Sri Lanka began their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe with a hard-fought four-wicket victory at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Chasing 176, the visitors held their nerve to cross the line with five balls to spare, thanks to an explosive late cameo from Kamindu Mendis.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were tested by Zimbabwe’s top order. Brian Bennett stole the show for the hosts, anchoring the innings with a fluent 81 off 57 balls, laced with boundaries and clever strike rotation. Skipper Sikandar Raza added 28 from 22 deliveries, but Sri Lanka kept striking at regular intervals. Dushmantha Chameera was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/30, while Maheesh Theekshana and Dushan Hemantha chipped in with one wicket each, restricting Zimbabwe to 175/7 in 20 overs.
In reply, Sri Lanka’s chase was anchored by opener Pathum Nissanka, who struck a brisk 55 off 32 balls, keeping the visitors ahead of the required rate. Kusal Mendis provided steady support with 38 off 35 deliveries. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Richard Ngarava (2/19), fought hard to claw back into the game, but Kamindu Mendis tilted the contest firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Walking in during a tense finish, Mendis smashed an unbeaten 41 off just 16 balls, including a flurry of boundaries that silenced the Harare crowd. His fearless knock ensured Sri Lanka reached 177/6 in 19.1 overs, sealing a 1-0 lead in the series.
The Player of the Match award went to Kamindu Mendis for his all-round display — bowling a tidy two overs for just 15 runs before producing a match-winning batting performance under pressure.
Match Summary:
- Zimbabwe 175/7 (20): Brian Bennett 81 (57), Sikandar Raza 28 (22); Dushmantha Chameera 3/30
- Sri Lanka 177/6 (19.1): Pathum Nissanka 55 (32), Kamindu Mendis 41* (16); Richard Ngarava 2/19
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets, lead series 1-0
The series now heads into the second T20I, where Zimbabwe will aim to bounce back and keep the contest alive, while Sri Lanka will look to wrap up the series with another win.
