Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI at Colombo, SL v ZIM, Jan 08 2024 - Ball by Ball Commentary

That brings us to the end of the proceedings from this thrilling low-scorer. Who would have thought that chasing even 209 would turn out to be a task on what was supposed to be a batting-friendly pitch, and with rain around? But Ngrava's maiden five-for showed Zimbabwe the way, only for them to barely fall short. That's it from us tonight, as we bid you goodbye and good night. Take care!

Ran: "I am Sri Lankan , but feel for Ngarava as he bowled brilliantly. "

Kusal Mendis, the winning captain, speaks in Sinhalese, and says he isn't too happy with how Sri Lanka batted. But he's satisfied with Liyanage's performance, and wants to improve in the future.

Craig Ervine: "We batted reasonably well. We had a decent platform, but couldn't cash in at the back end. We thought 240-250 was a decent score. Losing so many wickets in the back end put us back. Credit to them. Richie took his maiden five-for... Had we taken the chances, it could have been a different story."

Janith Liyanage is the Player of the Match for his 95: "The ball was moving a bit when I went to the middle. I thought if I could stay till the end, we could win. It was a bit tricky because the wicket was on the slower side, and the pace varied a bit. [It was] a bit tacky. We were behind on DLS [when I got out], so I thought if we could get four more runs."

Time for the presentations

Ash: "Didn't expect such an interesting game. Pity, I couldn't see it live."

Zubair Islam: "A real nail-biter. Thank God I don't belong to SL or Zim, otherwise could have been very tense"

10.48pm A topsy-turvy game that is eventually decided by a ninth-wicket partnership of 39 in 41 balls. A terrific lower-order resistance from Liyanage, Chameera and Vandersay give the hosts a 1-0 series lead. Don't forget Theekshana's contribution too with the bat, adding to his four-wicket haul that restricted Zimbabwe to 208 in the afternoon. A match to remember for Ngarava for his maiden five-wicket haul, but unfortunately for him, not in a winning cause. A terrific ODI. Himanshu shall bring the presentations shortly.

only three to win.

Robbin: "Who says ODI format is dead! Reminiscent of 1990s times"

Zubair Islam : "Those two overs by Burl n zim batting full quota of overs were big errors, though Zim might still sneak through "

Eleven to win in 12 balls, with SL slightly ahead on DLS too in case the rain gets heavier.

rain getting heavier. Heavier than when we had that first interruption. Zimbabwe need 1 magic ball for sure for a wicket. SL are ahead on DLS by a little bit

the second no-ball bowled by Muzarabani today. At a crucial time.

DLS par score at the end of the 48th over: 196

Muzarabani to bowl out.

rain getting heavier

rain getting heavier

Stat alert: Chameera is playing his 50th ODI today. Made his debut 8.5 years ago!