Sri Lanka’s Asalanka Top Scores But First ODI Match Against Zimbabwe Abandoned. Rain forced the first ODI at the R Premadasa stadium in Colombo to be abandoned four overs into the second innings, but the game’s high point was Charith Asalanka’s century. After Sri Lanka decided to bat, they amassed a massive 273/9 on Saturday, January 6, thanks to Asalanka’s 95-ball 101, his third century in one-day internationals. The rain stopped about two hours after it started, forcing the cancellation of the second-inning match with Zimbabwe down 12/2.
Sri Lanka Got off To A Great Start.
Sri Lanka got off to a great start despite losing Avishka Fernando for a duck in the opening over, thanks to a quick half-century stand between Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama. Before Richard Ngarava scored the game’s second wicket, Samarawickrama amassed 41 runs in a 63-run partnership with his captain. Following a strong partnership between Mendis and debutant Janith Liyanage, Zimbabwe promptly replied by four wickets to reduce Sri Lanka to 125/4.
Zimbabwe Still Attacking Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Asalanka Top Scores With Zimbabwe still attacking Sri Lanka regularly, Asalanka, fighting on her own, had little run support from the lower middle order. But Dushmantha Chameera produced some important runs in a 52-run partnership with Asalanka, who had taken charge in the final overs after scoring a well-balanced half-century. With a flurry of sixes, Asalanka ended the 45th on 69 off 79 and swept into the 90s. Blessing Muzarabani dismissed Chameera, but Asalanka hit a maximum to reach three figures in style. Although his forceful hitting helped Sri Lanka reach a decent score, the host team was unable to make any progress as the century ran out in the final over.
Dilshan Madushanka started the chase.
Dilshan Madushanka started the chase poorly for Zimbabwe, conceding no runs in his first two overs. Still, he struck twice in the third over to remove Craig Ervine and Tinashe Kamunhukamwe. The downpour forced the players off the pitch, preventing further harm from the hosts. The umpires finally decided to call the game because they grew increasingly concerned as the rain and lightning continued.
Brief scores: Dilshan Madushanka 2-0 vs Zimbabwe 12/2 in 4 overs. Sri Lanka 273/9 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 46, Richard Ngarava 2-39) – The match was abandoned. CHARITH ASALanka scored 101.
Excited for remaining matches 🤩