Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Tri Nation Series Highlights: Nissanka 98 Runs Power to Sri Lanka Must win Game

The high stake encounter of Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka thrash Zimbabwe by 9  wickets in must win game. The star of the night was Pathum Nissanka, who delivered a brilliant unbeaten 98 that completely overshadowed the match. His commanding innings ensured that Sri Lanka stayed alive in the competition and set up a must-win showdown against Pakistan in the final group game.

Zimbabwe won the toss and Opted to bat first, innings began with shaky notes when Maheesh Theekshana drew first blood of dismissed Tadiwanshe Murumani in his first over on 4 gave perfect Start start for the team, in his second over he dismissed Dion Myers on 6 and Zimbabwe early found themselves in under pressure were 17.2 in 2.5 overs. While Brendon Taylor struggled to find rhythm and managed 14 runs off 16 deliveries.

Brian Bennett did try to rebuild the innings. He played with maturity, focusing on singles and steady accumulation. While he tried to hold one end, Sri Lanka bowlers bowled with discipline and tight lines kept pressure Zimbabwe on batters .

Sikandar Raza attempted to shift the momentum by playing counter-attack shots reach a competitive total, and managed 37 runs off 29 deliveries and featuring 5 boundaries and a six  once he got out, the team lost momentum. While at the lower order Ryan Brul played 37* runs knock off 26 balls at the end , Zimbabwe managed 146/5 in 20 overs.

For Sri Lanka Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana gets 2 wickets each in 4 overs while Dashun Shanaka chipped with 1 wicket.

Chasing 147 total, Sri Lanka got brisk start and Pathum Nissanka started aggressively attacking the Zimbabwe bowler and immediately putting pressure on the them. Nissanka and Kamil Mishara added a quick 59 runs for the first wicket, giving Sri Lanka a strong platform. Mishara was dismissed on 12 runs off 15 deliveries by Brad Evans, but the setback did not slow Sri Lanka down.Nissanka kept going with confident, powerful shots. At the other end, Kusal Mendis played calmly, rotating the strike and supporting Nissanka perfectly. Together, they stitched an unbeaten 89-run stand that carried Sri Lanka to victory.Nissanka remained unbeaten on a brilliant 98 off 58 balls, with 11 fours and 4 sixes. Though he missed a century by just two runs, while Kusal Mendis steady unbeaten on 25 runs off 25 deliveries .

Sri Lanka reached the target 148/1 in 16.2 overs with 22 balls spare.

For Zimbabwe Brad Evans only one bowler who able to take wickets 1/36 in 4 overs

pathum Nissanka become most 50 plus scores make in T20I.

Pathum Nissanka -19

Kusal Mendis – 17

Kusal pareera – 17

Tilakaratne Dilshan – 14

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe match summary

Toss: zimbabwe won the toss and Opted to bat first

Zimbabwe innings : 146/5 in 20 overs

Top scorer : Ryan Brul 37* runs off 26 deliveries, Sikandar Raza 37 runs off 29 balls

Top bowler : Maheesh Theekshana 2/23 in 4 overs, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/23 in 4 overs

Sri Lanka innings : 148/1 in 16.2 overs

Top performer : Pathum Nissanka 98 *Runs off 58 deliveries , Kusal Mendis 25 runs from 25 balls

Top bowler : Brad Evan 2/36 in 4 overs

Result : Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets

Player of the match : Pathum Nissanka 98 * runs off 58 balls

Pathum Nissanka what he said after his Brilliant performance 

My plan was to start well in the powerplay because that’s where we had struggled earlier. I focused on getting through that phase and then continued to build my innings. I also worked on a few areas where I felt I was going wrong, made the necessary adjustments, and it all clicked today. Playing all three formats isn’t easy, and adapting to each one takes effort. During practice, I train differently for every format to make sure I’m ready for the demands of each game.- he said