Sri Lanka clinched the two-match ODI series against the hosts Zimbabwe after another thrilling victory in the series-decider on Sunday (August 31), as the Lankans beat the Chevrons by five wickets after chasing down the 278-run target in 49.3 balls with only three balls remaining. After losing their home ODI series in 2017, it was Sri Lanka's third straight bilateral ODI series win against Zimbabwe.

Leading the series 1-0 after winning the thrilling series opener, where the Sri Lankan left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka recorded an ODI hat-trick in the final over of the match to secure a victory, the visitors chose to field first in the second ODI. After Zimbabwe scored 277/7 in 50 overs, the visitors fought hard but calmly to successfully chase the target in the final over. 

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ZIM vs SL 2025, 2nd ODI: Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza continued their form

Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett (21), the no.3 Brendan Taylor (20), and skipper Sean Williams (20) failed to carry their starts, while the other opener Ben Curran and dependable middle-order Sikandar Raza controlled the innings with their back-to-back half-centuries. Curran recorded a 55-ball half-century and scored 79 runs off 95 balls with nine fours before losing his wicket in the 32nd over. 

Later, Sikandar Raza scored a 51-ball half-century and scored 59 not out off 55 balls with the help of five fours and one six. Also, the wicketkeeper-batter Clive Madande added a cameo of a crucial run-a-ball 36 runs with four fours. 

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Dushmantha Chameera (3/52) got three wickets, and Asitha Fernando (2/67) picked up two wickets. Meanwhile, the last match hero Dilshan Madushanka (1/57) got one wicket along with Janith Liyanage (1/36). 

ZIM vs SL 2025, 2nd ODI: Pathum Nissanka's century and Charith Asalanka's 71 secured win

In reply, Sri Lanka lost their opener Nuwanidu Fernando (14) and Kusal Mendis (5) cheaply, but the other opener Pathum Nissanka continued his good form by scoring his second consecutive 50+ score in this series. Sadeera Samarawickrama had a 78-run partnership for the third wicket with Nissanka before losing his wicket for 31 runs.

Meanwhile, after completing his 50 runs in 54 balls, Nissanka continued his strong innings. He got a life in the 27th over, when he was batting at 78 runs, as Brad Evans dropped him at short cover. It cost the hosts hugely, as the Lankan opener scored his seventh ODI century in 111 balls. He had a 90-run fourth-wicket partnership with the skipper Charith Asalanka before losing his wicket for 122 runs in 136 balls with 16 fours. However, the Lankan skipper controlled the latter part of the innings as he scored a 43-ball fifty and 71 runs off 61 balls before losing his wicket in the 49th over, when the visitors needed six runs in eight balls.

Among the Zimbabwean bowlers, Richard Ngarava (2/53) and Brad Evans (2/54) got more than one wicket in the innings. 

Zimbabwe's preparations for their eagerly awaited ODI return have suffered a significant blow, after the wicket-taking Oskers captain, Craig Ervine's, exit from the continuing Sri Lanka series. In the build-up to the first match in Harare, the experienced left-handed batsman had to bow out of the series after suffering an injury to the back of his calf.

Medical scans have indicated the full extent of the damage that was done, as it was established that the 40-year-old sustained a Grade II strain in the left calf, while the scans also showed a chronic and resolving Grade I strain in the right calf. With the scans ruling him out of competing in the ODI contest of 2 matches, the selectors will now have to turn to seasoned all-rounder Sean Williams to lead the team in the absence of the captain, Ervine.

Ervine's absence is a major loss for Zimbabwe, purely based on experience, and considering Ervine was in good form in his past few 50-over matches. His calmness at the top of the order and presence amongst younger players will be missed, and he finds the shaky home side up against a formidable Sri Lankan unit. Williams will have experience to draw upon for captaincy duties and will again be steadfast with a young team competing on Zimbabwe soil.

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Focus Shifts to T20I Series After ODIs

Adding further intrigue to the series is the highly anticipated return of Brendon Taylor, who has returned to international cricket close to four years since his last international appearance. A seasoned campaigner and a proven batsman, Taylor had previously played for Zimbabwe in September 2021 against Ireland, and his positive presence will provide vital experience and a protagonist in the middle order. Taylor's return has already sparked tremendous enthusiasm amongst fans who are excited to see him back in the national colors.

