KEY POINTS
- Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 98 led Sri Lanka to a nine-wicket triumph
- Sri Lanka chased 147 with ease, losing just one wicket and finishing 22 balls early, supported by Mishara and Mendis.
- Zimbabwe posted 146/5, with early wickets from Theekshana and a late cameo by Burl (37*).
- Hasaranga and Theekshana took two wickets each for Sri Lanka, keeping their tri-series final hopes alive.
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 98 powered Sri Lanka to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in a must-win T20I tri-series match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a modest target of 147, Sri Lanka reached the score with ease, losing only one wicket and 22 balls to spare, thanks to Nissanka’s aggressive knock of 98 off just 58 balls, featuring 11 fours and four sixes.
He was well-supported by Kamil Mishara (12*) and Kusal Mendis (25*), ensuring the 2014 champions remained in control throughout the chase.
Earlier, Zimbabwe, opting to bat first, posted 146/5 in 20 overs despite quick contributions from Ryan Burl and captain Sikandar Raza.
Maheesh Theekshana struck early, dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers within two overs, reducing the Chevrons to 17/2.
Brendan Taylor and Bennett added 36 runs for the third wicket before Taylor’s dismissal, while Bennett and Raza stitched another 36-run partnership until Raza fell to a rare hit-wicket incident.
Burl played an unbeaten 37 off 26 balls alongside Tashinga Musekiwa (6*), trying to lift the Chevrons’ total.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Theekshana picked up two wickets each, with captain Dasun Shanaka contributing one. Brad Evans claimed the only wicket for Zimbabwe in the run chase.
This victory keeps Sri Lanka’s hopes alive in the tri-series, as a defeat would have eliminated them from contention for the final scheduled at the same venue on November 29.
