Zimbabwe stuns Sri Lanka with a massive 67-run victory in the T20I Tri-Series. Read how Brian Bennett and Brad Evans powered the Chevrons to a dominant win. Match highlights and scorecard.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe Innings (Total: 162/8 in 20 Overs)
| Player Name | Runs (R) | Balls (B) |
| Tadiwanashe Marumani | 30 | 22 |
| Brian Bennett | 49 | 36 |
| Sikandar Raza (c) | 37 | 28 |
| Ryan Burl | 6 | 7 |
| Wesley Madhevere | 1 | 4 |
| Clive Madande (wk) | 9 | 5 |
| Luke Jongwe | 11 | 9 |
| Brad Evans | 6 | 6 |
| Richard Ngarava | 2 | 3 |
| Extras | 11 | |
| Did Not Bat: | 167/8 |
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Innings (Total: 95 All Out in 20 Overs)
| Player Name | Runs (R) | Balls (B) |
| Pathum Nissanka | 7 | 10 |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 16 | 18 |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | 20 | 25 |
| Charith Asalanka | 5 | 8 |
| Bhanuka Rajapaksa | 14 | 16 |
| Dasun Shanaka (c) | 10 | 12 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 3 | 4 |
| Chamika Karunaratne | 11 | 12 |
| Dilshan Madushanka | 0 | 4 |
| Nuwan Thushara | 0 | 1 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 1 | 2 |
| Extras | 8 |
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Innings (Total: 95 All Out in 20 Overs)
Zimbabwe’s Batting Brigade Sets the Tone
Winning the toss and electing to bowl, stand-in Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka’s decision was immediately tested by a determined Zimbabwean top order. The foundation for Zimbabwe’s competitive total of 162/8 was laid by a vibrant opening partnership and crucial contributions from the middle order.
Young opener Brian Bennett was the chief architect, falling just one run short of a spectacular fifty. His aggressive knock of 49 set a brisk pace, ably supported by Tadiwanashe Marumani’s quick 30. Despite a brief middle-overs slump orchestrated by Sri Lankan spin maestro Wanindu Hasaranga (3 wickets), skipper Sikandar Raza anchored the innings with a vital 37 runs. Raza’s knock was less flamboyant than usual but provided the necessary stability, ensuring the Chevrons finished their 20 overs with a target that proved far more challenging than it appeared on the slow Rawalpindi track. The final few overs saw smart running and boundary hitting to push the total past the psychological 160-mark, a score that felt above par on the day.
Sri Lankan Chase Crumbles Under Pressure
The target of 163, while modest by modern T20 standards, quickly ballooned into an insurmountable peak for the Sri Lankan batters. The experienced Sri Lankan batting line-up, featuring the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, struggled to find any momentum against Zimbabwe’s sharp, disciplined attack.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers were exceptional from the outset, combining intelligent variations with relentless pressure. The early wickets, particularly that of the dangerous Pathum Nissanka, set the alarm bells ringing. Sri Lanka’s struggle was typified by a complete lack of partnerships, with wickets falling at regular, detrimental intervals. The usually formidable middle order simply capitulated, unable to counter the accuracy of the seamers and the guile of the spin attack.
Evans and Ngarava Spearhead the Rout
The real damage was inflicted by the Zimbabwean pace duo of Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava. Evans was particularly sensational, delivering a match-winning spell that broke the back of the chase. His final figures of 3/9 from 4 overs were a masterclass in T20 bowling, showcasing excellent control and variations that Sri Lanka’s batters failed to read. Ngarava provided excellent support, claiming two crucial wickets, including a couple in the powerplay. Even the veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer rolled back the years, bowling economically and picking up a wicket to keep the pressure firmly on.
Sri Lanka ultimately stumbled and faltered to a humiliating total of just 95 all out in exactly 20 overs, falling short by a massive 67 runs. The innings was a stark representation of a team struggling for form and coordination, failing to adapt to the challenging conditions and the quality of the opposition’s bowling.
The victory is a testament to Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit and tactical brilliance. For Sri Lanka, it is a significant setback that requires urgent introspection before their next match in the series. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have sent a clear message that they are in the tri-series not just to compete, but to win.