This ODI series will also be Zimbabwe's first limited-overs arrangement since their home Tests against South Africa and New Zealand, along with the T20I tri-series earlier this year. With a transitional squad moving between experienced players and new faces, Zimbabwe will use this series to build momentum before the T20I leg of the tour.

The first ODI is on today (29 August) at Harare Sports Club, and the second and final ODI is on 31 August, where he would wish to get some form back before all focus is on the three-match T20I series, where Zimbabwe will hope to challenge their captain's absence and give the tourists a good fight.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been penalised for using inappropriate language during the three-match home ODI series opener against South Africa last Tuesday (August 19) at Cairns, where the Proteas won by 98 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. 

Adam Zampa's inappropriate language was picked up on the stump microphone and broadcast

During the 37th over of the first innings of the match, the 33-year-old Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa used inappropriate language after a misfield and overthrow during his bowling. That language was picked up on the stump microphone and broadcast.

After that match, Zampa was reprimanded for being found guilty of having breached Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel that relates to “use of an audible obscenity during an International Match.” It was his first offence in the last 24 months. While it was a breach of Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, Zampa has been penalised one demerit point, which he has to carry on for the next 24 months. 

The sanction was proposed by the match referee Andy Pycroft. As Zampa accepted the official sanction after admitting the reported offence, there was no formal hearing required. 

In the case of a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, a player faces a penalty of a maximum of 50 per cent of the player's match fees and one or two demerit points. 

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Keshav Maharaj was hero with the ball in AUS vs SA first ODI

With the help of three half-centuries, South Africa scored 296/8 in 50 overs. While Travis Head (4/57) picked up four wickets, Ben Dwarshuis (2/53) and Adam Zampa (1/58) were the other Aussie bowlers to pick up at least one wicket. In reply, Australia were bowled out for only 198 runs, where the 35-year-old left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj recorded his first ODI fifer with the bowling figures of 10-1-33-5. 

South Africa thrashed hosts Australia in the ODI series opener on Tuesday (August 19) at Cairns, claiming a record-breaking ODI win against the hosts Australia. Keshav Maharaj recorded his maiden ODI fifer, which helped the Proteas dominate the game.

After the Australian captain Mitchell Marsh chose to field first, South Africa got a strong start that helped the Proteas score 296/8 in 50 overs. In reply, Australia had a powerful start, but they were bundled out for only 198 runs. South Africa won the match by 98 runs, which was their largest ODI win (by runs) against the hosts Australia. Their previous record was winning by 82 runs in the 1994 WACA ODI. 

South Africa recorded 3 half-centuries

South African openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton had a 92-run partnership for the first wicket. After Rickelton was dismissed for 33 runs, Markram continued his strong innings and scored 82 off 81 balls with nine fours. 

For the third wicket, captain Temba Bavuma and Matthew Breetzke had another 92-run partnership. After Breetzke was out for 57 off 56 balls with seven fours and one six, the visitors lost two more wickets quickly. ODI debutant Dewald Brevis smashed six on the first ball and was caught out on the next ball. 

Captain Bavuma scored 65 runs from 74 balls with five fours. In the late innings, Wiaan Mulder scored a crucial 31 not out off 26 balls with two fours and one six.

Australian spinner Travis Head bagged four wickets in the first innings (4/57). Ben Dwarshuis (2/53) and Adam Zampa (1/58) were the other Aussie bowlers to pick up at least one wicket in that innings. 

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Keshav Maharaj spoiled Aussie party

In reply, Aussie openers Travis Head and skipper Mitchell Marsh provided a powerful start with a 60-run partnership in the first seven overs. However, once the spinners were introduced early in that innings, the visitors started to dominate.

ODI debutant Prenelan Subrayen brought the first blow, as Head was stumped out for 27 off 24 balls with four fours. Then, Keshav Maharaj took the next five wickets, as the hosts were suddenly struggling at 89/6. 

Captain Mitchell Marsh continued his fighting knock with Ben Dwarshuis, who was dropped once by Maharaj. They had a fighting 71-run partnership for the seventh wicket, but it wasn’t enough for the hosts. While Dwarshuis scored 33 off 52 balls with three fours, Marsh scored 88 off 96 balls with 10 fours. 

Maharaj, who recorded his first ODI fifer, had the bowling figures of 10-1-33-5. Also, Nandre Burger (2/54) and Lungi Ngidi (2/28) got two wickets each. 

