Live Matches
Recent Matches
3rd T20I, Croatia in Spain, 5 T20I Series, 2025
ESP
58/1 (4.4)
CRO
55 (18.2)
Spain beat Croatia by 9 wickets
Upcoming Matches
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I Commentary, Live Updates
ZIM vs SL, 2025 - T20 Live Commentary
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Scorecard
Share
Match Ended
1st T20I, Harare Sports Club, Harare
, Sep 03, 2025
% Chance to Win
ZIM
SL
Inn Break
Advertisement
Right then, Sri Lanka have edged in a pulsating contest to go 1-0 up in the series, leaving Zimbabwe heartbroken yet again. The second T20I will be played on Saturday, 6th September, with the action starting at 11.30 am GMT. Sri Lanka will aim to seal the series, while Zimbabwe will look to bounce back and keep it alive. Do join us an hour early for all the pre-match buildup and insights. Until then, take care! CIAO!
The skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says that he is really happy with the performance. Adds that they were under pressure when the wickets kept falling and credits Zimbabwe bowlers. Mentions that Kamindu Mendis batted exceptionally well, and it is always good to see Kusal Mendis score runs, as he is crucial for them. Says that they were unfortunate in missing Dushmantha Chameera last year, but he is their X-factor.
Kamindu Mendis is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his impressive match-winning knock of 41 runs off just 16 balls. He says that after Sri Lanka lost a few quick wickets in the middle, he knew he had to take responsibility and be ready to finish the game, and he’s glad he managed to do it. Mentions that in that situation, boundaries were crucial, so he focused on staying calm and expressing himself in the middle. Adds that it was a really good surface to bat on, Zimbabwe played very well, and Sri Lanka too put up a strong batting effort to get over the line.
The skipper of Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, says that they were in the game for about 19 overs, and it was just one over that went over 20 runs that changed the game. Adds that one of the new boys found it tough, but these things happen in cricket, and the youngsters need to have this experience to improve in the future. Mentions that he knew that the second innings could be a bit tricky, as they saw in the ODIs, but praises Kamindu Mendis for the way he batted. Says that they have not often found themselves in a winning position, but they have now for three games, and it is just about getting over the line, and once they do that, they will know how it feels and will close out games on a consistent basis.
Time for the Post-Match Presentations...
Earlier in the match, Charith Asalanka won the toss and invited Zimbabwe to bat first, where Zimbabwe posted a good total of 175/7. Brian Bennett stole the show with a superb 81 off 57 balls, anchoring the innings. Sikandar Raza too chipped in with a handy 28, but regular wickets in the back end prevented Zimbabwe from pushing beyond 190. Sri Lanka’s bowlers did well in patches - Chameera’s 3 for 30 was the highlight, while debutant Dushan Hemantha and Maheesh Theekshana chipped in with one apiece. The last three overs, led by Chameera’s yorkers, saved Sri Lanka around 15 runs, which proved vital in the end.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers deserved credit for their fightback. Richard Ngarava was the standout with an economical 2 for 19, while Sikandar Raza and Brad Evans chipped in as well. Blessing Muzarabani, though expensive, provided a key breakthrough too. For a brief phase, Zimbabwe had Sri Lanka under pressure, especially with the wickets of Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka falling cheaply. But their inability to close out the game hurt them badly, just like in the ODI series, particularly in the death overs, where Kamindu’s calculated assault turned the tables.
The chase began with purpose as openers Nissanka and Kusal Mendis took Sri Lanka to 65/0 at the end of the Powerplay, Pathum leading the charge with clean hitting. Nissanka went on to notch up 55 from 32 balls, while Kusal Mendis anchored at the other end with 38. They brought up 96 runs without loss in 10 overs, putting Sri Lanka way ahead of the game. But once Nissanka fell to Tinotenda Maposa, Zimbabwe clawed back into the contest. Richard Ngarava struck twice in one over, dismissing both Kusals, while skipper Sikandar Raza chipped in with a key wicket of his counterpart. Suddenly, Sri Lanka slipped from a position of dominance of 96/0 to 125/5, and the match tilted.
