Asalanka’s dazzling century shines in rain-washed first ODI

Charith Asalanka's magnificent century shone brightly despite rains washing out the opening game of the three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday.

Chasing 274 to win, the tourists were 12 for 2 when a downpour interrupted the run chase after just four overs into their innings. Left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka continued his form from the 50-over ICC World Cup in India, dismissing Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and captain Craig Ervine in his second over, leaving the tourists struggling at 5-2 in pursuit of a challenging total.

Madushanka bowled Kamunhukamwe with the first ball of his second over before trapping Ervine at first slip with the fifth ball, making early breakthroughs in Zimbabwe's chase.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first, facing early setbacks with regular wickets falling. However, Asalanka displayed incredible composure and skill, crafting a splendid innings amidst the pressure. His unbeaten 101 stabilised the innings and propelled Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 273 for 9 in their 50 overs.

Asalanka's innings showcased resilience, adaptability to the conditions and calculated aggression. His eighthwicket partnership with Dushmantha Chameera

(52 runs off 42 balls) was pivotal in setting a challenging target for the Zimbabwean team. He reached his century with a flick over the leg side boundary off Blessing Muzarabani's bowling, celebrating the remarkable milestone with gusto.

The deputy skipper hit five boundaries and four sixes in his 95-ball vigil before being run out just three balls before their innings ended.

At the outset of the game, opener Avishka Fernando departed for a five-ball duck while trying to defend against Richard Ngarava. The outside edge went to wicketkeeper Clive Madande, resulting in the hosts losing their first wicket without adding any runs to the total. Following this, captain Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrema built a quick 63-run partnership for the second wicket in 8.1 overs, putting pressure on the visitors. Samarawickrema showed aggressive strokeplay, hitting eight boundaries in his 31-ball 41, while Mendis played a supporting role, accumulating runs steadily. However, when Ngarava returned to bowl over the wicket, he delivered a well-pitched ball aimed precisely at the off-side. Samarawickrama, in his aggressive approach, once again found himself in trouble, resulting in an edge that was caught by first slip fielder Craig Ervine, leading to his dismissal. Debutant Janith Liyanage scored 21 runs, while former skipper Dasun Shanaka struggled hitting only eight runs, raising questions about his selection to the ODI side despite consistent failure with the bat. For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Faraz Akram each picked up two wickets to restrict Sri Lanka to 273 for 9 in their 50 overs.

The rain interruption ultimately led to the match being abandoned. The second match of the series is scheduled to take place at the same venue tomorrow.