In the T20 Tri-series, Zimbabwe got their biggest-ever win over a full ICC member, thrashing Sri Lanka by 67 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Brad Evans delivered an exceptional spell, taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs in his 4 overs, while captain Sikandar Raza contributed significantly both with the bat and ball. Zimbabwe bowled out Sri Lanka for 95, defending their total of 162/8. This victory propelled Zimbabwe to the top of the Tri-series table on net run-rate, with two points from two matches, equal to Pakistan’s points from one match. This was Sri Lanka’s first game in the series.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Evans and Richard Ngarava (2-15), delivered a stellar performance, with all six bowlers taking wickets and turning a seemingly straightforward chase into a daunting task for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, having chosen to field first, limited Zimbabwe to 162/8 in 20 overs. The total was built on Brian Bennett’s 42-ball 49 (4×5, 6×1) and Sikandar Raza’s 32-ball 47 (4×3, 6×2). Despite a strong start from Sri Lanka, reducing Zimbabwe to 40/2, Bennett and Raza’s 60-run partnership for the third wicket stabilised the innings. However, after Bennett’s dismissal by Hasaranga at 120, Zimbabwe lost wickets regularly, finishing at 162/8.
Chasing 163, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka on the fifth ball of the first over and Kusal Perera in the next over. They were soon 29/4 after the Power-play and never recovered, being bowled out for 95. Captain Dasun Shanaka fought alone with a 34 off 25 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.
Sri Lankan batters struggled, with only Bhanuka Rajapaksa (11) besides Shanaka reaching double figures. Extras were the second-highest contributor to their score. Poor shot selection led to their downfall.
Evans dismissed Rajapaksa, Eshan Malinga, and Maheesh Theekshana. Ngarava took 2-15, while Sikandar Raza (1-23), Ryan Buri (1-8), Graeme Cremer (1-17), and Tinotenda Maposa (1-17) also contributed to Zimbabwe’s memorable victory.
