Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by 184 runs in the third ODI to win the series by 2-1 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Asked to chase 255, Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 70.
Charith Asalanka was adjudged Player of the Match for his 56-ball 52, while Pathum Nissanka bagged Player of the Series for amassing 146 runs in three games.
Nissanka and Kusal Mendis got Sri Lanka off to a steady start, adding 80 before the latter fell for 36. Nissanka struck six fours in his 55 before he was run out in the 23rd over. Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal fell cheaply, leaving Sri Lanka in a dire position.
Asalanka scored 52 before handy contributions from Chamika Karunaratne (30) and Ramesh Mendis (26) propelled Sri Lanka to 254/9. Richard Ngarava took two wickets.
In reply, Zimbabwe lost Regis Chakabva and Craig Ervine in the third over, to successive deliveries from Dushmantha Chameera. Maheesh Theekshana then bowled Sean Williams to reduce them to 20/3, which soon become 31/5 after Sikandar Raza's dismissal.
Takudzwanashe Kaitano (19) and Ryan Burl (15) were the only Zimbabweans to reach double figures. Jeffrey Vandersay wrapped up the innings by getting Ngarava. Vandersay (4-10) was the pick of the bowlers, while Chameera and Ramesh picked up two wickets each.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 254/9 in 50 overs (Pathum Nissanka 55; Richard Ngarava 2-46) beat Zimbabwe 70 in 24.4 overs (Takudzwanashe Kaitano 19; Jeffrey Vandersay 4-10) by 184 runs. Player of the Match: Charith Asalanka.
Sri Lanka won the series 2-1. Player of the Series: Pathum Nissanka.