Skipper Dasun Shanaka’s (102) century went in vain as Sri Lanka lost to Zimbabwe by 22 runs in the second One-day International of their three-match series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe rode on Craig Ervine’s patient 91 (98 deliveries) and three wickets apiece by Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani to level the series 1-1, recovering from their defeat in the opening match of the series.
“We didn’t look at the scoreboard when it was me and Kamindu. The ball came on nicely in the first half of the inning, and then it was a bit skiddy. We need to have better plans next game. I don’t think there will be any pressure. As for today, we didn’t bowl well at the start and then our top order also didn’t click. Hopefully both will fire in the next game” Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said after defeat.
Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe rode on 91 runs by Evans and a half-century by Sikandar Raza (56) to post 307/7 in 50 overs.
Chasing a target of 303, Sri Lanka got off to a disappointing start as they lost Kushal Mendis (7) with the score of 19 and they were soon down to 63/4. Kamindu Mendis struck a half-century and raised a century partnership with skipper Shanaka as they took the score to 181. Kamindu got out at that juncture and Sri Lanka lost their way from there onwards despite valiant attempt by Shanaka.
The Sri Lanka skipper struck seven boundaries and four sixes as he scored his runs off 94 balls. Chamika Karunaratne scored 34 but in the end, could not help Sri Lanka cross the line.
Earlier, Zimbabwe got off to a good start as Regis Chakabva (47) and Takudzwanashe Kaitano (26) raised 59 runs for the first wicket. Sean Williams struck 48 runs as Zimbabwe made the most of their chances to eventually post a big score.
“It was quite nice to bat, it was coming on nicely. I thought there was a little bit more in it for the spinners today. I thought in the first game we were bowled a little bit short and wide, and I thought this time the seamers did really well to get those early wickets for us. We were under a bit of pressure to win today, but hats off to the boys for coming out and showing that, you know, desperation to pull off the win” Zimbabwe captain and Man of the Match Craig Ervine said.
