Zimbabwe emerged victorious against Sri Lanka in the ongoing tri-series in Pakistan, securing a historic 67-run win at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This marks Zimbabwe’s largest victory, by runs, over a Full Member nation in T20 International history.
Zimbabwe set a target of 162 runs after batting first, with notable performances from captain Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett, who contributed 49 runs off 42 balls and 47 runs off 32 balls, respectively. Other contributors included Ryan Burl and Tashinga Musekiwa, who scored 18 off 11 and 11 off 7 balls, respectively. Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking three wickets for 32 runs, supported by Eshan Malinga, who claimed two wickets, while Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera each took one.
In response, Sri Lanka struggled, being bowled out for 95 runs in just 20 overs, with their last wicket falling on the final delivery of the innings. Stand-in captain Dasun Shanaka was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with 34 runs off 25 balls, but nine players were dismissed for single-digit scores.
Brad Evans was instrumental with the ball for Zimbabwe, finishing with figures of three wickets for just nine runs in four overs. Richard Ngarava also made significant contributions, taking two wickets for 15 runs. Tinotenda Maposa, Raza, Graeme Cremer, and Ryan Burl each claimed one wicket.
Zimbabwe’s Major Wins Against Full Member Nations in T20Is:
- 67-run win over Sri Lanka
- 31-run win over Bangladesh
- 31-run win over Ireland
- 26-run win over West Indies
- 23-run win over Bangladesh
Sri Lanka’s Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara
Zimbabwe’s Playing XI:
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Graeme Cremer
