Zimbabwe opener Ben Curran scored his third consecutive 50-plus score in Zimbabwe's ODI against Sri Lanka today (August 31), as the hosts looked to level the series in Harare.
The brother of England and Surrey international stars Sam Curran and Tom Curran made 79 off 95 balls as Zimbabwe set Sri Lanka a total of 278 to chase. After hitting five fours in the powerplay and reaching his half-century off 55 balls with a four past the keeper, he was dismissed when caught by a sub-fielder off a skiddy delivery from Asitha Fernando.
2nd ODI, Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka
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Ben Curran continues fine ODI form
Curran is the middle in age of the three brothers, who are the sons of former Zimbabwe player Kevin Curran. He was called up to play for Zimbabwe in their home ODI series against Afghanistan in December last year, and was subsequently selected for their series against Ireland earlier this year.
Having made a reserved start with innings of 15, 0 and 12 against Afghanistan, as well as 28 and 18 in the first two ODIs against Ireland, Curran has since struck gold in the format. He hit an unbeaten century (118*) in the final match against Ireland and made 70 in the opening match against Sri Lanka on Friday (August 29). His average in the format after eight matches is 48.57.
Consecutive half-centuries for Ben Curran 👏#BenCurran #Cricket pic.twitter.com/LEKcIrojG4
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 31, 2025
The opening batter has also represented Zimbabwe in seven Test matches, making his debut against Afghanistan in the 2024 Boxing Day Test in Bulawayo. He scored a brisk 68 in hist first innings as a Test cricketer, and made 41 in the second innings. He hasn't, however, passed 50 in any of his six Test appearances since, with his best being 46 off 103 balls against Bangladesh in April this year.
A win against Sri Lanka in Harare would level the series at 1-1, after Zimbabwe narrowly lost the opening match. They fell short of their target by seven runs after Dilshan Madushanka took a hattrick off the first three balls of the final over of the game. His victims were Sikandar Raza, Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava, with only two singles coming off the final ball of the over at the start of which Zimbabwe had needed 10 runs with five wickets in hand.
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