ZIM vs SL (1st T20I) – Highlights
The first T20I turned into a Harare classic, featuring heroic efforts, fragile middle orders, and a tense last-over finish. Holding their nerve, SL chased 176 in 19.1 overs to win by four wickets and take control of the series. Kamindu Mendis was the star of the show, guiding his side with a match-winning unbeaten 41 from just 16 deliveries.
ZIM, asked to bat first, began their innings with a spirited approach. As opener, Brian Bennett guided the innings, smashing a classy 81 from 57 balls. His clean striking, punctuated by 12 boundaries, provided Zimbabwe with the momentum they needed. However, his efforts were not adequately complemented by others at the crease. Marumani fell cheaply, Williams added just 14, and even Raza’s 28 couldn’t compensate for the absence of meaningful partnerships.. Musekiwa’s brisk 11 off six balls gave Zimbabwe late momentum, taking them to 175/7 in 20 overs.
For Sri Lanka’s bowlers, brilliance came hand in hand with mistakes. Dushmantha Chameera was great with pure pace and discipline as he went for 3 for 30 in his spell. Dushan Hemantha also had a good outing, going for 1 for 28. All in all, 175 is a score on the card that has been made par but reachable for Sri Lanka.
Pathum Nissanka laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s reply, anchoring the early part of the innings. The opener was at his fluent best, scoring 55 off 32 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. He looked set for a big score before falling to the young seamer Tinotenda Maposa. Alongside him, Kusal Mendis played a steady knock of 38 from 35 deliveries, but his dismissal triggered a brief wobble as Sri Lanka lost three wickets in quick succession. Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, and skipper Charith Asalanka departed cheaply, leaving the visitors in a spot of bother at 106 for 4.
The turning point came with Kamindu Mendis’ arrival at the crease. With the asking rate climbing, Kamindu counterattacked brilliantly. His innings of 41 not out from just 16 balls was a masterclass in power-hitting and composure under pressure. Striking one four and four towering sixes, he turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor in a matter of overs. He was well supported by Dushan Hemantha, who chipped in with an unbeaten 14 off nine deliveries, ensuring there were no late hiccups.
ZIM bowlers had their moments but struggled to contain the power-hitters in the final overs. Richard Ngarava was exceptional with the new ball, finishing with 2 for 19 in four overs, while Sikandar Raza was economical, conceding only 26 and claiming a wicket. However, the lack of discipline from others proved costly, as Muzarabani and Maposa leaked runs under pressure.
In the end, SL depth and Kamindu Mendis’ brilliance carried them home. With this victory, the visitors have taken an early advantage in the series, while Zimbabwe will reflect on missed opportunities and look to bounce back in the second game.
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard
Zimbabwe – 175/7 (20)
Sri Lanka – 177/6 (19.1)
Result – Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets (with 5 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Kamindu Mendis
Kamindu Mendis
ZIM vs SL Playing Eleven
Zimbabwe | Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani |
Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
Visit JeetBuzz News to access our Highlights that are just for you and reminisce about all of your favorite cricket nostalgia moments while being thrilled by our solid Cricket Highlights updates. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!
