Zimbabwe registered their biggest T20 International win against Sri Lanka on Thursday, defeating the island nation by 67 runs in the second match of the tri-series in Pakistan. Defending a total of 162-8, the Zimbabwe bowling unit bowled out Sri Lanka for just 95 on the final ball of the innings.
Fast bowler Brad Evans was the standout performer with career-best figures of 3-9, while Richard Ngarava supported well with 2-15. Every bowler used by Zimbabwe claimed at least one wicket, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup systematically.
After being sent in to bat, Bennett provided a brisk start with a 49-run knock, narrowly missing his second consecutive half-century. Raza promoted himself up the order and scored a fluent 47 off 32 balls, striking three fours and two sixes. The duo shared a crucial 61-run partnership off 44 balls, setting a platform for a competitive total. Debutant Eshan Malinga impressed for Sri Lanka with 2-27, while Wanindu Hasaranga claimed 3-32.
Sri Lanka's chase faltered immediately, collapsing to 25-2 inside the powerplay. Pathum Nissanka fell for a duck in the first over, and Kusal Perera was dismissed shortly after. The pressure mounted as Kusal Mendis was run out in a mix-up with Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who struggled to find rhythm in his return to the side, scoring a labored 11 off 18 balls. Stand-in captain Dasun Shanaka offered the only resistance with a fighting 34 off 25 balls, but his dismissal in the middle overs effectively ended Sri Lanka’s hopes.
The defeat continues a difficult tour for Sri Lanka, who entered the tri-series following a 3-0 ODI series whitewash by hosts Pakistan. Shanaka, leading the side in place of the unwell Charith Asalanka, expressed his disappointment with the team's application. "The intent was not there from the beginning," Shanaka admitted post-match. "We cannot accept this with the players and experience we’ve got."
Conversely, Raza praised his team's resilience following their opening loss to Pakistan. "You want to be there when the chips are down and be prepared to do the dirty work for the team. If I’m trying, I feel my team is going to try," the Zimbabwe skipper remarked.
