Harare, September 3, 2025 – Sri Lanka kicked off their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe with a thrilling 4-wicket victory at the Harare Sports Club. Chasing a competitive target of 176, the visitors held their nerve to cross the line in the final over, thanks to explosive batting at the top and a composed lower-order finish.
Zimbabwe’s Batting – Bennett Shines Bright
After losing the toss zimbabwe batting first Brian Bennett. Opening the innings, he played with composure and aggression, crafting a superb 81 off 57 balls. His knock was packed with crisp strokes, including 12 boundaries, and ensured Zimbabwe had a solid foundation.
While Bennett held one end, wickets fell at the other. The Sri Lankan bowlers, especially Dushmantha Chameera, kept things tight early on. Chameera’s clever variations and short balls troubled Zimbabwe’s top order, and he finished with an excellent 3 for 30.
The middle overs saw Sikandar Raza inject energy with a quick 28 from 22 balls, striking a six and keeping the tempo high. But when Raza fell, Zimbabwe struggled to fully capitalize on Bennett’s start.
Bennett’s persistence and a few handy cameos, Zimbabwe managed a competitive 175 for 7 at the end of their 20 overs. It was a score that looked defendable on a surface offering both pace and bounce
Sri Lanka’s Explosive Start in the Chase
Sri Lanka came out with intent, and their opening pair gave them the perfect platform.
Pathum Nissanka anchored the chase with a fluent 55 off 32 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes.
Their partnership took Sri Lanka to 86/0 inside nine overs, putting Zimbabwe on the back foot.
Zimbabwe’s left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava strikes twice in quick succession, removing both openers. From a dominant position, Sri Lanka suddenly looked shaky as wickets tumbled in the middle order. Blessing Muzarabani and Tendai Chatara bowled tight spells, pushing the asking rate up and reducing Sri Lanka to 142 for 6 by the 17th over.
At the other end, Kamindu Mendis launched a blistering counterattack, smashing 41 off just 16 balls, which included four sixes.
Match changing over Kamindu Mendis and Dushan Hemantha hit 26 runs in 18th over.
Sri Lanka reached 177 for 6 in 19.1 overs, completing a tense but deserved victory.
Match Summary
Zimbabwe 175/7 (20 overs)
Brian Bennett – 81 (57)
Sikandar Raza – 28 (22)
Dushmantha Chameera – 3/30
Dushan Hemantha – 1/28
Sri Lanka 177/6 (19.1 overs)
Pathum Nissanka – 55 (32)
Kamindu Mendis – 41 (16)
Richard Ngarava – 2/19
Blessing Muzarabani – 1/35
Result: Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets with 5 balls remaining.
- Series: Sri Lanka lead 1–0 in the 3-match T20I series.