Zimbabwe win fourth ODI, level series
Fourth match of the series
Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the fourth ODI played in Hambantota on July 9, leveling the five-match series 2-2. The Duckworth-Lewis method was used in the rain-affected match.
Sri Lanka's strong start
Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka scored 300 runs in 50 overs. Openers Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Gunathilaka again shared a century partnership to add 209 runs. The pair created history by opening with more than 200-run partnerships in two consecutive matches. Dickwella scored his second consecutive century, but Gunathilaka was restricted to 87 runs.
Zimbabwe's response
Chasing the target, Zimbabwe got off to a flying start. After an opening partnership of 67 runs, Hamilton Masakadza and Solomon Mirre both contributed solidly. When the match was interrupted by rain in the middle, the new target was set at 219 runs in 31 overs.
Ervine's consistency
Zimbabwe's Craig Ervine played a calm innings to guide the team to victory. He scored 69 not out. Masakadza's 28 and Mire's 43 also contributed greatly. On the bowling front, Waller and Mpofu took two wickets each.
A decisive final match
The series will now be decided by the fifth ODI. Both teams are expected to perform well in the decisive match to be held in Hambantota on Monday. Zimbabwe has a golden opportunity to win the series against Sri Lanka for the first time, while the home team is looking to make a strong comeback on its own turf.