What a thriller we witnessed in Harare! Sri Lanka have pulled off a nail-biting 4-wicket win with 5 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series. Chasing 176, they looked in full control early with Pathum Nissanka’s sparkling fifty, only to stumble in the middle overs as Zimbabwe’s bowlers fought back. But when it mattered most, Kamindu Mendis rose to the occasion with a breathtaking unbeaten 41 off just 16 balls, turning the tide in Sri Lanka’s favour. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will rue the costly 18th over that went for 26 runs and ultimately sealed their fate. This match was fully worth the money, and the fans must have enjoyed every bit of it.
End Of The Over 19.1 : 177/6
4 Runs
- 419.1
D. Hemantha
14 (9)
K. Mendis
41 (16)
B. Muzarabani
3.1-0-41-1
19.1
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Dushan Hemantha
FOUR! Debutant hits the winning runs! Blessing Muzarabani goes fuller and on off, Dushan Hemantha leans on to his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary. SRI LANKA WIN BY 4 WICKETS!
With 3 needed off the last 6 balls, Sri Lanka are in the driver's seat. Can Zimbabwe pull off a miracle, as we have seen many times in cricket? Also, the Zimbabweans have suffered a penalty for slow over rate and have to put an extra fielder inside the circle.
End Of The Over 19 : 173/6
5 Runs
- 218.1
- 018.2
- 118.3
- 118.4
- 018.5
- 1 LB 18.6
D. Hemantha
10 (8)
K. Mendis
41 (16)
R. Ngarava
4-0-19-2
18.6
lb
Richard Ngarava To Dushan Hemantha
Hard length and around leg, Dushan Hemantha looks to hook it but gets hurried as the ball goes off his thigh pads and drops to the off side. A leg bye taken. Just 3 runs needed in the last over.
18.5
0
Richard Ngarava To Dushan Hemantha
Bangs in a bouncer, on middle and leg, Dunith Wellalage looks to pull it away but misses.
18.4
1
Richard Ngarava To Kamindu Mendis
Fuller and on middle, Kamindu Mendis steps across and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a run. Dushan wants the second but is sent back. No idea why they are in such a hurry. One hit away from the win now!
18.3
1
Richard Ngarava To Dushan Hemantha
Run out chance...missed! A good yorker, on off, Dushan Hemantha digs it out in front of short covers and sets off for the run. Sikandar Raza picks up but misses his shy at the bowler's end. Dushan was nowhere near the crease. The Lankans don't need to take these kinds of risks now.
18.2
0
Richard Ngarava To Dushan Hemantha
Short of a length and outside off, angling away, Dushan Hemantha slashes at it but misses.
18.1
2
Richard Ngarava To Dushan Hemantha
Back of a length and around off, Dushan Hemantha drags it wide of long on for a brace. They are just one big hit away from the win now.
Sri Lanka need just 8 now off the last two overs, and the last over was too expensive for Zimbabwe, which went for 26 runs. Also, Richard Ngarava will bowl the penultimate over.
End Of The Over 18 : 168/6
26 Runs
- 417.1
- 7 NB 17.2
- 1 WD 17.2
- 1 LB 17.2
- 217.3
- 417.4
- 117.5
- 617.6
K. Mendis
40 (15)
D. Hemantha
7 (3)
T. Maposa
4-0-47-1
17.6
6
Tinotenda Maposa To Kamindu Mendis
SIX MORE! 26 runs off the over! Looks like Zimbabwe have thrown away another game here. Low full toss, angling into the pads. Kamindu Mendis picks it up nicely and uses his wrists to whip it over the deep square leg fence for a flat six.
17.5
1
Tinotenda Maposa To Dushan Hemantha
Pitched up and on middle, Dushan Hemantha tucks it away through mid-wicket for one.
17.4
4
Tinotenda Maposa To Dushan Hemantha
FOUR! This is just poor bowling! 19 runs already with two balls still to go. Short and down the leg side, Dushan Hemantha just has to get some bat on that and he does exactly that to tickle it away to the deep fine leg fence for four more runs.
17.3
2
Tinotenda Maposa To Dushan Hemantha
Back of a length and on middle, Dushan Hemantha rolls his wrists and pulls it wide of deep square leg for a brace.
17.2
lb
Tinotenda Maposa To Kamindu Mendis
Fuller and on middle, angling in, Kamindu Mendis fails to work it away as the ball goes off his pads towards short covers. A leg bye taken.
