Sri Lanka Beat Zimbabwe in 2nd ODI 🏏 | Seal Series 2-0 in Harare
Sri Lanka showcased dominance and composure as they defeated Zimbabwe by 5 wickets in the 2nd ODI at the Harare Sports Club on August 31, 2025, sealing the 3-match ODI series 2-0. Star opener Pathum Nissanka once again stole the show with a magnificent 122 off 136 balls, earning both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
This series has not only boosted Sri Lanka’s ICC ODI rankings but also set the tone for their preparations ahead of the 2025Asia Cup In UAE and other upcoming global tournaments.
📝 Match Overview
| Match | 2nd ODI – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe |
|---|---|
| Date | 31 August 2025 |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe |
| Result | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets |
| Series | Sri Lanka lead series 2-0 |
| Player of the Match | Pathum Nissanka (122 runs) |
| Player of the Series | Pathum Nissanka (198 runs) |
| Toss | Zimbabwe won, batted first |
| Target | 278 runs |
| Sri Lanka Score | 278/5 in 49.3 overs |
| Zimbabwe Score | 277/7 in 50 overs |
🏟️ First Innings Recap – Zimbabwe Fight Hard But Fall Short
Zimbabwe came out aggressively with the bat after winning the toss. Openers Brian Bennett and Ben Curran gave a steady start, stitching a 55-run partnership.
- Ben Curran played a composed knock of 79 off 95 balls with 9 fours, anchoring Zimbabwe’s innings beautifully.
- Skipper Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor failed to convert their starts, falling for 20 each.
- Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s talisman, showcased his brilliance yet again with a blistering 59 off 55 balls (5 fours, 1 six) — keeping Zimbabwe competitive.
However, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack managed to restrict the flow of boundaries in the death overs. Dushmantha Chameera led the attack with 3/52 in his 10 overs, while Asitha Fernando grabbed 2 wickets, ensuring Zimbabwe couldn’t cross the 300-run mark.
🔥 Sri Lanka’s Bowling Performance
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dushmantha Chameera | 10 | 52 | 3 | 5.20 |
| Asitha Fernando | 9 | 67 | 2 | 7.44 |
| Dilshan Madushanka | 10 | 57 | 1 | 5.70 |
| Janith Liyanage | 7 | 36 | 1 | 5.14 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 10 | 45 | 0 | 4.50 |
Despite conceding 277/7, Sri Lanka’s bowling unit executed death overs perfectly, setting up a manageable chase.
🌟 Second Innings – Pathum Nissanka’s Masterclass
Sri Lanka’s chase was all about Pathum Nissanka’s batting brilliance. The elegant opener crafted an unbeaten 122 off 136 deliveries, combining perfect timing with fluent stroke play.
- Nissanka’s innings was packed with 16 exquisite boundaries, ensuring the required rate never spiraled out of control.
- Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka’s skipper, provided superb support with a quickfire 71 off 61 balls, featuring 7 fours.
- Sadeera Samarawickrama also chipped in with a steady 31 off 46 balls to stabilize the innings after early wickets.
Sri Lanka eventually chased down 278 with 3 balls remaining, displaying both patience and confidence under pressure.
📊 Sri Lanka’s Batting Card
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 122 | 136 | 16 | 0 | 89.70 |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | 71 | 61 | 7 | 0 | 116.39 |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama | 31 | 46 | 2 | 0 | 67.39 |
| Nuwanidu Fernando | 14 | 27 | 2 | 0 | 51.85 |
| Kusal Mendis † | 5 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Janith Liyanage | 19* | 16 | 2 | 0 | 118.75 |
| Kamindu Mendis | 5* | 2 | 1 | 0 | 250.00 |
🏆 Pathum Nissanka – Player of the Match & Series
Pathum Nissanka was the undisputed star of the series:
- 122 (136) in the 2nd ODI
- 198 runs overall in just two matches
- A stellar display of consistency, temperament, and shot selection
With his elegant drives, sharp running between wickets, and fearless batting under pressure, Nissanka has once again established himself as Sri Lanka’s batting mainstay in ODI cricket.
🎯 Zimbabwe’s Bowling Analysis
Zimbabwe’s bowlers had no answers to Nissanka’s dominance and Asalanka’s aggressive intent. Despite brief moments of brilliance from Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans, they lacked penetration at crucial stages.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Ngarava | 9 | 53 | 2 | 5.88 |
| Brad Evans | 10 | 54 | 2 | 5.40 |
| Blessing Muzarabani | 8.3 | 54 | 0 | 6.35 |
| Sikandar Raza | 9 | 46 | 0 | 5.11 |
| Ernest Masuku | 5 | 32 | 1 | 6.40 |
📌 Series Takeaways
💪 1. Sri Lanka’s ODI Batting Line-Up Looks Solid
With Nissanka, Asalanka, and Samarawickrama firing, Sri Lanka’s batting appears balanced and resilient.
