In an electrifying match at R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka triumphed over Zimbabwe with two wickets in the second ODI. Despite a shaky start, the hosts demonstrated incredible determination, securing a crucial win and an unbeatable 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The first ODI had been washed out due to rain, adding extra significance to this hard-fought victory.
Zimbabwe failed to capitalize on the start
Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe faced an early setback as Tinashe Kamunhukamwe departed for a golden duck in the opening over. Despite the loss, Joylord Gumbie and Craig Ervine steadied the ship, forming a solid partnership. However, Maheesh Theekshana‘s delivery clean-bowled Gumbie for 30, disrupting their 50+ run collaboration. Ervine stood tall and combined forces with Milton Shumba, adding another 50+ runs for the third wicket. But then, Theekshana struck again, dismissing Shumba for 26, followed by Sikandar Raza, who fell for just one run.
Ervine persevered, reaching his half-century and fostering three consecutive 50-run partnerships, the last with Ryan Burl. Dushmantha Chameera then dismissed Ervine (82) and Burl (31) in quick succession. The guests eventually collapsed after Burl’s wicket, managing only 209 runs in 44.4 overs. Theekshana starred with four wickets, Chameera and Jeffrey Vandersay took two each and Dilshan Madushanka claimed one, orchestrating Zimbabwe’s downfall.
Sri Lanka’s thrilling chase
In the chase, Sri Lanka faced early setbacks, with Avishka Fernando and Sadeera Samarawickrama departing cheaply for just four runs. However, Kusal Mendis, aided by the resilient Janith Liyanage, steadied the ship with a cautious 35-run partnership. A rain interruption disrupted play, and Mendis fell to Richard Ngarava upon resumption. Undeterred, Liyanage held firm, reaching a valiant half-century off 85 balls.
Despite losing partners, including Dasun Shanaka, Liyanage maintained composure. Theekshana provided support with 18 runs. As the rain returned with the team needing 37 runs, Liyanage succumbed to pressure, departing for a commendable 95 off 127 balls. Chameera and Jeffrey Vandersay then led The Islanders to victory with a 39-run partnership. Ngarava impressed for Zimbabwe, taking five wickets for just 31 runs.
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Here’s how Twitter reacted:
What a nail-biter! Sri Lanka clinches victory by 2 wickets in a thrilling encounter. Hats off to the tail-enders for their crucial cameos and Janith Liyanage’s stellar 95 that guided us to triumph! 🏏🔥 #SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/z7UOyKj9hn
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) January 8, 2024
5-Five wicket haul by Richard Ngarava against Sri Lanka.
– He is the Future superstar of Zimbabwe Cricket……!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/l5Qqr6Wt9z
— Jay Cricket. (@Jay_Cricket18) January 8, 2024
Chameera hits the winning 4
Sri Lanka will feel like getting out of Jail, a 39 run partnership for 8th wicket between Chameera and Wandersay gets Sri Lanka over the one after they were 172-8
Zimbabwe tried too hard but these two spoiled their party#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/51iVDfrWvu— इमरान कैथवाडिया -cricket mania 🏏 (@imrankhan8797) January 8, 2024
Well Played Zimbabwe! #SLvZIM #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/9uRfjTXM6M
— Unnecessary Cricket Council (@ourucc) January 8, 2024
Zimbabwe missed a golden Chance to beat Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka lost 8 wickets in 172 chasing 210 runs then the tailenders of Sri Lanka made a partnership of 39 runs and Sri Lanka won the match. #SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/T548nBnrDb
— Irfan Shakir (@iamirfanshakir) January 8, 2024
That was a disappointment 😂We won but we ain’t going anywhere playing like this!#SLvZIM
— Oshadha Gunasekara (@OshadhaGunasek6) January 8, 2024
What a thrilling win for Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe in a low scoring chase.#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/kONocaxcUg
— Over Thinker Lawyer 🇵🇰 (@Mujha_q_Nakala) January 8, 2024
What a come back by Sri Lanka to beat Zimbabwe, 9th wicket partnership rocking. #SLvZIM
— Armin (@dharmendayal) January 8, 2024
Heartbreak for Zimbabwe!#slvzim pic.twitter.com/6XDGiJLxs2
— Afrid Mahmud Rifat 🇧🇩 (@rifat0015) January 8, 2024
What a Win. @OfficialSLC won by 2 Wickets and lead ODI Series 1-0.
Fantastic Partnership for 9th Wicket ➡️ @Vandersay 🤝 @dushmantha05 39*(40).
Wonderful Knock Janith Linayage 95. What a Spell @maheesht61 4/31. Well bowled @dushmantha05 2/44 and @Vandersay 2/47.#SLvZIM— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 8, 2024