Zimbabwe created history by defeating Sri Lanka in the final One day International at Hambantota finished a few minutes ago. It was a great bowling performance by Zimbabwe who won the toss and elected to field, restricted the hosts to 203 for 8.
While chasing, Zimbabwe openers Masakadza and Mire added 92 runs for the first wicket. The other opener Masakadza scored 73 runs, after that, they lost 5 wickets. Sikander Raza and Captain Graeme Cremer helped Zimbabwe cross over the line to win their first series win over Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.
In today’s match, Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer won the toss and elected to field. Sri Lanka lost 3 early wickets of Dickwella, Tharanga and Kusal Mendis to leave hosts at 34 for 3 in the first 10 overs. None of Sri Lankan batsmen were able to score runs apart from Gunathilka who scored 52 while Guarantee made 59 to help Sri Lanka go past 200.
Chasing the target of 206, Zimbabwe openers Mire and Maskadza put pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers adding 92 runs for the first wicket in 14.2 overs. Maskadza and Musakanda added 45 for the second wicket. They lost wickets at regular intervals with the score reading at 175 for 7. Sikander Raza and Graeme Creamer steadied the nerves, winning the match by 3 wickets with 71 balls to spare.
It is their first win over a test playing nation for Zimbabwe since 2013. Also, it was their first series win in Asia. Before coming to this series, Zimbabwe was given no chance of beating Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. It was a great performance with the way the visitors played in the entire series. During the first match at Galle, the Sri Lankan team posted 316 for 5 in 50 overs. Mire maiden century against Sri Lanka and contributions from Williams, Raza helped Zimbabwe to chase the highest run chased in Sri Lanka.
The second match and third match Zimbabwe were outplayed by the hosts. In the fourth match, Zimbabwe bowlers fought back to give their batsmen a chance. Again every batsman contributed to winning the match by 4 wickets to level the series at 2-2. It was a superb performance by Zimbabwe who outplayed Sri Lanka in the final ODI to take the series 3-2 and their first series win over test playing nation.
With this win, Zimbabwe would gain confidence to play big teams. It is one of their best wins in their ODI cricket history. They have won 129 matches and lost 345 out of the 491 ODI matches they have played.