August 31, 2025-
Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets at Harare Sports Club.
- Zimbabwe: 277/7 (50 overs) – Ben Curran 79, Sikandar Raza 31*
- Sri Lanka: 278/5 (49.2 overs) – Pathum Nissanka 122 ,Charith Asalanka 71, Kamindu Mendis unbeaten finish
- Series Result: Sri Lanka won the ODI series 2–0
Sri Lanka Clean-Sweeps Zimbabwe 2–0 in ODI Series (August 2025)
The Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe in August 2025 ended with the visitors taking home a 2–0 series victory, showcasing composure, skill, and nerves of steel in two tightly contested matches at the Harare Sports Club. Both ODIs went down to the final overs, but Sri Lanka emerged victorious on each occasion—first through a stunning last-over hat-trick from Dilshan Madushanka, and then via a composed run chase anchored by Charith Asalanka.
For Zimbabwe, the series was one of missed opportunities. They pushed Sri Lanka to the brink in both encounters but lacked the killer instinct to finish games. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, proved why they are among the most resilient sides in world cricket.
1st ODI: Madushanka’s Hat-Trick Steals Victory
The opening ODI on August 29, 2025, was a rollercoaster ride. Batting first, Sri Lanka set a competitive total, driven by opener Pathum Nissanka, who has been in sparkling form throughout the year. Supported by cameos from the middle order, Sri Lanka posted a total that was challenging without being overwhelming.
Zimbabwe, in reply, appeared to be in control of the chase heading into the final overs. With wickets in hand and the required rate under control, a home victory seemed imminent. But cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, and that’s when Dilshan Madushanka stepped up.
With Zimbabwe needing only a handful of runs, Madushanka produced an extraordinary final over, claiming a hat-trick to completely turn the match around. His precision yorkers and clever variations dismantled Zimbabwe’s lower order and handed Sri Lanka a thrilling 7-run win.
The finish stunned the Harare crowd and left Zimbabwe’s players in disbelief. For Sri Lanka, it was a reminder of the value of death-bowling specialists in modern ODI cricket.
2nd ODI: Asalanka Guides Sri Lanka to Series Win
Just two days later, on August 31, 2025, the sides met again at Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe, determined to bounce back, won the toss and chose to bat first.
Zimbabwe’s Innings
The hosts put up another competitive score of 277/7 in their 50 overs. The star of the innings was Ben Curran, who top-scored with 79 off 95 balls, showing both patience and flair. He was ably supported by Brian Bennett (21), Brendan Taylor (20), and Sean Williams (20).
Once again, it was Sikandar Raza (31 off 38)* and Clive Madande (16 off 20)* who ensured a strong finish, steering Zimbabwe past the 270-mark. Importantly, Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled with discipline, conceding 17 wides, boosting Zimbabwe’s total.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling
- Dushmantha Chameera: 3/52 (10 overs), the pick of the attack.
- Asitha Fernando: 2/67 (9 overs).
- Dilshan Madushanka: 1/57 (10 overs).
Despite conceding extras, the bowlers kept striking at regular intervals to stop Zimbabwe from running away with the game.
Sri Lanka’s Chase
Chasing 278, Sri Lanka started steadily but lost wickets at intervals, ensuring the game remained in the balance. The pressure of a series-decider was evident, but Charith Asalanka rose to the occasion.
Playing with maturity beyond his years, Asalanka scored a fluent 71 off 61 balls, guiding Sri Lanka through the middle overs. He rotated strike well and dispatched loose deliveries, keeping the required rate under control.
In the final overs, however, tension mounted. With just a handful of runs needed, Zimbabwe struck again, dismissing Asalanka in the 49th over. The pressure was now squarely on Sri Lanka’s lower middle order.
But Kamindu Mendis held his nerve. In the 48th over, he struck a crucial boundary that tilted the match back in Sri Lanka’s favor. From there, the visitors managed the chase with calmness, eventually reaching 278/5 in 49.3 overs, sealing a five-wicket win and with it, the series.
Series Result
- 1st ODI (Harare, Aug 29): Sri Lanka won by 7 runs (Madushanka hat-trick in last over).
- 2nd ODI (Harare, Aug 31): Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets (Asalanka 71, Mendis finishes chase).
- Series Outcome: Sri Lanka won the ODI series 2–0.
Key Performers of the Series
Batting
- Pathum Nissanka (SL): The most consistent batsman, scoring 198 runs across the series.
- Sikandar Raza (ZIM): Zimbabwe’s best with the bat, accumulating 151 runs.
- Charith Asalanka (SL): Match-winning 71 in the 2nd ODI to clinch the series.
Bowling
- Dilshan Madushanka (SL): Match-winning hat-trick in the 1st ODI; 5 wickets in total.
- Asitha Fernando (SL): Also finished with 5 wickets, including crucial breakthroughs.
- Dushmantha Chameera (SL): 3 wickets in the 2nd ODI, key in containing Zimbabwe.
What This Series Means
For Sri Lanka, the 2–0 series win is a boost to their confidence heading into the busy cricket calendar. The emergence of Charith Asalanka as a dependable middle-order batsman, the consistency of Nissanka at the top, and Madushanka’s heroics with the ball give them plenty of positives to build upon.
For Zimbabwe, the series will be remembered as an opportunity missed. They had Sri Lanka on the ropes in both matches but failed to close out key moments. Nevertheless, performances from Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza highlight the talent within their ranks.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 delivered two thrilling ODIs that swung dramatically in the final overs. Zimbabwe showed heart and competitiveness, but Sri Lanka proved to be the better side under pressure, winning both matches.
From Madushanka’s once-in-a-lifetime hat-trick to Asalanka’s nerveless half-century, the series was a reminder of ODI cricket’s unpredictability and charm. In the end, Sri Lanka’s composure and depth made the difference, allowing them to sweep the series 2–0 and return home with confidence sky-high.
