Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka locked horns in the second ODI of the series and the script had everything: early dominance, a late fightback, a century under pressure and a finish that stretched into the very last over. In the end, it was Pathum Nissanka’s masterclass and Skipper Charith Asalnaka’s calm aggression that lifted Sri Lanka to a five-wicket victory, sealing a 2-0. For Zimbabwe it was yet another tale of ” so close, yet so far.”
Zimbabwe’s promising start, Curran stands tall
Winning the toss and choosing to field, Sri Lanka put Zimbabwe into bat. Considering the batting-friendly surface, it was a daring move. Zimbabwe ‘s openers looked determined to make a statement. In the first ten overs. They raced to 55, forcing Sri Lanka’s bowlers on the defensive.
At the heart of their innings stood Ben Curran with the patience, timing and sheer grit to carve out 79 off 95 balls. Curran’s. Stokes down the ground, especially against the pacers, the Harre crowd has reason to believe. Brian Bennett chipped in with 21, and Breandon Taylor added 20 and while Zimbabwe ‘s innings had balance. But cricket is a game of moments. In the 32nd over, Asitha Fernando turned the tide with two back-to-back
Back strikes Curran and Skipper Sean Williams of Zimbabwe; they were suddenly staring at trouble.
Raza, the rescuer yet again
If there’s one man Zimbabwe turns to in moments of crisis, it’s Sikandar Raza. And once again he answered his call. Walking in with his team wobbling, Raza counterattacked with elegance; his unbeaten 59 off 55 balls was laced with smart strike rotation and well-timed boundaries.
Partnering with Clive Madande, who played a handy 36 off 36, stitched a 76-run and found its voice again.
For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera’s three wickets were priceless, and Fernando’s timely double blow changed the complexion of the innings.
Nissanka’s Century of class
Chasing 278 was never going to be straightforward. Zimbabwe had runs on the board and bowlers hungry for wickets. But Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka’s dependable opener, had other plans. His innings was a blend of patience and precision. Never hurried, never flustered, Nissanka absorbed pressure while punishing loose deliveries.
His 122 off 136 balls, including 16 boundaries, lit up Harae. Even as wickets kept tumbling around him. Nuwanidu Fernando for 14, Kusal Mendies for 5, and Sadeera Samarawickrama for 31. Nissanka kept his focus. Every time Zimbabwe sensed a window of opportunity. Nissanka shut it. His ability to rotate strike ensured Sri Lanka’s scoreboard never stagnated.
Asalnaka’s captain knocks.s.
The pivotal moment came when Skipper Charith Asalanka joined Nissanka. The duo stitched together a 90-run partnership for the fourth wicket, tilting the balance firmly towards Sri Lanka. Asalnaka’s 71 off 61 was an ideal counterbalance to Nissanka’s dismissal with 42 needed. The skipper steadied nerves, carrying the chase close before falling with six runs left.
Zimbabwe fights Sri Lanka to finish
For Zimbabwe, there were positives: Curran’s solid innings, Raza’s consistency and fighting total. Yet once again they lacked the killer punch. For Sri Lanka, Nissanka ‘ s Century and Asalanaka ‘s leadership held their nerve in crunch moments. In Harree ‘.s gripping clash , the visitors sealed the series walking away with confidence and silverware .
Sagnik Banerjee 
Soureesh Datta