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SRI LANKA 300/6 (50 OVERS)
- Danushka Gunathilaka87 (101)
- Niroshan Dickwella116 (118)
- Chris Mpofu2/61 (9)
- Malcolm Waller2/44 (10)
ZIMBABWE 219/6 (29.2 OVERS)
- Craig Ervine*69 (55)
- Solomon Mire43 (30)
- Dushmantha Chameera1/32 (5)
- Wanindu Hasaranga3/40 (6)
Commentator: Sreshth Shah
6.24 pm All of that sets up the series decider magnificently. And we will bring you all the coverage from that game on Monday. Till then, hope you enjoyed ESPNcricinfo's coverage of the fourth ODI from Hambantota. From Sreshth and Shashank, it's goodbye.
6.20 pm It was a long match day but one that ended with a result. We went overtime today, but no one minds that when the cricket is so exciting. Zimbabwe level the series, courtesy their bowling at the death and the start provided by Mire and Masakadza. After that Ervine came to the party and ensured there was no stumbling after the rain break. Sri Lanka will have some homework to do ahead of the series' final game. How they only managed to only set a 301 target - after they were at 208 for no loss after 35 overs - is something the captain and coach will need to ponder over. Sri Lanka's bowling looked bleak too, except for Gunaratne's wily bowling under the cloudy skies. The debutant Fernando leaked runs and so did the young spinner Sandakan, while Malinga looked like a pale shadow of his former self. Between all of that, openers Dickwella and Gunathilaka became the only pair to ever notch up a partnership of 200+ in consecutive matches. But do those stats really matter if a team cannot win?
More reactions. Lungile says: "So good to see the boys on top on their game. This was an outstanding performance. Regardless of what happens in the decider l think there is so much to praise in how the team has gone about their business. Great job Heath, Makhaya and all the off-field team. #weareback !!"
6.05 pm Time for the presentation ceremony. Craig Ervine is the player of the match. "The rain break wasn't too bad. We knew the target. We just needed to execute our plans. Tying the series is exciting. We will come back and try to win that last game."
Losing captain Angelo Mathews: "I thought 300 was enough but credit to Zimbabwe. I moved up to get the momentum after Dickwella and Dhanushka. The wicket slowed up a bit but the shot selection was poor too. It's been an interesting series so far. Zimbabwe have played really well. We need to step up,"
Winning captain Graeme Cremer: "We knew we were ahead of the rate, and that we were in the game during the rain. Our batting was excellent. The pressures of winning a series does not put pressure on us. We can put up scores as well as chase them. Our final ten overs were excellent. Our bowlers really pulled it back.
Akshar Kaul: "As a cricket fan i am delighted at the rise of Zimbabwe cricket but at the same time i am disappointed by the level of cricket played by Sri Lanka."
Attila: "Sri Lanka never quite have luck on their side during these chases in poor light. Whether they're defending or chasing. No credit taken away from Ervine and Co. though. Great batting."
MN Waller c Gunathilaka b Sandakan 20 (16m 13b 3x4 0x6) SR: 153.84
END OF OVER:29 | 12 Runs | ZIM: 215/5 (4 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 7.41, RRR: 2.00)
- Malcolm Waller20 (12b)
- Craig Ervine65 (54b)
- Danushka Gunathilaka2-0-16-0
- Wanindu Hasaranga6-0-40-3
Match Coverage
All Match NewsMathews unsure about captaining in 2019 World Cup
A second ODI loss to Zimbabwe in the ongoing series, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews conceded, has put his captaincy under significant pressure, and he hinted that he is unsure if he will lead the side in the next World Cup
'They probably didn't expect us to win' - Cremer
Having drawn the series level, the Zimbabwe captain said his side always believed they could chase down big totals and that the pressure will be more on Sri Lanka going into the decider
Calm Ervine helps Zimbabwe draw level
Sri Lanka managed only 300 for 6 after looking to post in excess of 350 at one stage. That Zimbabwe have only 301 to chase, in a bid to save the series, was courtesy a strong bowling effort in the death overs that included regular wickets
Zimbabwe need bowling revival to keep series alive
Zimbabwe must now win both remaining matches, if they are to avoid a series defeat, but a newly inspired Sri Lanka top order stands in their way