🎯 2. Bowling Needs More Consistency
Despite the win, Sri Lanka’s bowlers allowed Zimbabwe to score freely in the middle overs. This is a key area for improvement ahead of bigger tournaments.
😔 3. Zimbabwe Showed Fight but Fell Short
Zimbabwe’s top order performed admirably, but lack of partnerships and death-over bowling proved costly.
🚀4. Nissanka’s Rise Continues
From promising youngster to Sri Lanka’s ODI superstar, Nissanka’s consistency makes him one of the most valuable ODI batters heading into ACC & ICC events.
📈 Stats Highlights
- Most Runs in the Series: Pathum Nissanka – 198 runs
- Most Wickets: Dushmantha Chameera – 5 wickets
- Highest Strike Rate (50+ runs): Charith Asalanka – 116.39
- Boundary King: Pathum Nissanka – 24 fours in the series
🗓️ Upcoming Fixtures for Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – Test Series 2025 (September 2025)
- ACC Asia Cup 2025 Preparation Camps
- Sri Lanka vs India ODI Series (October 2025)
🏆 Final Verdict
Sri Lanka’s 5-wicket win in Harare and 2-0 ODI series triumph marks a huge step forward in their ODI resurgence. With a confident batting unit, an in-form Pathum Nissanka, and a steady bowling attack, Sri Lanka look well-prepared for future ICC tournaments.
❓ FAQs – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI (August 31, 2025) 🏏 | Harare Series Decider
Q1. Who won the 2nd ODI between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe?
A: Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by 5 wickets in the 2nd ODI at Harare Sports Club on August 31, 2025, to seal the 3-match ODI series 2-0.
Q2. Who was the Player of the Match in the 2nd ODI?
A: Pathum Nissanka was named Player of the Match for his brilliant 122 runs off 136 balls.
Q3. Who won the Player of the Series award?
A: Pathum Nissanka also won the Player of the Series award after scoring 198 runs in just two matches.
Q4. What was the final score of the match?
A:
- Zimbabwe: 277/7 in 50 overs
- Sri Lanka: 278/5 in 49.3 overs
Q5. Where was the 2nd ODI played?
A: The match was played at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.
Q6. How did Pathum Nissanka perform in the 2nd ODI?
A: Pathum Nissanka scored a magnificent 122 runs off 136 balls, hitting 16 fours and anchoring Sri Lanka’s successful chase.
Q7. How did Charith Asalanka contribute to Sri Lanka’s win?
A: Skipper Charith Asalanka scored a quickfire 71 runs off 61 balls with 7 fours, providing crucial support to Nissanka during the chase.
Q8. How did Zimbabwe bat in the first innings?
A:
- Ben Curran scored 79 runs off 95 balls.
- Sikandar Raza played a blistering 59 off 55 balls.
- Zimbabwe managed 277/7 in 50 overs but failed to defend the total.
Q9. Who were the top wicket-takers for Sri Lanka?
A:
- Dushmantha Chameera: 3/52 in 10 overs
- Asitha Fernando: 2/67 in 9 overs
- Janith Liyanage: 1/36 in 7 overs
Q10. How did Zimbabwe’s bowlers perform?
A: Zimbabwe struggled against Nissanka and Asalanka’s partnership:
- Richard Ngarava: 2/53
- Brad Evans: 2/54
- Ernest Masuku: 1/32
Q11. What is Sri Lanka’s current lead in the series?
A: Sri Lanka lead the 3-match ODI series 2-0, securing an unassailable advantage.
Q12. What are the key takeaways from the 2nd ODI?
A:
- Sri Lanka’s batting looks strong with Nissanka and Asalanka in top form.
- Sri Lanka’s bowlers performed well in death overs but need middle-over consistency.
- Zimbabwe showed fight but lacked execution in crucial moments.
Q13. What records did Pathum Nissanka set in this series?
A:
- 198 runs in two ODIs — highest in the series.
- 16 fours in the 2nd ODI — dominating stroke play.
- Became one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent ODI performers.
Q14. What is next for Sri Lanka after this ODI series?
A:
- Asia Cup 2025
- Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test Series - September
- Sri Lanka vs India ODI Series – October 2025
Q15. How does this series win affect Sri Lanka’s ICC ODI rankings?
A: The 2-0 series win boosts Sri Lanka’s ICC ODI ranking points, improving their chances for direct qualification and better seeding in upcoming ICC events.