Sri Lanka Crush Zimbabwe to Keep Tri-Series Hopes Alive

News Desk

Rawalpindi: Sri Lanka kept their campaign alive in the Pakistan-hosted T20 tri-nation series with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing 147, the 2014 world champions romped home with 22 balls remaining, thanks to a scintillating unbeaten 98 from Pathum Nissanka. The opener dominated the chase with his 58-ball knock studded with 11 fours and four sixes.

He was supported by Kamil Mishara (12) and Kusal Mendis (25*), as Sri Lanka cruised past the target with minimal fuss.

Brad Evans claimed the only wicket for Zimbabwe.

Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 146/5 after opting to bat. Their innings faltered early as Maheesh Theekshana removed Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers inside his first two overs, leaving the Chevrons reeling at 17/2.

Brendan Taylor (14) and Brian Bennett attempted to steady the innings through a 36-run stand before Taylor fell to Dasun Shanaka. Bennett, who later added another 36 with captain Sikandar Raza, top-scored alongside Raza with 34 off 26 before an unfortunate hit-wicket dismissal to Wanindu Hasaranga.

Raza contributed 37 off 29, matching Bennett’s tally, while Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 37 off 26 lifted Zimbabwe to a competitive total. Tashinga Musekiwa remained not out on six.

For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga and Theekshana picked up two wickets each, with Shanaka adding one.

The match was a must-win for Sri Lanka, who sit at the bottom of the table. A defeat would have knocked them out of contention for the final scheduled for November 29 at the same venue.

Playing XIs

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (w), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (w), Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga.