Sri Lanka hammered Zimbabwe by 184 runs in the third and final one-day international to clinch the series 2-1 on Friday.
Zimbabwe were all out for 70 in 24.4 overs in reply to Sri Lanka’s total of 254-9 in Kandy.
Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 55 and got Sri Lanka off to a good start after they elected to bat first as he put on 80 runs with opening partner Kusal Mendis in Kandy.
Zimbabwe hit back with wickets to dent the hosts who wobbled despite a 56-ball 52 by Charith Asalanka who became Chatara’s 100th ODI scalp.
Chatara became the fastest Zimbabwe bowler to a century of ODI wickets in 76 matches as he surpassed former captain and fast bowler Heath Streak’s effort from 81 matches.
Richard Ngarava returned a figure of 2 for 46 from his nine overs.
Wellington Masakadza struck first to send back Kusal Mendis for 36 and Sri Lanka slipped further into trouble with Nissanka’s run out and Kamindu Mendis caught and bowled for 11 off Ryan Burl.
Sean Williams trapped Dinesh Chandimal lbw for 17 but the on-field umpire ruled the batsman not out before Zimbabwe successfully reviewed the decision in their favor.
Wickets kept falling as skipper Dasun Shanaka fell for 15 after scoring his maiden ODI century in the previous match won by Zimbabwe to level the series at 1-1.
Chamika Karunaratne, who made 30, and Ramesh, who hit 26, put on 48 runs for the seventh wicket to give the total a respectable sheen.
ARR
