Zimbabwe’s pace attack ripped through Sri Lanka’s fragile batting before Sikandar Raza’s brilliance sealed a crushing win, leaving the visitors with their second-lowest T20I total in history.
Sri Lanka slumped to a humiliating defeat in the second T20I against Zimbabwe, bowled out for just 80 runs inside 18 overs in Harare. It was their second-lowest total ever in T20 internationals, with Zimbabwe easing to victory in the 15th over to level the three-match series.
The collapse was triggered by Zimbabwe’s fast-bowling duo Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, who combined with Sikandar Raza to claim eight wickets. Sri Lanka’s innings lacked direction and conviction throughout, with only Kamil Mishara showing brief resistance with 20 runs. A solitary 26-run sixth-wicket stand did little to alter the script as wickets continued to tumble in clusters.
For Zimbabwe, Tashinga Musekiwa anchored the chase with an assured 21 not out from 12 balls, alongside Ryan Burl’s composed 20 not out, ensuring the hosts crossed the line with 34 balls remaining.
Muzarabani and Evans Strike in Powerplay
Blessing Muzarabani, fresh from a poor outing in the first match, struck early and hard. He dismissed Kusal Mendis with a short wide delivery and soon had Nuwanidu Fernando caught at mid-off, finishing the powerplay with figures of 2 for 10. Brad Evans joined the onslaught, removing Pathum Nissanka and then producing a stunning yorker to shatter Kamil Mishara’s stumps. Sri Lanka limped to 37 for 4 by the end of the powerplay, their innings already in ruins.
Muzarabani eventually wrapped up with 2 for 14, while Evans picked up 3 for 15, dismissing Maheesh Theekshana to close the innings.
Raza’s Spin Rampage
With the pacers doing early damage, Sikandar Raza took full control of the middle overs. He strangled Sri Lanka’s batters, conceding no boundaries across his four overs. He struck early, removing Kamindu Mendis in his first over, before breaking the back of the innings by dismissing Charith Asalanka and Dushmantha Chameera in the space of three deliveries. Raza’s brilliant spell of 3 for 11 earned him the Player of the Match award.
Sri Lanka’s Batting Woes Continue
This performance once again exposed Sri Lanka’s recurring batting collapse in T20 internationals. Despite showing promise with their young squad, their inability to withstand pressure against disciplined bowling has left them vulnerable. For Zimbabwe, this was a statement win, proving they could dominate with both ball and bat, and setting up a decisive series finale.
