Zimbabwe Dominate Sri Lanka by 67 Runs in T20I Tri-Nation Series
Zimbabwe delivered a commanding performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 67 runs in the second match of the Pakistan-hosted T20I tri-nation series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Batting first, Zimbabwe set a competitive total of 162 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Despite losing early wickets, Zimbabwe’s middle order stabilized the innings. Captain Sikandar Raza top-scored with a resilient 49 off 42 balls, striking five fours and a six to anchor the team’s efforts.
Sri Lanka’s response faltered significantly as they were bowled out for just 95 runs in their full quota of 20 overs. The target of 163 proved too steep for the visitors. Only captain Dasun Shanaka showed resistance, scoring 34 runs from 25 deliveries with two sixes and as many fours.
The rest of the Sri Lankan batting lineup struggled to build partnerships. Apart from Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s 11 runs, no other batsman crossed double figures. This lack of support contributed heavily to their collapse.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers executed their plans with precision and discipline. Brad Evans was the standout, taking 3 wickets for only 9 runs in his four overs and destabilizing Sri Lanka’s top order early. Richard Ngarava added two wickets, while Tinotenda Maposa, Graeme Cremer, Ryan Burl, and Sikandar Raza chipped in with one wicket each.
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga bowled economically and struck twice, restricting Zimbabwe’s middle order at crucial moments. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t prevent Zimbabwe from posting a challenging total and ultimately handed the momentum to the hosts.
Early setbacks in Zimbabwe’s innings saw them lose opener Tadiwanashe Marumani for 10 runs and Brendan Taylor, who managed 11. However, the 61-run partnership between Raza and Brian Bennett laid a strong foundation. Their resilience ensured Zimbabwe recovered from 40 for 2 to post a defendable total.
Further contributions came from Ryan Burl, who scored 18 runs quickly, and a late cameo by Tashinga Musekiwa with 11 runs added crucial runs toward the innings end. These efforts helped Zimbabwe reach 162 despite the tight bowling spells by Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe’s victory sends a strong message in the tri-nation series, showcasing their improving T20 capabilities against more established teams. The disciplined bowling and timely batting will boost their confidence as the tournament progresses.
The playing elevens for the match were:
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Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
- Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor(w), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Graeme Cremer.
Zimbabwe’s success underlines the rising competitiveness in associate and emerging cricket nations within major T20 tournaments currently held in Pakistan.
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