Sri Lanka accomplished a clean sweep at the Zimbabwe vs. Sri Lanka ODI series 2025, claiming a five-wicket victory during the final one-dayer in Harare. With three balls remaining, the visitors successfully chased 278, securing a 2-0 series victory and gaining significant momentum ahead of the three-match T20 International series that begins today at the Harare Sports Club.
The result mirrored the first ODI, which also went down to the final over, but Sri Lanka’s depth in batting ensured there was little panic this time. Anchoring the chase was opener Pathum Nissanka, who struck a composed 122 off 136 balls — his seventh ODI century. Nissanka’s knock earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, underlining his importance to Sri Lanka’s white-ball plans.
Sri Lanka’s response was built on a series of steady partnerships. Nissanka added 48 with Nuwanidu Fernando, 20 with Kusal Mendis, 78 with Sadeera Samarawickrama, and then 90 with Charith Asalanka. Asalanka’s stand proved decisive, as their quick scoring through the middle overs ensured the maintenance of the required rate.
Asalanka’s 71 off 61 balls kept Sri Lanka on track until his dismissal in the 49th over. Even then, Kamindu Mendis struck a fortuitous inside edge for four to effectively seal the chase, leaving Sri Lanka to polish off the target in the final over.
While the margin appeared narrow, the visitors were always ahead in the contest. From overs 15 to 40, Sri Lanka scored 166 runs for three wickets, compared to Zimbabwe’s 139 for four in the same period. Holding seven wickets as they entered the final overs, the pressure on the scoreboard was low.
Zimbabwe’s score of 277 for seven was strong; however, their failure to capitalise at crucial times proved a compromise. Ben Curran top-scored with 79, but his dismissal in the middle overs halted momentum. Brendan Taylor, making a return, struggled to make 20 out of 37 deliveries, slowing the scoring rate.
The innings was revived by Sikandar Raza, who finished unbeaten on 59 from 55 balls. Raza added 76 with Clive Madande (36) for the sixth wicket and later shepherded the tail to push Zimbabwe close to 280. However, had Curran’s chance off Nissanka been held when the opener was on 78, the hosts might have been in with a stronger chance of levelling the series.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers excelled in the middle overs. Dushmantha Chameera was the pick, using pace and accuracy to keep Zimbabwe quiet, while Asitha Fernando’s short-ball strategy claimed the scalps of Curran and Sean Williams in quick succession. Captain Asalanka also made a significant contribution, delivering four economical overs that effectively slowed down Zimbabwe’s attempts to accelerate.
With the ODI assignment completed, the focus now turns to the Zimbabwe vs. Sri Lanka T20 series in 2025, beginning today at 5 p.m. local time in Harare. For Sri Lanka, the series represents more than just a bilateral contest; it is an opportunity to settle combinations ahead of the Asia Cup and ultimately the T20 World Cup 2026, which they will co-host with India.
The visitors will enter the T20Is with confidence but also with questions to answer. Batting remains their biggest concern, particularly after their recent 2-1 series loss to Bangladesh. Apart from Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, contributions have been sporadic. Kusal Janith Perera, who is expected to bat at number three, carries significant responsibility, especially taking into account his match-winning century against New Zealand earlier this year.
The number four spot is still unsettled, with Nuwanidu Fernando likely to get an extended run following Avishka Fernando’s failures. The bowling attack could see two spinners deployed, with Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay in contention, depending on conditions. Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara are expected to share new-ball duties.
At the time of writing, Zimbabwe had not announced their squad, but they are unlikely to make significant changes. With three back-to-back matches lined up, they will look to capitalise on home advantage and test Sri Lanka’s fragile middle order.
The next three games are part of a bigger picture from Sri Lanka’s perspective. With just over a dozen T20s left before the World Cup, every match is crucial for finalising the team’s balance. A convincing performance in Harare will underline their progress and restore confidence after recent setbacks.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, finds competing against a side gearing up for major tournaments as a medium to test depth and flexibility. While the ODIs proved their ability to fight, they will need sharper execution in crucial moments if they are to challenge Sri Lanka in the shorter format.
As both teams take the field today, fans can expect another closely fought contest, with Sri Lanka seeking to extend their winning streak and Zimbabwe aiming to strike back in familiar conditions.
