ZIM vs SL (5th Match) – Highlights
Sri Lanka produced a clinical performance to outclass Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the 5th match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series at Rawalpindi on November 25, 2025. Chasing a modest target of 147, Sri Lanka chased it down comfortably in just 16.2 overs, showcasing a blend of aggressive strokeplay and smart game management, with Pathum Nissanka leading the charge with a masterful unbeaten 98.
ZIM set a competitive but slightly below-par total of 146 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings had a rocky start as Tadiwanashe Marumani was dismissed for just 4, and Dion Myers could only contribute 6 runs before falling to Maheesh Theekshana. Brendan Taylor offered some stability with 14 runs, but it was Brian Bennett and Captain Sikandar Raza who held the innings together. Bennett, although departing after scoring 34, provided crucial momentum, while Raza’s 37 guided Zimbabwe towards a defendable score. Ryan Burl remained unbeaten on 37, ensuring Zimbabwe crossed the 145-run mark.
Extras contributed eight runs, which, in hindsight, was not enough to put Sri Lanka under real pressure. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, each picking up two wickets and maintaining an economical line, while Dasun Shanaka chipped in with one.
SL’s chase was dominated from the outset by Pathum Nissanka, who played a scintillating innings of 98 not out from 58 balls. His innings was laced with 11 fours and 4 sixes, and his strike rate of nearly 169 set the perfect tempo for the chase. Nissanka found a reliable partner in Kusal Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 25, ensuring that Sri Lanka never lost the upper hand. Kamil Mishara fell for 12, caught by Masakadza off Brad Evans, but the Sri Lankan innings was otherwise untroubled. The Sri Lankan openers’ controlled aggression meant the target was reached with 22 balls to spare, underscoring their dominance.
The ZIM bowling attack struggled to find rhythm. Richard Ngarava went for 44 runs in just over three overs, while Tinotenda Maposa leaked 29 runs in two overs. Even their captain Sikandar Raza, who bowled economically, could not find a breakthrough. Brad Evans provided a brief moment of resistance by dismissing Kamil Mishara, but it was insufficient to derail Sri Lanka’s momentum. The ten wides conceded by Sri Lanka’s batters as extras were never capitalized upon by Zimbabwe.
Pathum Nissanka’s knock was the highlight of the match, earning him both the Player of the Match and Cricinfo’s MVP for his match-turning effort. His innings was a display of timing, placement, and temperament, demonstrating why he is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable T20 performers.
With this win, SL not only secured a crucial victory in the Tri-Series but also sent a strong message about their depth in batting and ability to dominate even on foreign soil. Zimbabwe, despite some positive individual performances, will have to regroup and strengthen their bowling and middle-order resistance for upcoming games.
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard
Zimbabwe – 146/5 (20)
Sri Lanka – 148/1 (16.2)
Result – Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets (with 22 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka
ZIM vs SL Playing Eleven
Zimbabwe | Sikandar Raza (c), Brendan Taylor (wk), Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava. |
Sri Lanka | Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Pavan Rathnayake. |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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