Match Center

Right then, that is it from this game and the series as well. Sri Lanka sealed the series with a dominating win while Zimbabwe can take a few positives from this tour as they have played some competitive cricket here. The trophy has been handed to Wanindu Hasaranga who joins his team, and all of them celebrate together by posing for some pictures behind the 'CHAMPIONS' banner. Zimbabwe will have a bit of rest now while next up for Sri Lanka is the One-off Test against Afghanistan which will start on 2nd February, Friday at 10 am IST (4.30 am GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the game. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Wanindu Hasaranga, the victorious skipper of Sri Lanka and the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his excellent bowling effort is up for chat. He says he is very happy with the performance in this game after the loss in the previous match. He then says that there was a bit of talk in the camp with regards to the bowling and fielding which came good in this game. He further talks about the pitch and says the dew that came in the previous game was the reason they decided to chase in this game. He then concludes that with the series against Afghanistan and the World Cup coming up, the team will look forward to working on the fielding and improving the top-order batting.

Sikandar Raza, the captain of Zimbabwe starts off saying that it's disappointing to have been at 52 after 6 overs and to get all out for 82 which has no explanation and unfortunately, the team is lacking the courage more than the skills. He then says that this tour has been one of the 'extremes' where either they have played exceptionally well or the other way around. He then talks about the lack of effort in training and preparing, which has impacted the side by not trusting their skills and failing to read the situations. He further appreciates the seamers in the side for doing well and remaining fit despite the tough conditions and unfavourable pitches.

Angelo Mathews is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his all-round effort throughout the three games. He says it was a huge occasion for him as his mom and dad are present watching him play, and he dedicates the trophy to them. He adds that he is feeling great and it is a great comeback series for him. Tells that he is trying his level best and is happy to contribute to the team. He reckons that his job in the last game was to help his team set a target, and his role varies depending on the situation and his batting number. Mentions that it has been really good for him in this series except for that crappy last over that he bowled in the last match. He ends by praising Zimbabwe as they were excellent throughout the series and made them work hard to win the series.

Presentation Time...

After losing the toss, and being asked to bat first, Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 82 runs which was never going to be enough to defend. They started well with Brian Bennett playing a quick-fire cameo of 29 balls in 12 balls, but none of the other batters could make much impact as they lost their last six wickets for just 11 runs. Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka with four wickets while Angelo Mathews and Maheesh Theekshana picked up a couple of wickets each. Dilshan Madushanka and Dhananjaya de Silva chipped in with one each as well. While chasing, their openers almost finished the job by themselves, but Sean Williams dismissed Kusal Mendis and that was the only wicket that fell for the hosts. Nothing really to say about the performance of Zimbabwe as their batters failed to turn up for this crucial game, which ultimately cost them this game and the series.

SRI LANKA TAKES THE SERIES 2-1 WITH A THUMPING WIN! We were expecting a more closely fought decider, but the Lankans have completely outplayed Zimbabwe here, and it looked like the visitors did not even show up for this game. This win was set up really by the bowlers, with skipper Wanindu Hasaranga leading from the front, and the batters finished the job without much fuss.

SIX! Pathum Nissanka finishes things off in style! Sikandar Raza serves this one fuller and into the stumps, Pathum Nissanka kneels down and slog-sweeps this one perfectly over mid-wicket for a maximum to seal the series. SRI LANKA WIN BY 9 WICKETS!

Short delivery on stumps. Dhananjaya de Silva holds back and nudges it towards the mid-wicket region for one.

Fuller once again. Dhananjaya de Silva drills it straight to the covers.

FOUR! Poor effort at the backward point has cost them hard! Short delivery on off. Dhananjaya de Silva stays back and chops it to the left of the backward point fielder. The fielder was late to dive to his left and Dhananjaya de Silva finds a boundary.

Fuller on off. Dhananjaya de Silva drives it but straight to the cover fielder for no runs. 6 runs needed for Sri Lanka.

Fuller and into the stumps again, Dhananjaya de Silva taps it with soft hands towards covers and sprints to the other end..

Pitches this one a fraction shorter and quicker into middle and leg, Dhananjaya de Silva tries to stab it down the leg side but fails to connect. The ball hits the pads and trickles away towards point.

Quicker and shorter this time, spinning into the right-hander, Dhananjaya de Silva tries to slam it square on the leg side but gets beaten. The ball hits the pad.

FOUR! Dhananjaya de Silva is taking Sri Lanka closer to victory now. Sean Williams overpitches this one around middle and leg, Dhananjaya de Silva takes away his front foot and sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Floats this one up and into the stumps, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks it on the front foot.