17.2
wd
Tinotenda Maposa To Kamindu Mendis
WIDE! Goes fuller but down the leg side, Kamindu Mendis misses his flick. Wided. Free Hit continues.
17.2
nb
Tinotenda Maposa To Kamindu Mendis
NO BALL AND SIX! Oh...no! The match is turning once again! Tinotenda Maposa loses his grip and bowls a high full toss, well above the waist of the batter. Kamindu Mendis somehow manages to get inside of it and hooks it over the fine leg fence for a biggie. Free Hit up next...
17.1
4
Tinotenda Maposa To Kamindu Mendis
FOUR! Cheeky and effective! Tinotenda Maposa sees the batter move across and serves a low full toss, outside off. Kamindu Mendis winds up for the scoop initially, but then adjusts and reverse scoops it to the deep third man fence for a boundary.
Dushan Hemantha walks in next to bat. Sri Lanka needs 34 runs off the last three overs. Also, Tashinga Musekiwa is receiving a bit of treatment from the physios for taking a knee to his head. He is fine to continue.
End Of The Over 17 : 142/6
12 Runs
- 116.1
- 616.2
- 316.3
- 016.4
- 216.5
- W 16.6
D. Shanaka
6 (6)
K. Mendis
24 (11)
B. Evans
3-0-30-1
16.6
W
Brad Evans To Dasun Shanaka OUT!
OUT! TAKEN! That's an unbelievable tag-team catch in the deep! Brad Evans lands this short and on middle, giving no pace at all. Dasun Shanaka waits for it and pulls but does not get all of it. He hits it with the wind, so the ball sails towards the deep square leg region. Tony Munyonga runs to his left, while Tashinga Musekiwa from deep mid-wicket runs to his right. Musekiwa dives to his right to grab it with both hands, but the ball pops up as he hits the ground. Tony shows great awareness and grabs this rebound low catch with a dive to his left. He does well to hold on to it as Musekiwa clashes into his knee with his head. The third umpire is called in, and he confirms that it is a fair catch after watching the replays. This is just amazing from Zimbabwe, and they have done really well. Sri Lanka six down now!
16.5
2
Brad Evans To Dasun Shanaka
Good fielding this time! Pitched up and on off, Dasun Shanaka drills it away towards extra covers. Sean Williams gets a bad bounce there but adjusts well and extends his left hand to make a half-stop with his dive. Two taken.
16.4
0
Brad Evans To Dasun Shanaka
Takes pace off, hard length and around off, Dasun Shanaka slashes hard at it but misses.
16.3
3
Brad Evans To Kamindu Mendis
Oh..no! Just as we praised Zimbabwe for their fielding, now they get a bit sloppy. A low full toss, around off, Kamindu Mendis drills it towards extra covers. The fielder dives to his right but lets it through and what should have been just one, turns out to be three runs.
16.2
6
Brad Evans To Kamindu Mendis
SIX! Put away with ease! Brad Evans bangs this into the pitch around middle. Kamindu Mendis moves across early and just helps it on its way over the fine leg fence for a biggie. 39 needed in 22 now!
16.1
1
Brad Evans To Dasun Shanaka
Right in the blockhole, on middle, Dasun Shanaka jams it out to long on for a single.
End Of The Over 16 : 130/5
12 Runs
- 615.1
- 115.2
- W 15.3
- 215.4
- 115.5
- 2 B 15.6
K. Mendis
15 (9)
D. Shanaka
3 (2)
B. Muzarabani
3-0-37-1
15.6
b
Blessing Muzarabani To Kamindu Mendis
Superb effort in the deep! Blessing Muzarabani serves a full toss, outside off, Kamindu Mendis swings hard at it but misses. Tadiwanashe Marumani, the keeper, also fails to collect as it goes through his legs. The fielder from short third man chases after it and dives to push the ball back inside to keep it to two byes. Zimbabwe have been lively on the field here.
15.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Dasun Shanaka
Pitched up and on middle, Dasun Shanaka drives it to long on for one.
15.4
2
Blessing Muzarabani To Dasun Shanaka
Fuller one and around off, Dasun Shanaka drills it towards deep point for a brace.
Dasun Shanaka is the new batter in.
