Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the second of their three-match T20I series at Harare Sports Club, with the hosts bowling Sri Lanka for just 80.
Levelling the series at 1-1, Zimbabwe had elected to bowl first, and Blessing Muzarabani struck with his very first ball, as Sri Lanka opener Kusal Mendis was removed for just one off three balls.
Pathum Nissanka was then dismissed for eight soon after, and the Sri Lankan batting lineup continued to struggle after the powerplay, losing five wickets for just 38 runs by the seventh over.
Kamindu Mendis (0) was trapped lbw by Sikandar Raza (3-11), completing Sri Lanka’s half-side loss early. The tourists’ tail offered little recovery, despite Dasun Shanaka’s best attempts as he reached 15.
With no one else reaching double figures for Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe took to the crease chasing a feeble 81.
Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani registered a combined 36 off 35 balls as the openers, and while Dushmantha Chameera’s (3-19) bowling efforts offered Sri Lanka a semblance of hope, a solid middle order saw Zimbabwe finish strongly.
Ryan Burl (20 not out) and Tashinga Musekiwa (21 not out) secured a straightforward victory with 34 balls remaining, despite Tony Munyonga (three) being trapped lbw by Maheesh Theekshana in between.
