Under the cold night sky at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Zimbabwe delivered a performance that will be remembered for a long time. Their 67 run victory over Sri Lanka in the tri series T20 match was built on fearless batting and disciplined bowling that completely dismantled a usually resilient Sri Lankan side. Setting a target of 162 for 8, Zimbabwe looked confident from the beginning, and their bowlers later ensured Sri Lanka never came close, bundling them out for just 95. It was only the third time Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka in a T20 International, making the win even more meaningful.
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The innings began with intent. After being asked to bat, Brian Bennett shifted gears quickly. He began cautiously but exploded in the second over, hitting three boundaries against Maheesh Theekshana. His partner Tadiwanashe Marumani added to the early momentum with confident strokes that pushed Zimbabwe into a strong position. The first breakthrough came when Theekshana forced a soft return catch from Marumani, slowing the innings slightly. The pressure seemed to increase when debutant Eshan Malinga removed Brendan Taylor early, giving Sri Lanka hope of regaining control.
But from 42 for 2, Zimbabwe built the stand that defined the match. Bennett and captain Sikandar Raza combined power with smart rotation, putting pressure back on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Their 61 run partnership ensured Zimbabwe stayed ahead, picking boundaries at the right time and keeping the scoreboard moving. Bennett looked set for a well deserved fifty but fell agonizingly short when he top edged a sweep off Wanindu Hasaranga. His dismissal for 49 off 42 balls was a turning point and sparked a mini collapse triggered by Hasaranga’s clever variations.
Ryan Burl struck two powerful sixes before a googly from Hasaranga uprooted his stumps. Two balls later, Munyonga fell lbw to another wrong’un, suddenly putting Zimbabwe at 133 for 6. Despite the sudden pressure, Raza continued to play with confidence. He struck a boundary and a six off Nuwan Thushara, keeping Zimbabwe on track for a competitive total. His innings ended at 47 when Dasun Shanaka produced a stunning catch running in from long off. A late six from Tashinga Musekiwa pushed Zimbabwe to 162, a score that felt challenging on a surface offering enough for the bowlers.
The Zimbabwean bowlers then delivered a masterclass in control and aggression. Richard Ngarava set the tone immediately with tight lines that forced Pathum Nissanka into frustration, eventually leading to a mistimed shot for zero. Tinotenda Maposa added to the early pressure by removing Kusal Perera, leaving Sri Lanka unsettled right from the start. The dismissals continued to come at regular intervals and Sri Lanka’s batters looked completely out of rhythm.
The chaos reached its peak with the bizarre dismissal of Kusal Mendis. Bhanuka Rajapaksa pushed the ball straight to cover and charged for a non existent run, leaving Mendis stranded and dismissed in embarrassing fashion. Rajapaksa looked rattled after the episode and soon lost his stumps while trying to attack Brad Evans. At 45 for 4, Sri Lanka were sinking fast with no solid partnership in sight.
Raza added to Sri Lanka’s misery by cleaning up Kamindu Mendis, and although Shanaka attempted a brief fightback with two sixes and two fours, it was short lived. Ryan Burl induced an edge to send him back, closing the door on any hope of recovery. The tail offered little resistance. Ngarava returned to remove Chameera, Hasaranga mistimed a big shot, and Evans delivered a perfect yorker to finish the innings on the last ball of the match.
Zimbabwe’s comprehensive win was built on clarity, discipline and fearless intent. Their batting had the right mix of aggression and stability and their bowlers executed their plans with precision. On a night that demanded temperament and skill, Zimbabwe outclassed Sri Lanka in every department, making this victory one of their most commanding T20 performances in recent history.
