Sri Lanka secured a commanding first victory in the T20 tri-series, overpowering Zimbabwe by nine wickets on Tuesday, thanks to a spectacular, unbeaten innings from opening batter Pathum Nissanka.
Nissanka's Masterclass Seals the Chase
Chasing a modest target of 147, Pathum Nissanka was in devastating form, smashing an unbeaten 98 runs from just 58 deliveries. His whirlwind knock included 11 boundaries and four massive sixes, single-handedly dismantling the Zimbabwean bowling attack. His powerful hitting ensured Sri Lanka raced to 148-1 with a massive 22 balls to spare, highlighting the stark difference in batting conditions after Zimbabwe had laboured to 146-5 on the same surface.
Nissanka provided a flying start, forming a 59-run partnership inside the powerplay. After the dismissal of Kamil Mishara for 12, he combined with Kusal Mendis (25 not out) in an unbroken 89-run stand off 64 balls that took the game completely away from the hosts.
Zimbabwe's Struggles with Bat and Ball
Earlier, after being put into bat, Zimbabwe's innings never found its rhythm. The Sri Lankan spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana (2-23) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2-23) applied immense pressure. Theekshana struck twice inside the powerplay, clean bowling Tadiwanashe Marumani (4) and Dion Myers (6).
Brian Bennett top-scored for Zimbabwe with a brisk 34 off 26 balls, but his innings ended in bizarre fashion when he was dismissed hit wicket against Hasaranga. Captain Sikandar Raza contributed 37, but his dismissal in the 15th over stifled Zimbabwe's momentum. A late cameo from Ryan Burl, who remained not out on 37 from 26 balls, helped push the total to a seemingly competitive, yet ultimately insufficient, 146-5.
Road to the Final
This result sets up a thrilling final league match on Thursday. Pakistan has already qualified for Saturday's final with three consecutive wins. The second finalist will be decided when Sri Lanka takes on the host, Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka must win that match to advance; a loss would see Zimbabwe progress to the final due to a superior net run-rate.
Reflecting on the win, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka praised his team's confidence and bowling, specifically highlighting Theekshana's spell. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza acknowledged his team was "slightly short" with the bat and did not bowl well in the powerplay, adding that his team now finds itself in the unusual position of supporting Pakistan to help their own qualification chances.
