Introduction
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI – would the hosts bounce back after a heartbreaking loss in the opener, or would Sri Lanka complete a dominant whitewash on African soil? On August 31, 2025, at the Harare Sports Club, fans witnessed an edge-of-the-seat clash that ended with Sri Lanka sealing a 2-0 series sweep. Pathum Nissanka’s flawless 122 anchored a clinical chase, while Charith Asalanka’s explosive 71 added the firepower needed to overhaul Zimbabwe’s 277/7 with just three balls to spare.
This match wasn’t just about the result; it highlighted Sri Lanka’s resilience in away conditions, marking their first ODI series win on foreign soil since 2019. Zimbabwe, led by stand-in captain Sean Williams, fought hard with Ben Curran’s gritty 79 and Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 59, but small errors like a dropped catch proved costly. The series, part of Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe 2025, showcased emerging talents and veteran comebacks, including Brendan Taylor’s return for the hosts after a long absence.
For cricket enthusiasts searching for “Sri Lanka win 2nd ODI Harare” or “Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka highlights 2025,” this game delivered drama in spades. Nissanka, fresh off a 76 in the first ODI, converted his start into his seventh ODI century, boosting his confidence ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Asalanka’s captaincy shone through, blending aggression with smart partnerships. Zimbabwe’s middle-order struggles in the series opener carried over, but their late surge in both innings kept things competitive.
Social media buzzed with reactions – fans praised Nissanka’s elegance, with one X post calling it “pure gold for Sri Lanka.” Others lamented Zimbabwe’s near-miss, echoing Williams’ post-match words: “Small chances make a big difference.” This victory gives Sri Lanka momentum, while Zimbabwe looks to rebuild for upcoming challenges.
Read on for ball-by-ball insights, key stats, and analysis. What do you think – was Nissanka the ultimate hero? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Match Overview: A Thrilling Chase in Harare
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI unfolded as a classic chase thriller at Harare Sports Club on August 31, 2025. Sri Lanka, opting to bowl after winning the toss, restricted Zimbabwe to 277/7 in 50 overs. Ben Curran top-scored with 79, supported by Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 59, but Dushmantha Chameera’s 3-52 kept the total chaseable on a batter-friendly pitch.
In response, Sri Lanka reached 278/5 in 49.3 overs, winning by five wickets. Pathum Nissanka’s 122 off 136 balls was the cornerstone, with Charith Asalanka’s 71 off 61 providing the mid-innings boost. The chase grew tense in the death overs, but Janith Liyanage (19*) and Kamindu Mendis (5*) finished unbeaten.
Key phases included Zimbabwe’s Powerplay 1 (0.1-10 overs: 55/1) and a middle-overs slump, yielding 139/4. They accelerated in Powerplay 3 (40.1-50: 83/2). Sri Lanka’s Powerplay 1 was steady at 45/0, building to 166/3 in Powerplay 2 (10.1-40). The final push saw 67/2 in Powerplay 3.
Here’s a quick stats snapshot in table form for easy reading:
| Phase | Zimbabwe Runs/Wickets | Sri Lanka Runs/Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay 1 (0.1-10) | 55/1 | 45/0 |
| Powerplay 2 (10.1-40) | 139/4 | 166/3 |
| Powerplay 3 (40.1-50) | 83/2 | 67/2 |
| Total | 277/7 | 278/5 |
Fall of wickets highlighted turning points – Zimbabwe lost Curran and Williams in quick succession at 150/3 and 155/4, shifting momentum. Sri Lanka’s key dismissals included Nissanka at 236/4, but depth prevailed.
Partnerships were crucial:
- Zimbabwe: 76 (Raza-Madande, 6th wicket)
- Sri Lanka: 90 (Nissanka-Asalanka, 4th wicket)
The game echoed the first ODI’s nail-biter, where Sri Lanka won by seven runs thanks to Dilshan Madushanka’s hat-trick. Here, a dropped catch of Nissanka on 78 proved pivotal, as noted in ESPNcricinfo reports.
