Rawalpindi, November 25, 2025: Sri Lanka produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Zimbabwe by nine wickets on Tuesday, keeping their hopes alive in the Pakistan-hosted T20 tri-nation series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a modest target of 147, the 2014 champions reached the total for the loss of just one wicket with 22 balls to spare, led by an unbeaten 98 from opener Pathum Nissanka off 58 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and four sixes. Fellow top-order batters Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis chipped in with 12 and 25 not out, respectively. For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans claimed the lone wicket.
Electing to bat first, the Chevrons managed 146/5 in 20 overs, boosted by brisk cameos from all-rounder Ryan Burl and captain Sikandar Raza. Early blows by Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana, who dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers in his first two overs, reduced Zimbabwe to 17/2.
Experienced Brendan Taylor (14) joined Bennett for a 36-run third-wicket stand before falling to Dasun Shanaka. Bennett then combined with Raza for another 36-run fourth-wicket partnership before falling via a hit-wicket dismissal off Wanindu Hasaranga.
Raza finished as joint top-scorer with 37 off 29 balls, while Burl’s unbeaten 37 off 26 deliveries and Tashinga Musekiwa’s cautious 6 not out helped Zimbabwe reach a competitive total.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were led by Hasaranga and Theekshana, who picked up two wickets each, with skipper Shanaka contributing one.
The victory keeps Sri Lanka’s final hopes alive in the tri-series, as a defeat would have ended their chances of qualifying for the final scheduled at the same venue on November 29.
