In a turn of events marked by frustration and rain-soaked anticipation, Sri Lanka’s international cricket resurgence was stalled as their first One Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe faced an untimely demise due to persistent rain at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The match held on Saturday, January 6, not only witnessed a fresh start for the Sri Lankan squad after their disappointing performance at the ICC World Cup 2023 but also showcased a beacon of brilliance in Charith Asalanka’s century. Despite the stellar performance, the inclement weather ultimately left fans and players disheartened.
The newly constituted Sri Lankan team, led by captain Kusal Mendis, entered the field with a determination to rebuild and showcase their mettle. Winning the toss, Mendis confidently chose to bat first, giving a nod for a debuting performance to batting all-rounder Janith Liyanage. The start, however, was rocky for Sri Lanka when Avishka Fernando was dismissed early, a bowler taking advantage of the opening slot due to Pathum Nissanka’s injury absence.
The fledgling Sri Lankan spirit was ignited when Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama amassed a second-wicket partnership that contributed 63 crucial runs, injecting momentum into the innings. Both batsmen achieved scores surpassing forty, though neither could convert their start into a sizable innings; their dismissals signaled a worrying lack of steadiness during the critical middle overs which often define an ODI game’s trajectory.
Standing tall amidst the instability was Charith Asalanka, who with composed dominance sculpted his third ODI century. Asalanka’s resilience at one end of the pitches was a display of sheer determination; however, it was an effort that remained largely unsupported by his peers. Liyanage, on his maiden outing, chipped in with a respectable 24 off 34 balls while others like Dasun Shanaka and the returning Sahan Arachchige failed to leave a mark.
As the Sri Lankan innings culminated, Asalanka emerged as the top-scorer with a vibrant 101 runs from just 95 balls, showcasing an array of skills that could cement his place as a mainstay in the batting lineup. Mendis, the second-highest scorer for his side, provided vital support with a contribution of 46 runs.
During the change of innings, the Zimbabwean team found itself in a precarious position as Dilshan Madushanka, a young bowler fresh from the World Cup with 21 wickets in his arsenal, struck twice in the third over. The visitors reeled at five runs for the loss of two wickets, including Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and captain Craig Ervine.
However, in an ironic twist, the very rain that often provides a dramatic backdrop for cricketing heroics came down in sheets, halting any further play. As the rain refused to relent, the umpires made the regrettable decision to call off the game, leaving the outcome undecided and the players to contemplate what might have been.
The match, hence, concluded with Zimbabwe’s Playing XI – including standouts such as Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani – and Sri Lanka’s Playing XI, featuring the likes of Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana, retreating from the field, their ambitions drenched but not washed away.
As fans dispersed and the stadium emptied, the ground remained a silent witness to Sri Lanka’s halted commencement and a centurion’s effort that was lost to the vagaries of weather. The rain may have washed out the match, but it couldn’t dampen the spirit of a team eager to prove themselves nor the luster of a hundred that, despite the downpour, shone bright at the Premadasa.
