Sri Lanka Seals T20I Series Win Over Zimbabwe with Thrilling Eight-Wicket Victory
In a nail-biting finish at Harare Sports Club, Sri Lanka clinched the T20I series against Zimbabwe 2-1 on Sunday. Young star Kamil Mishara stole the show with an explosive unbeaten 73 off 43 balls, helping his team chase down a tough target of 192 with eight wickets in hand and 14 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka’s chase started strong with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis putting on a solid 50-run partnership. Nissanka smashed 33, while Mendis made 30 before Brad Evans got him out. Sikandar Raza then removed Nissanka, putting some pressure on the visitors. But that’s when Mishara stepped up, smashing six fours and two sixes to keep the momentum going.
Kusal Perera, who returned to the side after missing the second match, played a quickfire 46 not out off 26 balls. The duo’s partnership made sure Sri Lanka cruised home comfortably in the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe T20I match.
Earlier, Zimbabwe set a challenging total of 191/8 in their innings. Tadiwanashe Marumani top-scored with a gritty 51, and Sikandar Raza added 28. The hosts ran hard between the wickets and benefited from some loose fielding by Sri Lanka, which let them pick up extra runs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled overall, except for Dushan Hemantha (3/38) and Dushmantha Chameera (2/33), who kept things tight.
This series win gives Sri Lanka a big confidence boost as they gear up for the Men’s T20 Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will head into qualifiers against Namibia next.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 191/8 in 20 overs (Tadiwanashe Marumani 51, Sikandar Raza 28; Dushan Hemantha 3-38, Dushmantha Chameera 2-33). Sri Lanka 193/2 in 17.4 overs (Kamil Mishara 73, Kusal Perera 46; Brad Evans 1-28, Sikandar Raza 1-29). Sri Lanka won by eight wickets.