For “Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka highlights 2025,” check embedded YouTube clips from official channels like Sri Lanka Cricket. Sri Lanka’s win by 5 wickets underlines their growing ODI prowess away from home.
What a chase – did the death overs keep you on edge? Watch the highlights below and let us know!
Zimbabwe’s Batting: From Solid Start to Late Surge
Zimbabwe’s innings in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI built on a promising foundation but faltered mid-way before a resilient finish. Inserted to bat, they posted 277/7, thanks to Ben Curran’s anchoring 79 and Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 59.
Powerplay Dominance (Overs 1-10)
The openers set a brisk tone, reaching 55/1. Brian Bennett (21) and Curran added 55, with Curran’s nine fours flowing freely. Bennett fell to Chameera in the 10th over, but the start was solid against Sri Lanka’s seamers.
Middle-Overs Struggle (Overs 11-40)
This phase exposed vulnerabilities, yielding 139/4. Curran reached his fifty off 55 balls, partnering Brendan Taylor (20) for 61 off 84 – a slow stand that allowed Sri Lanka’s part-timers like Charith Asalanka (0-17) and Janith Liyanage (1-36) to control. Taylor, rusty on comeback, fell mistiming a scoop.
Sean Williams (20) injected brief energy with a six, but Asitha Fernando struck twice in an over – Curran top-edging and Williams dragging on. At 155/4, momentum swung. Tony Munyonga (10) and Raza consolidated briefly before Munyonga was bowled by Madushanka.
Was Taylor’s labored knock the turning point? Fans on X debated Zimbabwe’s middle-order issues, with one post noting, “Need more aggression here.”
Death Overs Acceleration (Overs 41-50)
Raza led the charge, adding 76 with Clive Madande (36). Boundaries were sparse (six fours, one six), but sharp running pushed the rate above eight an over. Raza’s deft dabs and lofts signaled intent, reaching his fifty off 51 balls. Madande fell in the 48th, Evans (8) added a quick cameo before Chameera cleaned him up.
Scorecard table:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Bennett | 21 | 29 | 2 | 0 | 72.41 |
| Ben Curran | 79 | 95 | 9 | 0 | 83.16 |
| Brendan Taylor | 20 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 54.05 |
| Sean Williams (c) | 20 | 28 | 1 | 1 | 71.43 |
| Sikandar Raza | 59* | 55 | 5 | 1 | 107.27 |
| Tony Munyonga | 10 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 76.92 |
| Clive Madande (wk) | 36 | 36 | 4 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Brad Evans | 8 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 160.00 |
| Richard Ngarava | 2* | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
Bowling figures:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asitha Fernando | 9 | 0 | 67 | 2 | 7.44 |
| Dilshan Madushanka | 10 | 0 | 57 | 1 | 5.70 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 10 | 0 | 52 | 3 | 5.20 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 10 | 1 | 45 | 0 | 4.50 |
| Charith Asalanka | 4 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 4.25 |
| Janith Liyanage | 7 | 0 | 36 | 1 | 5.14 |
Fall of wickets:
- 55/1 (Bennett, 9.4)
- 116/2 (Taylor, 23.4)
- 150/3 (Curran, 31.1)
- 155/4 (Williams, 31.6)
- 176/5 (Munyonga, 37.1)
- 252/6 (Madande, 47.5)
- 264/7 (Evans, 49.1)
Despite the total, Zimbabwe’s middle-overs rate (under six) hurt. Raza’s all-round prowess – he’s averaged over 40 in ODIs recently – shone, but fans questioned if 300 was possible. Discuss Zimbabwe’s batting woes in the comments!
Sri Lanka’s Chase: Nissanka’s Century Anchors Victory
Sri Lanka’s chase in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI was a masterclass in composure, led by Pathum Nissanka’s century. Chasing 278, they navigated early pressure and a tense finish for a 5-wicket win.
