Zimbabwe Defeat Sri Lanka by 67 Runs in T20I Tri-Series

News Desk

Islamabad: Zimbabwe outplayed Sri Lanka by 67 runs in their second T20I Tri-Series encounter at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Sent in to bat, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 162 for 8 in 20 overs, despite an early setback as opener Tadiwanashe Marumani fell for 10. Brian Bennett top-scored with a composed 49 off 42 balls, narrowly missing out on a half-century before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga, who finished with impressive figures of 3 for 32, also dismissing Ryan Burl (18) and Tony Munyonga (0).

Skipper Sikandar Raza maintained Zimbabwe’s momentum with an aggressive 47 from 32 balls, sharing a 61-run third-wicket partnership with Bennett. However, Sri Lanka struck back in the middle overs, with debutant Eshan Malinga claiming 2 for 27, including the wickets of Brendan Taylor (11) and Tashinga Musekiwa (11).

The lower order struggled to accelerate, with Brad Evans (4), Tinotenda Maposa (5), and Graeme Cremer (3 not out) failing to add significant runs. Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera also picked up a wicket apiece to contain Zimbabwe’s innings.

In response, Sri Lanka faltered with the bat, collapsing to 95 all out in 20 overs. Skipper Dasun Shanaka top-scored with a resilient 34 off 25 balls, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa (11) was the only other batter to reach double figures. The rest of the lineup—including Pathum Nissanka (0), Kamindu Mendis (9), Maheesh Theekshana (8), Wanindu Hasaranga (8), Kusal Mendis (6), Kusal Perera (4), Dushmantha Chameera (1), Eshan Malinga (1), and Nuwan Thushara (1)—fell one by one.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, led by Brad Evans with outstanding figures of 3 for 9. Richard Ngarava took 2 for 15, while Sikandar Raza, Tinotenda Maposa, Graeme Cremer, and Ryan Burl picked up a wicket each. Sikandar Raza was named Player of the Match.

Sri Lankan Deputy Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Sugath Thilakaratne, attended the match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the next T20I Tri-Series encounter on Saturday.