Shanaka's ton in vain as Zimbabwe level series against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka scored his maiden ODI century while Kamindu Mendis made 57, but it was not enough as Zimbabwe won by 22 runs in the second ODI in Pallekele. The visitors levelled the three-match series with the win on Tuesday.

Pacers Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarbani led the Zimbabwean attack with three wickets apiece while Richard Ngarava (1-41) and Wessley Madhevere (1-30) offered support as Sri Lanka managed to reach 280/9 in 50 overs.

Earlier, skipper Craig Ervine (91) and Sikandar Raza (56) powered Zimbabwe to 302 for eight after electing to bat first. Opener Regis Chakabva (47) contributed vital runs upfront as Sean Williams (48) put up a partnership of 106 runs for the third wicket with Ervine. The hosts used a total of eight bowlers among whom Jeffrey Vandersay (3-51) managed to make a sizable contribution.

Chasing a big total, Sri Lanka lost opener Kusal Mendis in the fifth over by Chatara, while Muzarbani sent back Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal in back-to-back overs. The Islanders were reeling at 63/4 after Charith Asalanka's dismissal when Shanaka and Mendis steadied the ship.

The pair added 118 runs for the fifth before Ngarava dismissed Mendis in the 35th over. Chamika Karunaratne (34) took the game deep when he added 66 runs with Shanaka for the sixth wicket. But the pair fell in quick succession with Shanaka being dismissed by Raza's catch off Chatara while Williams ran out Karunaratne in the 48th over.

Chatara and Muzarabani struck again at the death as Sri Lanka fell short by 22 runs.

The series deciding third ODI will be played at Pallekele on Friday.