In a rain-affected encounter at Colombo, Sri Lanka secured a commanding 8-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, with Wanindu Hasaranga delivering an exceptional performance.

SL vs ZIM, 3rd ODI: Highlights

The match saw Hasaranga’s return to international cricket after a seven-month hiatus, and did so in record-breaking fashion. The spin-bowling all-rounder picked up a 7-wicket haul to register the 5^th best bowling figures in ODI cricket and the 2^nd best for Sri Lanka.

BEST BOWLING FIGURES IN ODIs

Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka): 8/19 vs Zimbabwe in 2001

Shahid Afridi (Pakistan): 7/12 vs West Indies in 2013

Glenn McGrath (Australia): 7/15 vs Namibia in 2003

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): 7/18 vs West Indies in 2017

Wanindu Hasaranga: 7/19 vs Zimbabwe in 2024

Zimbabwe, having won the toss and elected to bat first, got off to a promising start, reaching 40 without loss in the initial 7.4 overs.

However, their momentum was disrupted by the rain, and upon resumption, they were unable to cope with Hasaranga’s mastery. His arsenal of googlies, sliders, and legbreaks tore through the batting lineup, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 67 for 7 after his spell.

Despite the efforts of Luke Jongwe and Wellington Masakadza, who contributed 14 and 11 runs respectively, Zimbabwe was bowled out for a meager total of 96 runs in just 22.5 overs, in a game that was reduced to 27 overs per side due to the weather interruptions.

Chasing a revised target of 97, Sri Lanka’s innings began shakily, losing Avishka Fernando early. However, Kusal Mendis rose to the occasion, smashing an unbeaten 66 off 51 balls, ensuring that the hosts faced no further hiccups in their chase of 97.

Mendis’ aggressive batting propelled Sri Lanka towards the modest target with ease. Alongside Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama chipped in with 14 runs to guide their team to the win in 16.4 overs.

With this win, Sri Lanka clinched the three-match ODI series 2-0, with the first match washed out due to rain.