KEY POINTS
- Maheesh Theekshana struck early, dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers, reducing Zimbabwe to 17/2.
- Brian Bennett (34) and Sikandar Raza (37) top-scored but fell to Wanindu Hasaranga, while Ryan Burl remained unbeaten on 37.
- Hasaranga and Theekshana took two wickets each for Sri Lanka, with captain Dasun Shanaka claiming one.
RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka tightened the screws on Zimbabwe, restricting them to 146 in a crucial Pakistan-hosted T20I tri-series match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe’s innings was hampered early by Maheesh Theekshana, who dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers within his first two overs, reducing the Chevrons to 17/2.
Opener Brian Bennett and captain Sikandar Raza attempted to stabilise the innings with vital partnerships, scoring 34 and 37 respectively, but both fell to Wanindu Hasaranga.
Experienced Brendan Taylor contributed 14 runs in a brief 36-run stand with Bennett, while Ryan Burl ended the innings on a high note with an unbeaten 37 off 26 balls, supported by Tashinga Musekiwa, who remained 6 not out.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana picked up two wickets each, with captain Dasun Shanaka claiming one.
The victory is essential for Sri Lanka, who are currently at the bottom of the tri-series table, as a defeat would end their hopes of qualifying for the final scheduled on November 29 at the same venue.
