Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 5th ODI Match Summary

A big moment for Zimbabwe, they would cherish this for a while. You could see the happiness on Cremer's face while receiving the trophy. It has been a nail-biting series. Zimbabwe caused a huge upset by clinching it. Sri Lanka on the other hand will be shell-shocked with what happened. They will have to forget about this quickly and prepare themselves for the longer format of the game. The one-off Test will begin in Colombo on the 14th of July at 1000 local (0430 GMT). Till then, goodbye and cheers!

Zimbabwe skipper, Graeme Cremer says that they were definitely under pressure. Mentions that one good partnership was needed to take them over the finishing line. Opines that the game turned around very quickly but he is pleased that they pulled it off. States that Raza is a weapon with the new ball. Further adds that he expected a wicket or two from him in the Powerplay and he provided just that. Declares that he calls heads always but he called tails today which worked for him. Feels that Sri Lanka are a quality team and adds that their fans back home will be jumping around. Ends by saying that winning in Sri Lanka is a huge achievement for them.

Sri Lanka skipper, Angelo Mathews admits they have been outplayed. Credits Zimbabwe for how they played. Mentions even though the conditions were tough to bat on 203 was not enough as Zimbabwe have a long batting line-up. Appreciates all the bowlers for bowling well. Feels the openers have taken responsibility but did not receive a lot of support from the rest. Informs that he is fine ( About his injury).

Man of the Series, Hamilton Masakadza says that he was under a bit of pressure coming into this tour as he hadn't scored much but adds that the selectors backed him. Mentions that he had a lot of plans with the batting coach and it paid off for him. States that they wanted to have a look at the bowling at the beginning. Further says that this is how Mire plays, he always has a go. Declares that they had worked a lot on the sweep shots and they were able to execute it well.

Man of the match, Sikandar Raza says they think they have had a fantastic series and have been working hard for it. Mentions he asked the captain to let him bowl the first over and not the second. Admits they share good friendship in the dressing room and have a lot of trust in each other and it came off today. Further adds it does not matter to him who hits the winning runs as long as they win the match.

Akila Dananjaya was the tormentor-in-chief as he picked up four wickets and kept the hosts in the game. Lasith Malinga at the back end came back into his elements and with his pin-point yorkers made life difficult for the opposition. It seemed that a turnaround could be around the cards. However, Sikandar Raza who was sensational with the ball emerged as a hero with the bat too and took his side to a historic win along with Graeme Cremer.

The visitors stuttered a bit at the fag end but eventually held their nerves to win the ODI series 3-2. Masakadza and Mire gave their side a flying start. It was just what they needed while chasing this total on a dicey surface. The duo took their chances and it paid off. Sri Lanka were a bit sloppy in the field and that added to their woes. Both of them should have carried on as they were set but didn't do so. The middle order was exposed to the sharp turn and bounce and suffered a collapse.

What a victory for Zimbabwe! Their bowling coach, Makhaya Ntini in the dressing room is absolutely elated along with the others. Look at Sikandar Raza, he pumps his fists in the air and is all pumped up. They have created history! The tourists have won their first against Sri Lanka, that too on Sri Lankan soil. This is also their first bilateral series win away from home against a top Test-playing nation after they beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh in 2001.

SIX! That's it! Zimbabwe have clinched the series and they have done it in style. Tossed up on off, Raza comes down and hits it. He does not quite get it off the middle but it's enough to clear long off. There are a lot of hugs and fist pumps in the dressing room. Raza and Cremer are ecstatic in the middle, this just shows what it means to them. ZIMBABWE WIN BY 3 WICKETS.

Wanidu Hasaranga comes back for a bowl.

Full ball on leg stump, Raza flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. 6 needed now. Zimbabwe inching closer.

Full outside off, Cremer hits it through point for a run.

A low full toss from around the wicket on the pads, Cremer flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.

Slower full ball outside off, Cremer square drives for two.

Bowls it outside off, Raza guides it through point for a run.

Full toss on the pads, Cremer flicks it to fine leg for a run.

Drags his length back, Cremer chips it over mid-wicket for a run. 14 required now.

Full ball on middle, Raza gets it off the inner half through square leg for a run.

Slower on off, Raza defends it off the front foot.

Quicker on off, Cremer drives it through mid on for a run.

Full ball on middle, Cremer goes down and sweeps it through square leg for a couple.

Drags it short on middle, Raza pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.

Asela Gunaratne is back on. 20 needed with three wickets in hand.

A brilliant yorker on middle, Cremer does well to keep it out.

The batsman has done well to keep that yorker at bay.

Full on leg stump, Raza flicks it through square leg for a run.

Yorker on leg stump, Cremer misses the flick and is struck on the pads and the ball rolls towards point. Raza is halfway down the track as he wants a run. Cremer was ball watching but they eventually complete the leg bye.

Full toss on the pads, Cremer misses the flick and is struck on the pads. There is a stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire.

A perfect yorker, Cremer digs it out well.

SIX! BANG! That is one way to release the pressure. Comes down the track to the flighted ball and hits it over long off for a maximum.