Bennett, Raza, and Evans lead Zimbabwe to victory over Sri Lanka

Bennett, Raza, and Evans lead Zimbabwe to victory over Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s batting collapsed against a disciplined Zimbabwe attack, as they lost by 67 runs in the second match of the men’s T20I tri-series in Rawalpindi. Chasing 163, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 95. For Zimbabwe, it was the perfect comeback after losing their first game to Pakistan.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers shared the wickets among themselves. Richard Ngarava bowled tightly with figures of 2 for 15, while Brad Evans was outstanding, finishing with 3 for 9 the best figures of the match. For Sri Lanka, only stand-in captain Dasun Shanaka showed some fight with 34 off 25 balls. The only other batter to reach double digits was Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who managed 11 in his first T20I since January.

Earlier, Zimbabwe had been put in to bat and did well, thanks to Brian Bennett (49) and Sikandar Raza (47). Their innings weren’t flawless, but it was enough to set a strong total. For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga took 3 for 32, while debutant Eshan Malinga impressed with 2 for 27.

Zimbabwe’s batting highlights

Bennett gave Zimbabwe a quick start in the power play, adding 26 runs with Tadiwanashe Marumani. Sri Lanka struck back through Maheesh Theekshana and Malinga, leaving Zimbabwe at 46 for 2 after six overs.

Raza then promoted himself up the order and, along with Bennett, built a 61-run stand off 44 balls. Bennett fell for 49 again, but the partnership had already set a solid platform. Raza continued confidently, hitting 47 off 32 balls with three fours and two sixes, before Shanaka took a brilliant running catch to dismiss him.

Zimbabwe slowed down at the end, scoring only 22 runs in the last three overs, but still crossed 160. Malinga picked up two wickets in the penultimate over, while Dushmantha Chameera kept things tight at the death.

Sri Lanka’s batting collapse

Sri Lanka’s chase started poorly. After the powerplay, they were 25 for 2 their lowest in 14 T20Is this year. Zimbabwe’s bowlers stuck to their plans, keeping the batters under pressure.

Pathum Nissanka fell in the first over, and Kusal Perera was out in the next. Rajapaksa and Kusal Mendis tried to rebuild but struggled, scoring only 19 runs off 26 balls. The pressure led to poor running between the wickets, including a mix-up that cost Mendis his wicket.

Rajapaksa was soon bowled trying to attack, leaving Sri Lanka five down inside 11 overs. Shanaka fought hard, but when he edged behind off Ryan Burl, Sri Lanka’s hopes ended. The rest of the batting dragged the game to the final over before Evans cleaned up the innings with the last ball.