Pathum Nissanka’s ton powers Sri Lanka to series whitewash

Sri Lanka sealed a 2-0 series whitewash over Zimbabwe with a clinical five-wicket win in the second ODI at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, thanks to a solid ton from Pathum Nissanka and a captain’s knock from Charith Asalanka. The game went until the final over, but once again the visitors held their nerve to outclass the home team.

After defeating Zimbabwe in a close seven-run win in the first ODI, Sri Lanka entered the final game of the series in confidence. The game began with Sri Lanka electing to field first.

Put in to bat, Zimbabwe started strong, scoring 55 in the first 10 overs. Ben Curran anchored the innings with a 79 off 95 balls, along with Brian Bennett’s 21 and Brendan Taylor’s 20. Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera was the pick of the bowlers, picking three wickets, including the important scalp of Bennett. Asitha Fernando’s double strike in the 32nd over, dismissing Curran and skipper Sean Williams in quick succession, put Sri Lanka in a strong position.

Veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza once again came to his team’s rescue with an unbeaten 59 off 55 deliveries. Along with Clive Madande (36 off 36), he added 76 runs for the sixth wicket, guiding Zimbabwe to a respectable total. Their late finish of 83 runs in the last 10 overs pushed the home side to 277/7 in 50 overs.

Sri Lanka’s chase was built mostly by Nissanka’s century. The opener anchored the innings, scoring 122 off 136 balls with 16 boundaries. Despite losing partners at regular intervals, Nuwanidu Fernando (14), Kusal Mendis (5), and Sadeera Samarawickrama (31), Nissanka stitched important partnerships.

His stand with skipper Asalanka, who hammered 71 off 61 balls, played a big role in the team’s win as they added 90 runs for the fourth wicket. Nissanka eventually fell with 42 runs still needed, but Asalanka took it till the end before departing with just six runs required. Janith Liyanage (19*) and Kamindu Mendis (5*) then took the team over the line as Sri Lanka reached 278 for 5 in 49.3 overs, sealing the win with three balls to spare.

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