RAWALPINDI: In a stunning upset at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka by 67 runs in the second match of the Pakistan-hosted T20I tri-nation series. Chasing a target of 163, Sri Lanka managed only 95 runs before being bowled out, falling short in their tournament opener.
Dasun Shanaka was the lone bright spot for Sri Lanka, scoring 34 off 25 balls, including two sixes and as many boundaries, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa added 11. Zimbabwe’s bowlers dominated, with Brad Evans leading the attack, taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs, supported by Richard Ngarava (2 wickets) and contributions from Maposa, Cremer, Burl, and Raza.
Zimbabwe’s innings of 162/8 saw early setbacks, losing opener Tadiwanashe Marumani for 10 and experienced Brendan Taylor for 11. Skipper Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett steadied the innings with a 61-run partnership. Raza’s resilient 47 off 32 balls powered Zimbabwe, hitting three boundaries and two sixes. Late contributions from Tashinga Musekiwa ensured a competitive total.
Sri Lanka’s bowling saw Wanindu Hasaranga claim 3 wickets for 32 runs, while Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana picked up one wicket each. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka’s batting faltered under pressure, handing Zimbabwe a memorable victory.
Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor (wk), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (c), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Graeme Cremer.
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