In an era that has been heavily dominated by the batters, very seldom do we see the bowlers unleash hell, especially in the white-ball format. Viewers want to be thoroughly entertained and turn up in large numbers in anticipation of a high-scoring thriller. But at times, their aspirations get quashed when they see the in-form batters implode without offering a fight. And when that happens, the game gets wrapped up far too quickly, even before someone even tries to take notice of it. 

While most of these games are won mostly in a one-sided manner, we bring you the four shortest ODI fixtures that have been played between two member nations since the start of the 21st century. Interestingly, Sri Lanka have had a role to play in all four ODI fixtures as we are about to find out.

See also: Four shortest Tests played in the 21st century (in terms of balls)

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 2001 – 120 balls

This ODI fixture goes down in the record books as being the shortest ODI ever to be played in the history of the game. This opening game of the LG Abans Triangular Series featured a clash between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe that lasted a paltry 120 balls in two innings combined. The Zimbabwean batters were all at sea as none of them, apart from Stuart Carlisle (16 off 35), could get to double figures. The Zimbabwean innings folded in less than 90 minutes as Chaminda Vass wreaked havoc by picking 8-19 to derail Zimbabwe for just 38, which at the time was Zimbabwe's lowest Test score. As one could expect, Zimbabwe hardly had a chance with the ball as Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu quickly raced out of the blocks to complete the run chase in only 4.2 overs. 

India vs Sri Lanka, 2023 – 129 balls

The 2023 Asia Cup Final ended in an absolute disaster for the home side as Sri Lanka were annihilated by India. The final was staged at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Mohammed Siraj unleashed sheer carnage at the Lankan batters, who were simply not prepared on that day to face the unprecedented onslaught from the speedster. He ran through the fragile Lankan batting lineup like a raging fire and bagged his career-best ODI figures of 6-21 to sink Sri Lanka for just 50. The Sri Lankan innings only lasted a little over 15 overs, with Kusal Mendis being the top run getter with 17 runs to his name. India did not waste any time with the bat and chased down the target in only 6.1 overs without losing a wicket. The entire ODI game lasted 129 balls, thus making it the second shortest ODI ever and the shortest ODI final by balls bowled.

Sri Lanka vs Canada, 2003 – 140 balls

In the 18th fixture of the 2003 ODI World Cup, Sri Lanka crushed the minnows Canada by nine wickets at Boland Park in Paarl, making it the third shortest ODI with just 140 balls bowled. The underrated Prabath Nissanka had a stellar outing in this game, picking up 4-12 while Vaas also got into the act, accounting for three scalps to obliterate Canada for 36 in 18.4 overs. The Lankan batters hardly broke a sweat as the target was chased down inside the fifth over with more than 270 balls to spare. All in all, the game took less than two hours to get wrapped up. 

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 2004 – 164 balls

This infamous ODI saw Zimbabwe stoop to a new low as they were bowled out for just 35 runs. In the process, they also bagged the record for scoring the lowest-ever ODI score. The pressure from the Lankan quicks was relentless as the Zimbabwean innings lasted only 18 overs. Chaminda Vaas starred with the ball and picked up four wickets and four maidens in his nine overs. Farvez Maharoof, the man on debut, also returned impressive figures of 3-3 in his three overs, while Dilhara Fernando accounted for the remaining two wickets to sink Zimbabwe for a shambolic total. Zimbabwe, playing with a second-string team at that time, had no answer to the sheer brilliance from the Lankan bowlers, with Dion Ebrahim emerging as the top run scorer with only seven runs to his name. Sri Lanka were in no mood to hang around with the bat and lost just one wicket before getting to their target with Saman Jayantha, staying unbeaten on 28 till the end. 

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, set to be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad on August 8, 10, and 12. The series forms the final leg of the “Full Ah Energy” home season and is a key step in the team’s preparation for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Led by Shai Hope, the squad continues to feature the core group that delivered recent series wins against England and Bangladesh at home and showed promise during the UK tour earlier this year.

Notably, Romario Shepherd returns to the side after missing recent matches due to workload management. His inclusion adds all-around depth to a side already brimming with youthful talent. Also retaining their places are 18-year-old Jewel Andrew, promising left-arm quick Jediah Blades, and Amir Jangoo, who scored a century on ODI debut against Bangladesh.

