In the T20 Tri-series, Zimbabwe got their biggest-ever win over a full ICC member, thrashing Sri Lanka by 67 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Brad Evans delivered an exceptional spell,
taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs in his 4 overs, while captain Sikandar Raza contributed significantly both with the bat and ball. Zimbabwe bowled out Sri Lanka for 95, defending their total of 162/8. This victory propelled Zimbabwe to the top of the Tri-series table on net run-rate, with two points from two matches, equal to Pakistan’s points from one match. This was Sri Lanka’s first game in the series.
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe, T20 Tri-Series 2nd Match – Highlights
How Zimbabwe Beat Sri Lanka?
Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Evans and Richard Ngarava (2-15), delivered a stellar performance, with all six bowlers taking wickets and turning a seemingly straightforward chase into a daunting task for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, having chosen to field first, limited Zimbabwe to 162/8 in 20 overs. The total was built on Brian Bennett’s 42-ball 49 (4×5, 6×1) and Sikandar Raza’s 32-ball 47 (4×3, 6×2). Despite a strong start from Sri Lanka, reducing Zimbabwe to 40/2, Bennett and Raza’s 60-run partnership for the third wicket stabilised the innings. However, after Bennett’s dismissal by Hasaranga at 120, Zimbabwe lost wickets regularly, finishing at 162/8.
Chasing 163, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka on the fifth ball of the first over and Kusal Perera in the next over. They were soon 29/4 after the Power-play and never recovered, being bowled out for 95. Captain Dasun Shanaka fought alone with a 34 off 25 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.
Sri Lankan batters struggled, with only Bhanuka Rajapaksa (11) besides Shanaka reaching double figures. Extras were the second-highest contributor to their score. Poor shot selection led to their downfall.
Evans dismissed Rajapaksa, Eshan Malinga, and Maheesh Theekshana. Ngarava took 2-15, while Sikandar Raza (1-23), Ryan Buri (1-8), Graeme Cremer (1-17), and Tinotenda Maposa (1-17) also contributed to Zimbabwe’s memorable victory.
ZIM vs SL – Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe 162/8 in 20 overs (Brian Bennett 49, Sikandar Raza 47; Wanindu Hasaranga 3-32, Eshan Malinga 2-27) beat Sri Lanka 95 all out in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 34; Brad Evans 3-9, Richard Ngarava 2-15, Sikandar Raza 1-23) by 67 runs.
(With inputs from Agencies)
