Sri Lanka VS Zimbabwe T20I series: Chevrons won by 5 wickets

HARARE: Zimbabwe XI clinched the second T20I of the three-match series on Saturday, successfully chasing a modest target of 80 set by Sri Lanka.

Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani opened up with intent. Marumani, in particular, looked dangerous, racing to 17 off 12 with three crisp boundaries before falling to a sharp catch by Kusal Mendis off Dushmantha Chameera. Bennett tried to steady things but fell for 19, leaving Zimbabwe at 53-4 and giving Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope.

Chameera led the fightback with the ball, striking thrice and rattling Zimbabwe’s top order. Sikandar Raza, the hero with the ball earlier, couldn’t replicate that form with the bat, managing just 2 runs before being clean bowled. When Tony Munyonga fell for three, Zimbabwe were 61-5.

However, in came Ryan Burl and Tashinga Musekiwa, and that’s where the game turned back in Zimbabwe’s favour. Burl held his nerve, anchoring the innings with a composed 20 off 22, while Musekiwa played the finisher’s role to perfection, smashing 21 off 14 balls, including a six to bring up the win.

With 34 balls to spare, Zimbabwe crossed the finish line at 84-5, sealing a 5-wicket win and leveling the T20I series 1-1.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers gave it everything: Chameera’s three for 19 was a standout, and Theekshana kept things tight, however the batters simply didn’t give them enough to defend.

The Lions have won the opening match of the series by four wickets, with an unbeaten knock of 41 off 16 balls by Kamindu Mendis earning him the Player of the Match award.

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Yet today’s victory by Chevrons sets up a thrilling decider in the final T20I as both have a belief a point to prove.

Earlier, the host team sent the touring side to bat first, aimed at restricting them to an easier target.

Zimbabwe’s fielding

Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Sikandar Raza, ran riot through Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, dismantling the innings in just 17.4 overs.

Kusal Mendis fell early for just 1, while Pathum Nissanka tried to settle in with a boundary but was dismissed for 8. Kamil Mishara looked promising with a fluent 20 off 20 balls, suggesting he might anchor the innings, but his stay was short-lived. Skipper Charith Asalanka attempted to steady the ship with a patient 18, yet wickets continued to tumble around him.

Kamindu Mendis couldn’t get off the mark, and both Nuwanidu Fernando and Dasun Shanaka struggled to build any momentum. By the time Sri Lanka were reduced to 64 for 6, the innings was in serious trouble. The tail offered little resistance against Zimbabwe’s disciplined attack.

Sikandar Raza was the standout, claiming three vital wickets and applying relentless pressure. Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani supported brilliantly, chipping in with key scalps during the powerplay and middle overs. A crucial run-out added to Sri Lanka’s woes, with Dushan Hemantha being caught short of his crease just when a partnership was needed.

In the end, Sri Lanka were bowled out for a mere 80 runs, with no batter managing to create an excellent opportunity against Sri Lanka.