By Alam Zeb Safi
RAWALPINDI: Zimbabwe recorded a powerful 67-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second match of the T20I Tri-Series in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
It was a match completely controlled by Zimbabwe, first through a steady and confident batting display and then through one of their most disciplined bowling efforts in recent T20 international cricket.
Zimbabwe were asked to bat first and made 162 for 8 in their 20 overs. Their innings was built patiently at first and aggressively later. Brian Bennett played the anchor role and top-scored with 49 from 42 balls, included five fours and a six. He batted with maturity, rotated the strike well, and punished the loose deliveries. Tadiwanashe Marumani gave Zimbabwe an early push with two boundaries in six balls before he was dismissed for 10. Brendan Taylor, returning to the side, added 11 from 9 balls but fell just as he was starting to settle.
The turning point for Zimbabwe’s innings came when Sikandar Raza walked out. The captain played with intent and clarity, scoring 47 from only 32 balls which featured three fours and two sixes. He struck timely boundaries, kept the scoreboard moving, and showed great control against the Sri Lankan spinners. With Bennett at one end and Raza accelerating at the other, Zimbabwe reached 101 for 3 by the 13th over. Ryan Burl chipped in with a quick 18 from 11 balls, including two powerful sixes, pushing the run rate up at a crucial time.
The Sri Lankan bowlers had moments of success, mainly through Wanindu Hasaranga, who took 3 for 32 and broke Zimbabwe’s momentum more than once. Eshan Malinga also bowled well, finishing with 2 for 27, while Dushmantha Chameera kept things tight in the middle overs. However, Zimbabwe’s steady partnerships and late-over aggression allowed them to post 162, a total that proved far too high for Sri Lanka on a surface offering movement and grip.
Sri Lanka’s chase began poorly and only got worse. In the very first over, Richard Ngarava dismissed Pathum Nissanka for a five-ball duck, setting the tone for Zimbabwe’s dominance. Kusal Perera followed soon after, caught by Ngarava off Maposa for 4. Kusal Mendis was run out trying to push for a single, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 25 for 3.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa tried to stabilize the innings but was bowled for 11 by Brad Evans, who began an outstanding spell. Dasun Shanaka, the captain, played the only significant innings for Sri Lanka. He struck 34 from 25 balls, showing good intent and hitting two sixes, briefly raising hopes of a recovery. But once he was caught by wicketkeeper Taylor off Ryan Burl, Sri Lanka’s hopes collapsed completely.
Wickets fell at regular intervals, and Zimbabwe’s bowlers never allowed any momentum. Brad Evans was the standout, taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs in his four overs, one of the most economical spells of the match. Ngarava backed him up with 2 for 15, bowling with pace and accuracy. Maposa, Raza, Cremer, and Burl each added a wicket of their own, creating constant pressure through spin and seam.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 95 in their 20 overs, never coming close to challenging the target. The lower order showed resistance only in terms of balls faced, not runs scored, as Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept control from start to finish.
The 67-run victory was a strong statement from Zimbabwe. Their batting showed structure and responsibility, their bowling displayed discipline and variation, and their fielding backed all departments with energy. This win put Zimbabwe firmly in the contest for the Tri-Series and gave them a confidence boost moving forward.
Final result: Zimbabwe 162 for 8, Sri Lanka 95 all out. Zimbabwe won by 67 runs.
