Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe: Chevrons under pressure chasing 298

HARARE: In the opening match of the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI series, the visiting side posted a commanding 298 for six against hosts Zimbabwe on Friday, powered by half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka, Janith Liyanage, and Kamindu Mendis.

Nissanka anchored the innings with a patient 76 off 92 balls, while Liyanage smashed a brisk 70 from 47 deliveries and Kamindu added 57 off just 36 to lift the hosts to a strong total.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled for breakthroughs, with Richard Ngarava (2-34) the pick of the attack, while Blessing Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Six overs gone, Zimbabwe are 18/2

(Ben Curran 9*, Sean Williams 6*), need 281 runs in 264 balls

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— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) August 29, 2025

Chasing 298, Zimbabwe’s reply faltered immediately as Asitha Fernando struck twice in his opening over, removing Brian Bennett for a first-ball duck and veteran Brendan Taylor for nought.

At 25 for two after 7.2 overs, with captain Sean Williams (7*) and Ben Curran (15*) at the crease, the Chevrons still need 274 runs from 42.4 overs at a required rate of 6.42.

The two-match series is Zimbabwe’s first 50-over assignment since returning from suspension, while Sri Lanka are using the games to fine-tune ahead of the Champions Trophy qualifiers.

On the eve of the ODI series opener, Zimbabwe suffered a major setback as skipper Craig Ervine was left out of the squad due to injury.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), an MRI scan on Thursday confirmed that the 40-year-old had sustained a Grade II strain in his left calf, along with a chronic and resolving Grade I strain in his right calf, ruling him out of the entire series.

In Ervine’s absence, veteran all-rounder Sean Williams will captain Zimbabwe in the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

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The second Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI will be played on August 31, after which the two sides will turn their focus to a three-match T20I series.