Charith Asalanka star with the bat in a rain-affected match

The first ODI of the series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe ended with no result due to rain on Saturday at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and opted to bat first.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka were off to a sheaky start and lost the Avishka Ferando in the very first over. After that, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis made a 63-run partnership for the second wicket until Samarawickrama was dismissed for 41 runs. 48 runs later, debutant Janith Liyanage departs for 24 runs. Kusal Mendis was unfortunately run out for 41 runs when the score was 125 runs. After the dismissal of Mendis Sahan Arachchige, Charith Asalanka added 37 runs for the 5th wicket. Sahan Arachchige scored 11 runs. Former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka once again failed and departed for 8 runs after playing a pretty short game. However After that, Charith Asalanka guided Sri Lanka to a competitive total on the board. Asalanka and Dushmantha Chameera made a 52-run partnership for the 8th wicket. Chameera scored 18 runs. Charith Asalanka was the star with a bat and scored 101 runs in 95 balls with 5 fours and 4 sixes. Eventually, Sri Lanka managed to score 273 runs for a loss of nine wickets in their 50 overs.

In reply to that, Zimbabwe faced only four overs due to rain. However, after a long rain break, match officials decided to call off the game due to the rain. Within those 4 overs, Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka claimed 2 wickets in his 2nd over of the match.