By Krishna Dua 
Pathum Nissanka’s Masterclass Secures 2–0 ODI Sweep for Sri Lanka
HARARE, ZIMBABWE – In a contest that was a testament to the unpredictable beauty of One Day International cricket, Sri Lanka, fueled by a majestic century from opener Pathum Nissanka, sealed a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe to claim a 2–0 series sweep. The second and final match of the series, played out under a clear sky at the historic Harare Sports Club, was a thrilling encounter that swung back and forth, ultimately falling in favor of the visitors, who displayed more composure in the crucial moments. Nissanka’s innings of 122 and a composed 71 from captain Charith Asalanka were the cornerstones of a successful chase of 288, capping off a competitive tour for both sides.
The series had already set a high standard with the nail-biting first match, where Sri Lanka held on for a narrow 7-run victory. The stage was set for another gripping contest, and neither team disappointed the passionate home crowd. Zimbabwe, smarting from their close defeat, came into the game with renewed determination, and their captain, Craig Ervine, won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to post a formidable total on a pitch known for its balance between bat and ball. The decision was a sound one, as the home side’s top order put up a valiant fight, but Sri Lanka’s batting depth proved to be the decisive factor in the end.
The result is a major boost for Sri Lankan cricket, as the team continues its resurgence in the 50-over format. For Zimbabwe, while the series was a disappointment in terms of the outcome, their spirited performances against a top-tier side provided a wealth of positives to build on, with several key players showing glimpses of brilliance.
Zimbabwe’s Innings: The Brilliance of Sikandar Raza
Zimbabwe’s innings began with cautious optimism, as openers Ben Curran and Brendan Taylor, returning to the ODI side, navigated the initial overs with care. The Sri Lankan pace duo of Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka, who was the hero of the first ODI with a last-over hat-trick, bowled disciplined lines, not offering any easy boundaries. The pitch, as expected, provided some early movement for the seamers, and the batsmen had to be on their guard.
The opening partnership was broken by a moment of brilliance in the field. A sharp run-out ended the stay of Brendan Taylor, and the home crowd’s hopes turned to their captain, Craig Ervine. Ervine, alongside Ben Curran, built a steady partnership, keeping the scoreboard ticking without taking undue risks. They rotated the strike efficiently and punished the loose deliveries, putting the pressure back on the Sri Lankan bowlers.
However, the real turning point of the innings came with the introduction of spin. Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, began to create problems for the Zimbabwean batsmen. The pitch, which had settled down for the pacers, was now offering some grip and turn, and the Sri Lankan spinners exploited it to perfection. They bowled tight lines, not giving the batsmen any room to free their arms, and the pressure eventually led to wickets.
The star of Zimbabwe’s innings, however, was their veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza. Walking in with the team under some pressure, Raza played a magnificent knock that was a masterclass in aggressive yet sensible batting. He punished the bad balls with a vengeance and found the gaps with ease, scoring a blistering 88 off just 74 deliveries, an innings that included a mix of powerful sixes and elegant boundaries. He forged crucial partnerships with the middle order, ensuring that Zimbabwe posted a respectable total. His late surge pushed the score to 287 for 8, a total that seemed formidable and gave his team a genuine chance of winning the match.
Other notable contributions came from Sean Williams and Wessly Madhevere, who played quick-fire cameos to boost the run rate in the final overs. The Zimbabwean innings was a demonstration of resilience and a testament to their deep batting line-up, which had been a major talking point in the lead-up to the series.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: Nissanka’s Calm Authority
Chasing 288 was never going to be an easy task, especially against a Zimbabwean attack that had shown great promise. Sri Lanka’s chase began with the familiar pairing of Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera, with the latter playing as an emergency opener. Chameera was out early, putting the pressure on the visiting side. However, Pathum Nissanka, an anchor of the Sri Lankan batting lineup, was unperturbed. He began his innings with a calm authority, playing textbook shots and rotating the strike with ease. He looked in complete control from the very first ball, a true sign of his growing maturity and confidence.
The partnership that truly turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor was between Nissanka and his captain, Charith Asalanka. The two batsmen, both in fine form, approached the chase with a clear plan. While Nissanka held one end steady, playing the classic opener’s role, Asalanka took on the role of the aggressor. The left-hander was in sensational touch, finding the boundary with regularity and dispatching the spinners to all parts of the ground. Their partnership was a joy to watch, a perfect blend of a solid foundation and aggressive stroke play that dismantled the Zimbabwean bowling attack.
The home team’s bowlers, particularly the pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, bowled with heart and fire but struggled to find a breakthrough. The Harare pitch, which was slower in the second innings, offered little for the seamers, and the batsmen were able to play their shots without much risk. The spinners, led by Ryan Burl, tried to create pressure, but Nissanka and Asalanka were just too good, managing to negate the spin and score at a healthy rate.
The partnership of 150-plus was eventually broken when Asalanka, after a superb innings of 71, was caught off the bowling of a part-time bowler. But by then, the damage had been done. Sri Lanka was in a dominant position, needing only a handful of runs with plenty of wickets in hand. The rest of the chase was a formality, with Nissanka, after reaching his magnificent century, guiding the team to a comfortable victory with five wickets to spare. His innings of 122 was a masterclass in controlled aggression and showcased his immense talent and ability to handle pressure.
The Final Verdict: A Well-Deserved Victory
The Sri Lankan team’s victory in the second ODI was a culmination of their all-round dominance in the series. While the first match was a close call, the second was a more confident performance, particularly with the bat. The clean sweep is a massive morale booster for Sri Lanka, who will now carry this momentum into their next assignments. The series also highlighted the depth of their batting and the experience of their bowling attack.
For Zimbabwe, while the loss is disappointing, their performance was far from a total failure. The team, under the captaincy of Craig Ervine, showed immense fighting spirit and gave Sri Lanka a run for their money. Players like Sikandar Raza and Ben Curran showed that they have the talent and temperament to compete at the highest level. The series will serve as a crucial learning experience for a team that is building for the future. The two-match series provided fantastic entertainment for the fans, with both games going down to the wire and showcasing the best of ODI cricket. Sri Lanka, through their discipline and star power, emerged victorious, and Pathum Nissanka’s century will be remembered as the defining moment of the series