Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Raza’s classy 59 powers his side to 277

HARARE: Zimbabwe delivered a solid batting performance to post a competitive total of 277 for seven in the second ODI against Sri Lanka, with batter Sikandar Raza’s classy 59 keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Electing to field first, Sri Lanka managed to take regular wickets, but the Zimbabwean middle order, led by Sikandar Raza, ensured a strong finish.

Raza anchored the innings with a classy 59 off 55 balls, striking five boundaries and rotating the strike effectively to keep a high target. His unbeaten knock came at a crucial stage after Zimbabwe had lost wickets in the middle overs.

Ben Curran was the top scorer for Zimbabwe, playing a measured innings of 79 off 95 balls, including nine boundaries. He formed vital partnerships with other batters but fell just short of a well-deserved century, caught behind off AM Fernando.

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Zimbabwe’s innings started steadily, with Brian Bennett scoring 21 off 29 balls before being dismissed by Chameera. Veteran Brendan Taylor and skipper Sean Williams added 20 runs each but failed to convert their starts.

Clive Madande added momentum with a brisk 36 off 36 balls, while Brad Evans made a quick cameo of 8 off 5 before falling to Chameera, who was among the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka.

The innings also featured 22 extras, including 19 wides, which added significantly to Zimbabwe’s total.

Despite some disciplined bowling by Sri Lanka, especially from AM Fernando and Chameera, Zimbabwe managed to keep the run rate healthy, finishing at 5.54 runs per over.

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With a target of 278 runs, Sri Lanka will need a composed chase on what seems to be a good batting surface. The match is finely poised, and fans can expect an exciting second innings.

Sri Lanka team squad: Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (captain), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka