LK Pathum Nissanka’s Heroics Power Sri Lanka to Series Victory Over Zimbabwe
In the heart of Harare, under the African sun, Sri Lanka carved out a memorable win against Zimbabwe in the second ODI of their 2025 tour, sealing the series 2-0. While the scoreboard will show a four-wicket win, the story behind the numbers is one of grit, missed chances, and a masterclass in composure from Pathum Nissanka.
A Chase That Tested Every Nerve
Chasing 278 on a surface that offered just enough for the bowlers, Sri Lanka’s innings was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. The early loss of Avishka Fernando didn’t rattle Nissanka, who anchored the innings with poise and precision. His 122 off 136 balls wasn’t just a century—it was a statement. A declaration that Sri Lanka’s top order has found its anchor. Nissanka’s innings was built on patience and timing. He wasn’t flashy, but he was effective. He stitched together partnerships with Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, and most crucially, Charith Asalanka. Each stand was a stepping stone, and each run chipped away at Zimbabwe’s hopes.
Asalanka’s Late Surge
While Nissanka held one end, Asalanka brought the fireworks. His 71 off 61 balls was the perfect foil to Nissanka’s calm. The duo added 90 runs together, and their partnership was the turning point. Asalanka’s ability to find boundaries in the middle overs, especially against Zimbabwe’s spinners, shifted the pressure back onto the hosts. Even so, the chase wasn’t without drama. With 43 needed off the last 10 overs, Zimbabwe tightened the screws. Boundaries dried up, dot balls piled up, and the tension was palpable. But Sri Lanka held their nerve. Kamindu Mendis, cool as ever, sealed the win with a cheeky inside edge for four in the penultimate over.
Zimbabwe’s Missed Opportunities
Zimbabwe’s total of 277/7 was competitive, thanks to Ben Curran’s fluent 79 and Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 59. Curran looked in sublime touch, finding gaps and rotating strike effortlessly. Raza, ever the finisher, added crucial runs in the death overs to push the total beyond 270. But Zimbabwe’s undoing came in the field. The most glaring moment was a dropped catch off Nissanka when he was on 78. It was a regulation chance, and it proved costly. That drop didn’t just give Nissanka a lifeline—it gave Sri Lanka the momentum they needed.
Their bowling, while disciplined in patches, lacked bite in the middle overs. Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans picked up two wickets each, but couldn’t break the key partnerships. The spinners struggled to contain Asalanka, and the fielding lapses only added to their woes.
Bowling Breakdown
Sri Lanka’s bowlers set the tone early. Dushmantha Chameera was fiery, picking up three wickets and hitting the deck hard. His short-ball strategy worked wonders, especially against Zimbabwe’s middle order. Asitha Fernando complemented him well, using subtle variations to keep the batters guessing. Wanindu Hasaranga, though wicketless, was economical and built pressure through dot balls. His spell ensured Zimbabwe couldn’t accelerate in the middle overs, forcing them to rely on Raza’s late surge. Zimbabwe’s bowlers had their moments. Ngarava’s early strike and Evans’ double breakthrough gave them hope. But the inability to dismiss Nissanka proved decisive. Their lengths were inconsistent, and the lack of variation in the death overs allowed Sri Lanka to chase comfortably.
Nissanka: Player of the Match and Series
There was no debate about the Player of the Match and Series. Nissanka’s century was his third in ODIs, and arguably his most mature. He read the game situation perfectly, adjusted his tempo, and never let the pressure dictate his shot selection. What stood out was his ability to build partnerships. He wasn’t just scoring runs—he was guiding his teammates, rotating strike, and keeping the scoreboard ticking. In a chase that could’ve easily gone off the rails, Nissanka was the glue that held it all together.
Bigger Picture for Sri Lanka
This series win is more than just numbers. It’s a sign of Sri Lanka’s growing depth and maturity. With young players like Nissanka and Asalanka stepping up, and experienced heads like Kusal Mendis providing stability, the team looks well-rounded. The bowling unit, led by Chameera, has pace and aggression. Hasaranga’s control in the middle overs adds balance. And most importantly, the team showed they can handle pressure—something that’s been missing in recent years.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe’s Silver Linings
Despite the loss, Zimbabwe had positives to take away. Ben Curran’s form at the top is encouraging, and Raza continues to be their most reliable performer. Their batting depth is improving, and with better fielding and tighter bowling, they can challenge stronger teams. The dropped catch will haunt them, but it’s also a lesson. In international cricket, moments matter. One lapse can change the course of a match and a series.
