The Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 kicked off in thrilling fashion at the Harare Sports Club, where Zimbabwe captain opted to bowl first after winning the toss in the first ODI. The decision made sense, given the early morning conditions that promised a hint of swing and seam movement. Sri Lanka, boasting a deep batting order, were tasked with setting a competitive score on what looked like a slightly slowish surface.

Zimbabwe’s new-ball brilliance

Opening bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava immediately put Sri Lanka on the defensive. Their probing lengths and disciplined line restricted scoring opportunities and built early pressure. That pressure paid off when Ngarava dismissed opener Nishan Madushka for a 13-ball duck, a breakthrough that left Sri Lanka in a cautious position.

Pathum nissankahowever, stood tall amidst the testing spell. Mixing patience with fluent stroke play, he anchored the innings and built a crucial 100-run stand with wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Mendis. Nissanka’s elegant 76 from 92 deliveries, laced with 12 boundaries, gave Sri Lanka stability when they needed it most.

Middle-order struggles for Sri Lanka

As the innings entered the middle overs, Zimbabwe’s spinners tightened their grip. Veterans Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams bowled with accuracy and variation, ensuring Sri Lanka never got away. Kusal Mendis, after playing a watchful hand of 38, fell just as he looked set. Soon after, the visitors faced a mini-collapse: Sadeera Samarawickrama (35) and skipper Charith Asalanka (6) departed in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling at 161/5 in the 31st over.

At that point, Zimbabwe appeared to have seized full control, raising hopes of restricting Sri Lanka to a modest total.

Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis spark a stunning revival

Just when Zimbabwe sensed dominance, Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis flipped the script. With fearless intent, the duo launched a blistering counter-attack, adding 137 runs off only 83 deliveries. Their clean hitting, sharp running, and relentless aggression shifted momentum firmly back in Sri Lanka’s favour.

Liyanage was particularly destructive, hammering 70 runs off 47 balls, including six boundaries and three towering sixes. Kamindu matched his partner’s energy with 57 off just 36 deliveries, decorated with four fours and two sixes. Their partnership not only revived Sri Lanka but also placed them in a commanding position heading into the final overs.

Despite their bright start, Zimbabwe’’ bowling faltered in the death overs. Richard Ngarava was the standout performer, returning 2/34 in 7.4 overs, including the wicket of Kamindu Mendis off the final ball. Blessing Muzarabani claimed one wicket but was taken for 65 in his full quota, while Trevor Gwandu also picked up a scalp but conceded heavily.

Among the spinners, Sean Williams was the most economical with 1/26 from 6 overs, while Sikandar Raza chipped in with 1/48. Brad Evans remained wicketless despite bowling all 10 overs, finishing with 0/57. Fielding lapses added to Zimbabwe’s woes, as misfields and dropped chances allowed Sri Lanka to push past the 290-mark.

From 161/5 to a final score of 298/6, Sri Lanka’s innings told the story of resilience and counter-punching brilliance. Zimbabwe’s bowlers dominated early, but Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis ensured the visitors ended on a high, setting a daunting target of 299.