Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are all set to continue their ongoing ODI series by taking on each other in the second ODI on Monday, January 8 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both sides came into the series looking for a good start, however the rain gods did not comply as the match produced no result. 

The first ODI of the series began with Sri Lanka batting first after winning the toss. The hosts got off to a subpar start as opener Avishka Fernando was sent packing for a duck. However, after the early dismissal, the top-order’s knocks stablised the innings for Sri Lanka.

Kusal Mendis scored 46 runs in 48 deliveries, with Sadeera Samarawickrama adding 41 runs in 31 deliveries. Janith Liyanage scored 24 runs in 34 deliveries, but it was the knock of Charith Asalanka that made the difference for Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe. 

Scoring 101 runs in 95 deliveries, Asalanka played a brilliant knock and helped his side to a brilliant total of 273 runs in the first innings. As for Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Faraz Akram were the highest wicket takers with two wickets each with Sikandar Raza striking once as well. 

Aiming to chase down the target of 274 runs in the second innings, Zimbabwe’s performance was significantly cut short due to rain playing spoilsport. Opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe was sent packing for a golden duck with skipper Craig Ervine unable to add runs on the board. 

Losing two wickets, Zimbabwe scored 12 runs during the run chase before rain played spoilsport and the game was called off. After two early wickets, Sri Lanka looked to be heading for a win, however, the weather saw the side finish the game with a draw. 

With the series still level, both sides will hope that the weather co-operates in the second ODI and a result can come forth from the game.