Early Foundations (Powerplay)
Starting steadily at 45/0, Nissanka (122) and Nuwanidu Fernando (14) built 48. Boundaries were selective against Ngarava and Muzarabani. Fernando fell bowled by Evans in the 11th, Kusal Mendis (5) soon after.
Middle-Overs Momentum (Overs 11-40)
This was where Sri Lanka pulled ahead, scoring 166/3. Nissanka reached fifty off 54, partnering Samarawickrama (31) for 78. Samarawickrama fell to Masuku at 146/3. Nissanka’s century (111 balls) came in the 35th, followed by a 90-run stand with Asalanka (71), who smashed three boundaries off Muzarabani in the 40th.
Nissanka’s knock – his seventh ODI ton, with career average around 40 – was pivotal. Asalanka’s captaincy performance sparkled, easing pressure.
Tense Finish (Death Overs)
Needing 67 off 60 with seven wickets, it tightened – no boundaries until the 48th. Asalanka benefited from a misjudged catch but fell caught off Ngarava. Mendis edged a yorker for four, sealing it. Liyanage hit the winning boundary.
Scorecard table:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 122 | 136 | 16 | 0 | 89.71 |
| Nuwanidu Fernando | 14 | 27 | 2 | 0 | 51.85 |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 5 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama | 31 | 46 | 2 | 0 | 67.39 |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | 71 | 61 | 7 | 0 | 116.39 |
| Janith Liyanage | 19* | 16 | 2 | 0 | 118.75 |
| Kamindu Mendis | 5* | 2 | 1 | 0 | 250.00 |
Bowling figures:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Ngarava | 9 | 0 | 53 | 2 | 5.89 |
| Blessing Muzarabani | 8.3 | 0 | 54 | 0 | 6.35 |
| Brad Evans | 10 | 0 | 54 | 2 | 5.40 |
| Ernest Masuku | 5 | 0 | 32 | 1 | 6.40 |
| Sikandar Raza | 9 | 0 | 46 | 0 | 5.11 |
| Sean Williams | 8 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 4.38 |
Fall of wickets:
- 48/1 (Fernando, 10.4)
- 68/2 (Mendis, 14.2)
- 146/3 (Samarawickrama, 30.1)
- 236/4 (Nissanka, 44.3)
- 272/5 (Asalanka, 48.5)
The dropped Nissanka catch on 78 was huge, as per match reports. Who was the MVP – Nissanka or Asalanka? Vote in the comments!
Standout Performances: Heroes of the Match
Pathum Nissanka stole the show in Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI, earning Player of the Match and Series for his 122 (136 balls, 16 fours). His seventh ODI century – career-high in a chase – anchored the innings, building on his 76 from the opener. Nissanka’s ODI stats: 2,624 runs at 40.36, with recent form eyeing Asia Cup 2025.
Charith Asalanka’s 71 (61 balls, 7 fours) was aggressive, easing the chase. As captain, his leadership and three boundaries in one over highlighted his growth.
Ben Curran’s 79 (95 balls, 9 fours) was Zimbabwe’s best, his rhythm key early on. Sikandar Raza’s 59* (55 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) rescued the innings – his consistent all-round form (ODI average 35+, bowling economy under 5) shone again.
Dushmantha Chameera’s 3-52 disrupted Zimbabwe, his death bowling crucial. Stats:
- Nissanka: 122 runs, SR 89.71
- Asalanka: 71 runs, SR 116.39
- Curran: 79 runs, SR 83.16
- Raza: 59* runs, SR 107.27
- Chameera: 3 wickets, Econ 5.20
How does this boost their ICC rankings? Nissanka’s up to 20th in ODIs. Compare to past – Nissanka’s seventh ton rivals legends.
