 31, Joylord Gumbie 30, Maheesh Theekshana 4 for 31, Dushmantha Chameera 2 for 44, Jeffrey Vandersay 2 for 47)
Sri Lanka – 211 for 8 in 49 overs (Janith Liyanage 95, Sahan Arachchige 21, Jeffrey Vandersay 19*, Richard Ngarava 5 for 32, Sikandar Raza 2 for 32, Blessing Muzarabani 1 for 41)
