Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka to level series
Zimbabwe team
Zimbabwe outplayed Sri Lanka to secure a five-wicket victory in the second T20I at Harare Sports Club, leveling the three-match series 1–1 with one game to spare. The hosts chased down a modest target of 81 runs with 34 balls remaining, continuing their recent dominance at home.
Sri Lanka’s batting struggles resurfaced as they were bundled out for just 80 in 17.4 overs. After losing Kusal Mendis early, only Kamil Mishara (20 off 20) and skipper Charith Asalanka (18 off 23) showed brief resistance. The middle and lower order collapsed against Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling attack.
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For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza led from the front with a brilliant all-round display, returning figures of 3 for 11 in 4 overs, while Brad Evans (3/15) and Blessing Muzarabani (2/14) provided strong support. Sri Lanka failed to build any meaningful partnerships, with nine of their batters failing to reach double figures.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a brisk start despite losing wickets in clusters. Openers Tadiwanashe Marumani (17 off 12) and Brian Bennett (19 off 23) laid the foundation, before Ryan Burl (20* off 22) and the lively Tashinga Musekiwa (21* off 14) guided the home side to victory in the 15th over.
For Sri Lanka, pacer Dushmantha Chameera impressed with 3 for 19, troubling Zimbabwe’s top order, while Maheesh Theekshana and Binura Fernando picked up one wicket each. However, the bowlers were left defending an under-par total, which proved too little.
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With this result, Zimbabwe take an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series, underlining their steady rise in T20 cricket. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be left reflecting on their batting frailties ahead of the third T20I.
