Zimbabwe produced a scintilating batting display mounting a 300 plus total fronted by a classic captain’s knock by Craig Irvine who belted 91 off 98 balls to defeat Sri Lanka by 20 runs in the second ODI day-night and level the 3-match series 1-all at the Pallekelle International Stadium on Tuesday.

In reply to Zimbabwe’s 302 for 8 wickets off 50 overs, Sri Lanka made 280 for 9 off 50 overs on the back of a 94-ball 102 by skipper Dasun Shanaka laced with 4 sixes and 7 fours but his effort fell short of mounting victory.

Zimbabwe repeated ther giant batting display in the opener but this time made sure they crossed the 300 mark to put pressure on the Lankans with Craig Irvine leading the charge firing 10 boundaries. He shared in a third wicket partnership of 106 runs with Sean Williams who made 48 off 56 with 3 fours while Regis Chakabva made 47 off 50 with 5 fours and a six.

Sri Lanka’s top order failed to repeat their heroics of a day ago. At one stage they were tottering on 63 for 4 by the 15th over before Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis who made 57 off 82 balls rallied the side by a 5th wicket partnership of 118 off 120 balls. But ultimately the early setbacks proved to be costly despite Shanaka’s valiant effort.