Tactical Breakdown: Turning Points and Strategies
Sri Lanka’s tactical edge in Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI came from smart bowling rotation and partnerships. Using part-timers like Asalanka (econ 4.25) controlled middle overs, restricting Zimbabwe to 139/4 vs. Sri Lanka’s 166/3 in the same phase.
Key turning points:
- Asitha Fernando’s double strike (Curran, Williams) at 150/3-155/4.
- Dropped Nissanka on 78 – cost Zimbabwe dearly.
- Asalanka’s three boundaries in the 40th over off Muzarabani.
- Ngarava’s penultimate over drama, including Asalanka’s catch.
Zimbabwe excelled in running but lacked middle-over aggression. Sri Lanka’s depth – batting to No. 8 – proved decisive.
What if Zimbabwe held that catch? Follow for more strategy breakdowns.
Reactions and Series Aftermath
“Pleasure to win in Zimbabwe – Nissanka’s 100 was needed,” said Asalanka. Nissanka: “Glad to comeback strong.” Williams: “Tough to swallow – middle overs hurt.”
The 2-0 sweep boosts Sri Lanka’s confidence for Asia Cup 2025; Zimbabwe learns from close losses. What’s next? Comment below!
Conclusion: Sri Lanka’s Dominance Continues
Sri Lanka’s 2-0 sweep in Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI cements their revival, with Nissanka leading the charge. A boost for future tours – Zimbabwe shows promise. Excited for more, follow IPL Star?
Frequently Asked Questions: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI 2025
- Who won the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI in 2025? Sri Lanka won the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI by 5 wickets on August 31, 2025, at Harare Sports Club, sealing a 2-0 series sweep. Chasing 278, Pathum Nissanka’s century powered the victory. Read our first ODI recap for more context. ESPNcricinfo Match Report
- What was Pathum Nissanka’s score in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI? Pathum Nissanka scored a brilliant 122 off 136 balls, including 16 fours, earning him Player of the Match and Series. His century anchored Sri Lanka’s clinical chase. Check his career stats in our player profile.
- How did Zimbabwe perform in the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka? Zimbabwe posted 277/7 in 50 overs, with Ben Curran scoring 79 and Sikandar Raza 59*. Despite a strong start, middle-over struggles cost them. See our analysis of Zimbabwe’s batting issues.
- What was the target in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI? Sri Lanka chased 278 set by Zimbabwe in the 2nd ODI. The chase, led by Nissanka’s century and Asalanka’s 71, was completed in 49.3 overs. Watch highlights on Sri Lanka Cricket’s YouTube.
- Who were the standout players in the Sri Lanka win 2nd ODI Harare? Pathum Nissanka (122), Charith Asalanka (71), and Dushmantha Chameera (3-52) shone for Sri Lanka, while Ben Curran (79) and Sikandar Raza (59*) impressed for Zimbabwe. Explore more in our key performances section.
- What was Charith Asalanka’s contribution in the 2nd ODI? Charith Asalanka scored 71 off 61 balls, hitting 7 fours, and his 90-run stand with Nissanka was crucial. Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI His captaincy performance was pivotal. Read about his leadership in our captaincy analysis.
- Why did Zimbabwe lose the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka? Zimbabwe’s middle-overs slump (139/4 in overs 11-40) and a dropped catch of Nissanka on 78 hurt their chances. Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Learn tactical insights in our match breakdown. ICC Recap
- Where can I find Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI highlights 2025? Watch Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka highlights 2025 on platforms like YouTube (Sri Lanka Cricket) or ESPNcricinfo. Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI.
- What was the impact of the Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025? Sri Lanka’s 2-0 sweep boosted their confidence for Asia Cup 2025, while Zimbabwe identified middle-order improvements. Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Dive into our series impact analysis for details.
- Who won Player of the Series in Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2025? Pathum Nissanka was named Player of the Series for his consistent runs, including a 122 in the 2nd ODI. Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI His form is a hot topic on X – join the discussion in our fan reactions post.