In a riveting encounter at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka hosted Zimbabwe for the 1st ODI of the 2024 series. The clash, held on January 6, unfolded into a cricketing spectacle, where Sri Lanka with charith Asalanka’s century helping in putting up an impressive total of 273-9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka Played crucial Innings:
The Sri Lankan innings was a roller-coaster of emotions, witnessing remarkable performances and twists in the tale. Opener Avishka Fernando’s early dismissal set the stage for an intense battle. However, skipper Kusal Mendis took charge, contributing a steady 46 runs off 48 balls before being run out by Raza.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Samarawickrama displayed flair in his innings, scoring a brisk 41 off 31 deliveries, while Janith Liyanage added 24 valuable runs. The highlight of the innings was a sensational century by Asalanka, who played a pivotal role with his composed 101 off 95 balls, featuring five boundaries and four sixes.
Asalanka’s performance was outstanding, scoring a century at a commendable strike rate. His innings included a substantial number of boundaries where he scored 5 fours and 4 sixes , showcasing his ability to score quickly and efficiently.
Asalanka’s innings not only featured a century, a remarkable feat in cricket, but it also demonstrated his capability to balance aggression and control, as reflected in the brisk scoring rate and the boundary count. The run-out dismissal is a part of the game, and despite the end of his innings, Asalanka’s substantial contribution likely played a crucial role in setting up a competitive total for the team.
Top Performers for Sri Lanka:
- Kusal Mendis: 46 runs off 48 balls
- Asalanka: 101 runs off 95 balls
Zimbabwe Bowlers’ Efforts:
- Ngarava: 2 wickets for 39 runs in 6.4 overs
- Muzarabani: 2 wickets for 62 runs in 10 overs
- Faraz: 2 wickets for 58 runs in 10 overs
The Zimbabwean bowlers, led by Ngarava and Muzarabani, showcased resilience, claiming crucial wickets to contain the Sri Lankan innings. Faraz also contributed with two vital wickets.
Fall of Wickets:
- 0-1 (Avishka Fernando, 0.5)
- 63-2 (Samarawickrama, 8.6)
- 111-3 (Janith Liyanage, 18.5)
- 125-4 (Kusal Mendis, 21.2)
- 162-5 (Sahan Arachchige, 30.2)
- 185-6 (Shanaka, 36.5)
- 208-7 (M Theekshana, 41.2)
- 260-8 (Chameera, 48.2)
- 269-9 (Asalanka, 49.3)
Zimbabwe Bowlers’ Analysis:
- Ngarava: 2 wickets for 39 runs
- Muzarabani: 2 wickets for 62 runs
- Faraz: 2 wickets for 58 runs
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Despite the wickets falling at regular intervals, Sri Lanka managed to build partnerships, and Dasun Shanaka’s century played a pivotal role in guiding the team to a competitive total.
Conclusion:
The 1st ODI between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe was a thrilling spectacle of skill, determination, and flair. Sri Lanka’s total of 273-9 sets the stage for an exciting series, with both teams showcasing their prowess in a closely contested battle. As the series progresses, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more exhilarating moments on the field.