Taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match Twenty20 International series, Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by two wickets in Monday’s exciting second ODI. Zimbabwe, having elected to bat first, were bowled out for 208 in 44.4 overs, with captain Craig Ervine top-scoring with 82 runs (102). With tailenders Dushmantha Chameera (18* off 25) and Jeffrey Vandersay (19* off 18) sharing an undefeated 39-run stand, Sri Lanka was able to knock down the target in 49 overs in response.
Richard Ngarava cheaply dismissed Kusal Mendis (17 off 28) and Avishka Fernando (4 off 5) to give Sri Lanka a poor start in the chase. At 53/4, the left-arm seamer removed Sadeera Samarawickrama (4 off 3) and Charith Asalanka (0 off 7), leaving Sri Lanka in a precarious situation.
As wickets fell from one end, Janith Liyanage managed to hold on to the other and steadily extend his innings. He didn’t have much assistance because Dasun Shanaka (7 off 13) and Sahan Arachchige (21 off 39) both left cheaply. With 39 runs remaining to win for Sri Lanka, Liyanage was removed on 95 (127), just short of a well-deserved century.
Their side’s heroes, Dushmantha Chameera (18* off 25) and Jeffrey Vandersay (19* off 18), proved to be invaluable in enabling them to secure an exciting victory by two wickets. With a 5/32 average in ten overs, Nagarava was Zimbabwe’s best bowler.
For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana selected a 4-fer.
Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (0 off 1), Zimbabwe’s opener, was out in the first over of the day. A 60-run partnership for the second wicket between Joylord Gumbie (30 off 37) and captain Craig Ervine then helped to stabilize the innings. Zimbabwe reached 208 in 44.4 overs thanks to contributions from Ryan Burl (31 off 37) and Milton Shumba (26 off 45). For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana was outstanding with the ball, scoring 4/31 in 9.5 overs.
Meanwhile, there were conflicting reactions to Sri Lanka’s stunning victory. Here are some of the posts :
What a nail-biter! Sri Lanka clinches victory by 2 wickets in a thrilling encounter. Hats off to the tail-enders for their crucial cameos and Janith Liyanage’s stellar 95 that guided us to triumph! 🏏🔥 #SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/z7UOyKj9hn
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) January 8, 2024
Sri Lanka Wins 🇱🇰
Sri Lanka won the 2nd ODI match against Zimbabwe by 2 wickets.
Janith Liyanage 95 #LKA #SriLanka #SLvZIM #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/EdyfEc1dCu— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) January 8, 2024
Heartbreak for Zimbabwe!#slvzim pic.twitter.com/6XDGiJLxs2
— Afrid Mahmud Rifat 🇧🇩 (@rifat0015) January 8, 2024
Chameera hits the winning 4
Sri Lanka will feel like getting out of Jail, a 39 run partnership for 8th wicket between Chameera and Wandersay gets Sri Lanka over the one after they were 172-8
Zimbabwe tried too hard but these two spoiled their party#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/sZyUWa20ET— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) January 8, 2024
What a thrilling win for Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe in a low scoring chase.#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/kONocaxcUg
— Over Thinker Lawyer 🇵🇰 (@Mujha_q_Nakala) January 8, 2024