RAWALPINDI: A fearless and fired-up Zimbabwe side sent shockwaves through the Tri-Nation Series on Thursday, crushing Sri Lanka by a commanding 67 runs at the Rawalpindi Stadium and throwing the race for a spot in the final wide open.
What unfolded was a complete demolition job, a ruthless display of power hitting backed by relentless, disciplined bowling. Chasing 163, Sri Lanka crumbled under sustained pressure and were bundled out for 95 on the final ball of the innings.
Zimbabwe’s new-ball pair, Richard Ngarava (2-15) and Tinotenda Maposa (1-17), set the tone with fiery spells, dismantling Sri Lanka’s top-order before they could settle. Their efforts paved the way for seamer Brad Evans, who produced a sensational spell of 3 for 9, emerging as the standout performer and tightening the screws around an already struggling Sri Lankan batting lineup.
The spinners joined the carnage, suffocating any hopes of a fightback. And in a moment of personal glory, Sikandar Raza (1-23) etched his name in history by reaching the landmark of 100 T20I wickets, knocking over Kamindu Mendis (9).
Sikandar was later named Man of the Match. “As a captain, I need to lead from the front. I always try to do better. As a captain, you have to raise your game when the team looks at you. The most pleasing part is when you see every player celebrating the win, which was the case today,” Sikandar said in a post-match talk, adding, “Zimbabwe did 90 percent right today to win the game.”
Sri Lanka’s innings never got off to a good start. Pathum Nissanka (0), Kusal Mendis (6), and Kusal Perera (4) were blown away early, leaving the middle-order exposed. Brief resistance came from Bhanuka Rajapaksa (11) and Kamindu Mendis, but their quick departures only deepened the collapse.
At 75 for 6 in the 14th over, the final hopes rested on captain Dasun Shanaka (34), who launched two towering sixes to momentarily lift Sri Lankan spirits. But just as he threatened to stage a counterattack, he edged behind off Ryan Burl, extinguishing Sri Lanka’s last realistic chance of recovery.
From there, it was only a matter of time. Zimbabwe’s bowlers tightened their grip, sealing a memorable, dominant victory that now injects fresh intrigue and high stakes into the battle for a place in the tournament decider.
Earlier, Brian Bennett (49) and Sikandar Raza (47) once again rose to the occasion, mirroring the confidence and class they displayed against Pakistan just two days earlier. Bennett provided the ideal launch pad for Zimbabwe, cracking the new ball with authority. His brisk, more-than-a-run-a-ball knock featured five crisply timed fours and a towering six, setting the tempo before falling in the 13th over with the score at 101.
From there, it was the Sikandar Raza show.
The Zimbabwe captain unleashed a sparkling exhibition of power-hitting, lighting up the ground with two mighty sixes and three exquisite fours during his 32-ball stay. His calculated aggression ensured Zimbabwe surged past the 150-run mark. Apart from the pair, however, no other Zimbabwe batter managed to stay long enough to provide meaningful support.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga (3-32) was once again the standout performer, weaving a web around the Zimbabwe batters with his trademark variety and precision. The day also belonged to Sri Lanka’s newest pace prospect, Ehsan Malaga (2-27), who impressed with his raw pace and fearless approach. On his debut outing, Ehsan signaled the arrival of a refreshing new fast-bowling talent from the island nation.
Score: Zimbabwe 162 for 8 in 20 overs: (Brian Bennett 49, Sikandar Raza 47, Wanindu Hasaranga 3-32, Ehsan Malaga 2-27)
Sri Lanka 95 all out in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 34, Brad Evans 3-9, Richard Ngarva 2-15, Tinotenda Maposa 1-17)
Result: Zimbabwe won by 67 runs
Man of the Match: Sikandar Raza
