SL VS ZIM ODI

Right then, that is all we have from this game. The annoying rain has dampened our spirits here, but there are still two games to go in this series. The 2nd ODI will be played on 8th January, Monday at 2.30 pm IST (9.00 am GMT), but as you know, you can join us early for the build-up that will begin much sooner. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Earlier in the game, after opting to bat first, Sri Lanka were dealt an early blow in the form of Avishka Fernando in the first over. Despite the fall of an early wicket, Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama did not shy away from playing their shots and kept finding boundaries at regular intervals. However, Sadeera failed to make his start count, while Mendis was run out on 46. Despite the fall of wickets at regular intervals, Charith Asalanka kept going and, by doing so, kept Sri Lanka afloat. At 203-7, the Lankans were in danger of being bowled out inside the 50 overs, but Asalanka held his composure and soon brought up his third ODI hundred. He found an able alley in Dushmantha Chameera, and due to their 52-run stand, the hosts were able to reach 273, which looked unlikely at one stage. On the other hand, Zimbabwe gave a good account of themselves with the ball and kept Sri Lanka in check for most parts. However, they faced stiff resistance from Charith Asalanka, and bowlers struggling with cramps made matters worse for them. In pursuit of 274, Zimbabwe were off to a shaky start as Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Craig Ervine perished without troubling the scorers inside 4 overs. For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka set the tone with a probing first over while his new ball partner, Dushmantha Chameera backed it up from the other end. It was Madushanka who accounted for both wickets and looked hungry for more until the rain arrived.

UPDATE - 9.19 pm IST (3.49 pm GMT) - The inevitable has happened! THE MATCH HAS BEEN CALLED OFF! The forecast was always for rain, but we hoped that we could squeeze in at least 20 overs in the second innings, but it wasn't to be. Before the rain arrived, Sri Lanka had their tails up and looked to be on course to take the lead in the series but the rain played spoilsport. On the other hand, Zimbabwe had their backs against the wall and will feel that they have gotten out of jail.

UPDATE - 8.45 pm IST (3.15 pm GMT) - The wait is still on! It continues to rain in Colombo and at this rate, the chances of the match to resume are very low. The cut-off time for a 20-over run chase is 10.10 pm IST (4.40 pm GMT). Stick around and let's remain hopeful for some positive news.

UPDATE - 8.14 pm IST (2.44 pm GMT) - The waiting game continues! Considering the amount of time lost so far, we might start losing overs soon, if not already. All we can do right now is wait and hope for the rain to subside. Stick around for more news.

UPDATE - 7.41 pm IST (2.11 pm GMT) - The rain continues to fall at the R Premadasa Stadium! The intensity of rain has increased but as they do in this part of the world, the entire ground has been covered. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the weather clears up soon for the action to resume. Stay tuned for further updates.

UPDATE - 7.10 pm IST (1.40 pm GMT) - The covers are coming on and the players are walking off the field. The rain gods have made their appearance. The umpires are more concerned because there is a bit of lightning around as well. The play has stopped with Zimbabwe 12/2 after 4 overs chasing 274. Stay tuned and stick around, it might just be a passing shower.

Pitched up at 141 clicks, outside off, Milton Shumba leans on and drives it crisply towards cover.

Sloppy! Hurls it on a good length, on middle and leg, Milton Shumba gets half-forward and tucks it to the right of mid-wicket for a quick single. The fielder misses the shy at the non-striker's end and the throw is not backed up well at extra cover, allowing an extra run.

On a hard length, much closer to the off-stump, Takudzwanashe Kaitano runs it down with an open bat face to third man for a single.

Short of a length, outside off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano resists this time and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

FOUR BYES! That has taken off! Dushmantha Chameera bends his back and bangs it in short, over off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano goes for the pull but the ball shoots off the deck and sails over the batter. Kusal Mendis leaps but the ball goes over him as well and races into the fence.

Full and around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano gets on the front foot and stabs it on the off side.

Honing in, at the stumps, on a fuller length, Milton Shumba gets on the front foot and pushes it back to the bowler. End of an excellent over from Dilshan Madushanka!

Milton Shumba is the new man in. Oh no! It has started to drizzle. Let's hope that this passes through and the play is not interrupted.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Dilshan Madushanka with the double whammy! A massive blow early in the run chase for Zimbabwe as their skipper walks back without troubling the scorers! Delivers it on a length and outside the off-stump, gets the ball to swing away from the left-hander, Craig Ervine gets lured into the drive but does not move his feet to execute the shot. Plays away from his body and gets an outside edge that goes straight into the bread basket of Sahan Arachchige at first slip who makes no mistake.

Full and swinging away, outside off, Craig Ervine looks to drive it on the up but the ball nips away to beat him on the outside edge.

Much better! In the corridor of uncertainty and on a good length, Craig Ervine has a feel for the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.