ZIM vs SL (3rd T20I) – Highlights
In a thrilling encounter at Harare, Sri Lanka completed a dominant series-clinching win over Zimbabwe in the third T20I, securing victory by eight wickets with 14 balls to spare. Chasing a competitive total of 192 set by the hosts, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup displayed remarkable composure and firepower, dismantling the Zimbabwean bowling attack and leaving little doubt about their supremacy. The win capped off an impressive series for Sri Lanka, highlighting their depth in both batting and bowling.
ZIM got off to a decent start, winning the toss and batting first, thanks to Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, who helped stabilize the innings. Bennett couldn’t last long, falling for 13 off 8 to Chameera. Marumani, though, impressed with a stroke-filled 51 from 44, including six boundaries that kept fans entertained. With Williams tearing into the bowling for a lightning 23 off only 11 balls, and Raza anchoring with a sharp 28, Zimbabwe stormed beyond 190 to finish on a high.
Ryan Burl smashed 26 runs at the end of the innings from 15 balls, which increased the run rate, but did lose Sri Lanka in doing so, and Zimbabwe only managed to reach 191 for 8 from their 20 overs as they lost too many wickets at the death. Hemantha broke up some useful partnerships with three wickets, while Chameera chipped in with two.
In response, SL chase was anchored by an exceptional innings from Kamil Mishara, who remained unbeaten on 73 off 43 balls, driving the innings with clean striking and calculated aggression. Kusal Perera supported him well, scoring 46 off 26 balls, ensuring that the chase remained smooth and controlled. The openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, gave Sri Lanka a brisk start, scoring 33 and 30 respectively, but it was the unbeaten partnership of Mishara and Perera that ultimately sealed the win in style. Sri Lanka reached the target in just 17.4 overs, highlighting their dominance and clinical approach to chasing high totals in T20 cricket.
ZIM bowlers struggled to contain the visitors, despite some disciplined spells. Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani were put under pressure early on, and although Brad Evans and Sikandar Raza chipped in with wickets, it was not enough to slow down Sri Lanka’s momentum. Zimbabwe’s fielding also came under scrutiny with a few missed opportunities, further aiding the visitors in completing a comprehensive victory.
The series win will be a confidence booster for SL as they continue their tour of Zimbabwe, showcasing the prowess of their young talents like Mishara and Perera while relying on experienced campaigners to guide the team. For Zimbabwe, the series highlighted the need for more consistent performances in both batting and bowling departments to compete with top-tier T20 sides.
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard
Zimbabwe – 191/8 (20)
Sri Lanka – 193/2 (17.4/20)
Result – Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets (with 14 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Kamil Mishara
Kamil Mishara
ZIM vs SL Playing XIs
Zimbabwe | Sikandar Raza (c), Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Sean Williams, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani |
Sri Lanka | Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando |
