Harare, Aug. 29 -- Sri Lanka held their nerve in the final overs to script a narrow seven-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club here today.
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, Zimbabwe managed to restrict Sri Lanka to 298 for 6 in 50 overs.
Opener Pathum Nissanka (76 off 92 balls) provided a solid start, while Janith Liyanage (70 not out off 47 balls) powered the innings in the middle and death overs. Kamindu Mendis chipped in with a brisk 57 off 36 deliveries to help the visitors post a competitive total.
For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani (1/65), Richard Ngarava (2/34), Sean Williams (1/26) and Sikandar Raza (1/48) picked up wickets, but failed to stop the late assault ...