West Indies ODI Squad

Shai Hope (Captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

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Match Schedule – WI vs Pakistan ODIs

In August of 2025, the South African men's cricket team will be touring Australia for a white-ball series featuring three T20Is and three ODIs to make this a rare white-ball international cricket tour during the South African winter. The tour will be a critical preparation for both teams for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka in early 2026.

Match Schedule

Squads

Australia Squads

T20I Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

ODI Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

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South Africa Squads

T20I Squad: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie van der Dussen

ODI Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen

Where to Watch

• Live TV: Foxtel
• Streaming: Kayo Sports
• Radio: ABC Sport
• Online: Live updates and highlights on Cricket.com.au and the CA Live App

The T20I leg should be an exciting series where both Australia and South Africa work through their combinations for the World Cup. With Cummins and Starc not in the side now is the opportunity for Owen, Ellis, and Dwarshuis. South Africa is using the series to build experience for Dewald Brevis and Kwena Maphaka. Unusual venues like Darwin and Cairns add an element of fun to the series, and there will be plenty of local action and excitement as both teams prepare for global glory in 2026.

England Women bounced back strongly to level the three-match ODI series with a comprehensive 8-wicket win (DLS method) over India Women in the second ODI at Lord’s, London. The match, reduced to 29 overs per side due to persistent rain, saw England dominate with both ball and bat. Deciding to bowl first, the hosts went for a spin-heavy attack that totally dominated India's innings, restricting them to 143/8. Sophie Ecclestone was at the forefront and picked up three important wickets. In response, England’s top order laid a strong foundation before rain interrupted play again at 102/1. The revised DLS target was set at 115 runs in 24 overs, which the hosts chased down with ease in just 21 overs. With the series now level at 1-1, the stage is set for a thrilling decider.

India Women Innings: 143/8 in 29 Overs

India made a shaky start after Em Arlott bowled Pratika Rawal for just 3 in a wicket-maiden. Smriti Mandhana tried to anchor the innings with a well-compiled 42 off 51 balls, including five boundaries. On the other hand, the regular fall of wickets impeded India's run chase. Harleen Deol and Harmanpreet Kaur went down cheaply. Sophie Ecclestone brought the game further in her side's favor by a brilliant bowling performance in which she got three batsmen out in a row very quickly. Deepti Sharma was not out with 30, and Arundhati Reddy chipped in with 14 to push the total past 140. Tight spells from Linsey Smith (2/28) and Arlott (2/26) ensured India couldn’t accelerate late.

England Women Innings: 116/2 in 21 Overs (Target: 115 in 24 Overs)

England came out attacking, with Tammy Beaumont hitting five crisp boundaries in her 34 off 35 balls. Amy Jones anchored the chase confidently, compiling an unbeaten 46 off 57 balls while rotating the strike well. The openers added 68 before Beaumont was trapped lbw by Sneh Rana. Nat Sciver-Brunt added 21 before being bowled by Kranti Goud, just before rain interrupted play at 102/1. Once play resumed, England needed just 13 more runs and chased the revised target comfortably. Sophia Dunkley finished it off with two boundaries in the 21st over.

ENG W vs IND W, 2nd ODI: Key Moments

• Em Arlott’s opening wicket-maiden set the tone, removing Pratika Rawal early.
  
• Sophie Ecclestone’s 3-wicket haul dismantled India’s middle order with class and control.
  
• Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 30 ensured India posted a fighting total despite regular collapses.
  
• Tammy Beaumont’s aggressive start put England ahead of the required rate early in the chase.
  
• Amy Jones’ composed 46* guided England smoothly through the revised chase.
  
• Sophia Dunkley’s two fours sealed the match and brought the series level at 1-1.

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ENG W vs IND W, 2nd ODI: Match Scorecard

India Women Innings – 143/8 (29 Overs)

England Women Innings – 116/2 (21 Overs) Target: 115 in 24 Overs

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has taken the cricketing world by storm with his sensational performances during India U-19’s 3-1 Youth ODI series win over England. The 14-year-old prodigy, who had already caught eyeballs through his explosive displays for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, amassed 355 runs at a stunning strike rate of 174. His series tally included 27 sixes and a scintillating century, further strengthening his status as a generational talent.

