Despite scoring 296 runs on board, Zimbabwe did not manage to stop the hosts from winning this opening game of the bilateral series. Sri Lanka have managed to win the first ODI game of this series, chasing down 297 runs with ease and a positive mindsets
Sean Williams’s ton and Chakabva’s 72 runs helped team Zimbabwe to reach the score of 296, which seemed quite competitive. The hosts were able to bat and chase the target in just 48.3 overs, losing only 5 wickets.
Opening batsman Pathum started the innings with a classical performance and scored 75 off 71. Player of the match Chandimal too contributed to the win, scoring 75 off 91. Chandimal’s knock witnessed the game experience he has over the years, as he took the responsibility of controlling the middle order.
8 bowlers bowled for team Zimbabwe, but only managed to take 5 men down. The hosts lost only 5 wickets, with Ngarava taking 3 critically important ones. Raza and Muzarabani took one wicket each. Raza took out the important wicket of Pathum, whereas Muzarabani was able to send the veteran, Kusal Mendis back to the pavilion.
The losing captain suggested that the team gave away easy runs, despite being short of 20 to 30 runs with the bat. Craig seems disappointed with the team as 296 wasn’t so easy to chase.
Shanaka, captain of the hosts is happy with the home advantage, as the cheer from the crowd kept them boosted up. While giving credits to the top order batsmen, Shanaka also suggests giving chances to other players in the upcoming game, allowing the benched players to come up and perform.
With three batsmen getting 50 for the hosts, made the target achievable under lights. Sri Lanka leads with 1-0, grabbing some important points for the team.