Zimbabwe Tour of Sri Lanka (3rd T20)
Sri Lanka emphatically sealed the T20 series with a resounding 9 wicket thrashing over Zimbabwe. The battle, rife with anticipation, quickly tilted in favor of the hosts as they bowled out Zimbabwe for the lowest total of the series so far. Wanindu Hasaranga’s magical spell, claiming four wickets, spearheaded the Lankan bowling attack, leading to a sudden collapse that cost the visitors the game. The subsequent chase was then merely a formality for the Sri Lankans, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis effortlessly guiding their team to victory and clinching the series 2-1.
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Zimbabwe faced a vengeful Sri Lankan bowling attack, following their victory in the game prior. Sri Lanka’s bowlers looked like men on a mission, aggresively skittling the Southern Africans out for a paltry 82 runs. Brian Bennett’s brief cameo of 29 provided a flicker of hope, but Wanindu Hasaranga’s exceptional spell, claiming four wickets for just 15 runs, dismantled the opposition. Angelo Mathews and Maheesh Theekshana also contributed with two wickets each in their allotted overs.
In the second innings, Sri Lanka did not hold back, clobbering the bowlers with all their might. Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams managed to dismiss Kusal Mendis on 33, but the damage had already been done. Sri Lanka’s openers, led by Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 39, ensured a comfortable finish, securing an 88-run victory and clinching the series 2-1. The lackluster performance from Zimbabwe’s batting lineup ultimately proved costly in the series decider, as Sri Lanka emerged as the dominant force and asserted their supremacy to secure the series victory.
This commanding win underscores Sri Lanka’s talents with both bat and ball, setting a positive tone for the team as they head towards the T20 World Cup. The comprehensive nature of this victory will certainly add to the team’s confidence, and they will look to further carry this momentum in the near future.
Chief Scores:
Zimbabwe – 82 for 10 in 14.1 overs (Brian Bennet 29, Sean Williams 15, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe 12, Wanindu Hasaranga 4 for 15, Maheesh Theekshana 2 for 14, Angelo Mathews 2 for 15)
Sri Lanka 88 for 1 in 10.5 overs (Pathum Nissanka 39*, Kusal Mendis 33, Dhananjaya de Silva 15*, Sean Williams 1 for 13, Wellington Masakadza 0 for 11, Blessing Muzarabani 0 for 16)