Daniel Peacock, a prominent cricket analyst and statistician for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), revealed how Vaibhav’s brilliance is making waves far beyond Indian shores. “The first time I watched him in the flesh, though, I do remember a real air of excitement at Northamptonshire for the second one-dayer—more photos, more press, the BBC had even come to see him play,” Peacock told the Times of India.

“I knew I was watching a serious star talent. He hit 86 from 31 in a 40-over game reduced due to weather, which included six fours and nine sixes. He got a standing ovation after pulling the pacer Sebastian Morgan to backward square leg. The PA announcer, when announcing his score after the dismissal, said: ‘I think we will be seeing a lot more of this boy play.’”

“A very special young boy playing cricket”

Peacock recalled how the young sensation lit up the New Road ground in Worcestershire with a commanding all-round show. “Then at New Road, home of Worcestershire, in a near-perfect all-round performance, he strutted comfortably to 143 off 78 balls. By the time he walked off after being caught in the deep to spin, I think everyone inside the venue had long realized they had just witnessed something really special.”

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He further added how Vaibhav has grown into a crowd-puller and a national name in England among cricket lovers. “People are starting to make noise about him here. Cricket fans already know who he is—even if they can't all pronounce his name. These games usually attract a few die-hards, but there's certainly been a little extra media attention (we've had the likes of BBC, The Athletic, Getty, etc.), and a lot of British-Indians have come to watch Vaibhav play in the flesh for the first time.”

“The people I've spoken to in the game—I think we all have the same feeling. We've watched and witnessed a young star in the making, something very special. I would go as far as to say he's probably the best 14-year-old in any sport that I've seen live. I think the sentiment in England is that we are watching a very special young boy playing cricket—and the expectancy is Tendulkar-Kohli-level, or even beyond,” Peacock concluded.

India Women started the ODI series in style with a  4-wicket win over England Women in the first ODI at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. In chasing 259, the visitors achieved the victory in 48.2 courtesy of a calm and clinical run chase by Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Amanjot Kaur. Earlier Sophia Dunkley (83) and Alice Davidson-Richards (53) had powered England to 258/6 after the top order collapsedearly. Even with the imposing total, England's bowlers could not resist India's gradual middle-order rebuild and late acceleration. India takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series with this victory, going into the next match with momentum in their favor.

England Women Innings: 258/6 in 50 Overs

England made a slow start after losing both openers cheaply inside the first four overs but recovered well through their middle order. Emma Lamb (39 off 50) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (41 off 52) steadied the innings. The game’s biggest partnership came between Sophia Dunkley and Alice Davidson-Richards, who added 106 runs for the 5th wicket. Dunkley, top-scoring with a brilliant 83 from 92 balls, was assisted by Richards' 53 from 73 balls. With their partnership, England finished with a solid total of 258/6. Late runs from Sophie Ecclestone (23* off 19) provided a further boost.

For India, Sneh Rana bowled superbly, finishing with 2/31 from 10 overs, and Kranti Goud (2/55) provided early breakthroughs. Amanjot Kaur and Shree Charani chipped in with a wicket apiece.

India Women Innings: 262/6 in 48.2 Overs

India's pursuit began with early hiccups, losing Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal within 18 overs. Despite this, they built a crucial partnership. Harleen Deol (27) carried the innings along before Harmanpreet Kaur departed for 17. A fifth-wicket stand of 90 between Jemimah Rodrigues (48 off 54) and Deepti Sharma, who anchored the chase with a calm 62 off 64 balls. The finishing touches were provided by Amanjot Kaur, who hit 20 off 14* to seal the win in 48.2 overs.

England’s bowlers tried to apply pressure, with Charlie Dean picking up 2 wickets, while Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer, and Sophie Ecclestone took one each.

ENG W vs IND W, 1st ODI: Key Moments

• Kranti Goud’s double strike in the powerplay dismissed Beaumont and Amy Jones cheaply, pushing England to 20/2.
  
• Dunkley–Richards stand saved England from 97/4, providing them with a solid foundation for a convincing finish.
  
• Sneh Rana's 10-0-31-2 controlled the middle overs by getting key batters out.
  
• Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana's spirited opening stand provided the foundation for India.
  
• Jemimah–Deepti 90-run partnership steadied India after a middle-order wobble.

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ENG W vs IND W, 1st ODI: Match Scorecard

England Women Innings – 258/6 (50 Overs)

India Women Innings – 262/6 (48.2 Overs)