15.3
W
Blessing Muzarabani To Nuwanidu Fernando OUT!
OUT! TAKEN! Blessing Muzarabani strikes now! He rolls his fingers to take pace off, hits the length hard and around off. Nuwanidu Fernando looks to slap it over covers but gets no timing at all on this one. He ends up just lobbing it, and Sikandar Raza runs to his right to take a nice catch. The Lankans lose half their side now and are in deep trouble.
15.2
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Kamindu Mendis
Much fuller and around off, Kamindu Mendis squeezes it out through backward point for a single.
15.1
6
Blessing Muzarabani To Kamindu Mendis
SIX! Much-needed for Sri Lanka! This is a nothing delivery, back of a length and on middle, and slower too. Sits up nicely for the batter, and begging to be put away. Kamindu Mendis waits for it and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
End Of The Over 15 : 118/4
7 Runs
- 114.1
- 114.2
- 214.3
- 114.4
- 114.5
- 114.6
K. Mendis
8 (6)
N. Fernando
7 (8)
S. Williams
1-0-7-0
14.6
1
Sean Williams To Kamindu Mendis
Much full and outside off, Mendis turns it to deep square leg for a single more. Sri Lanka need 58 more off the last five overs.
14.5
1
Sean Williams To Nuwanidu Fernando
Nagging length and outside off, Nuwanidu Fernando goes back, deep in his crease and cuts it to deep point for one.
14.4
1
Sean Williams To Kamindu Mendis
Short and on the pads, whacked across to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.3
2
Sean Williams To Kamindu Mendis
DROPPED! A tough chance but Brian Bennett fails to hold onto it. Short and around off, and skids through. Kamindu Mendis goes back, opens his stance and pulls it. Mistimes it off the toe end of the bat and the ball goes towards deep square leg. Brian Bennett moves to his right, runs hard and puts in a dive in the end to take it but the ball doesn't stick to his hands and spills out. Two runs taken and Williams applauds the effort of Brian.
14.2
1
Sean Williams To Nuwanidu Fernando
Full and around middle, drilled down to long off for one.
14.1
1
Sean Williams To Kamindu Mendis
Touch short and outside off, sliced away in the gap towards deep backward square leg for one.
End Of The Over 14 : 111/4
5 Runs
- W 13.1
- 213.2
- 113.3
- 013.4
- 013.5
- 213.6
N. Fernando
5 (6)
K. Mendis
3 (2)
S. Raza
4-0-26-1
13.6
2
Sikandar Raza To Nuwanidu Fernando
Much shorter and wide outside off, Nuwanidu Fernando cuts it to the right of cover point and takes two runs.
13.5
0
Sikandar Raza To Nuwanidu Fernando
Much shorter and around middle, Nuwanidu Fernando strides forward and looks to defend it but gets an inside edge onto his front pad.
13.4
0
Sikandar Raza To Nuwanidu Fernando
Short and around middle, pushed down back to the bowler off the back foot.
13.3
1
Sikandar Raza To Kamindu Mendis
A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head! Short and around middle, Kamindu Mendis looks to flick it off the back foot but gets it off the gloves towards mid-wicket. A single taken.
13.2
2
Sikandar Raza To Kamindu Mendis
Very full and around middle, Kamindu Mendis prods forward and clips it in the gap between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. Picks up two runs to open his account.
Kamindu Mendis walks out to bat now.
13.1
W
Sikandar Raza To Charith Asalanka OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another good catch, this time by the keeper and Sri Lanka lose their fourth in the matter of just 19 balls. A bit short and outside off, and gets it to turn away from the batter. Charith Asalanka backs away and looks to cut it but gets too close to the ball. Ends up getting a faint outside edge that goes to the left of the keeper behind the wickets. Tadiwanashe Marumani moves that side and takes a sharp catch. Raza and Marumani appeal, and the umpire raises his finger. Charith Asalanka walks back for just 1(2) and Sri Lanka are down to 106/4, still needing 70 runs in 41 balls.
End Of The Over 13 : 106/3
4 Runs
- W 12.1
- 112.2
- W 12.3
- 112.4
- 012.5
- 212.6
N. Fernando
3 (3)
C. Asalanka
1 (1)
R. Ngarava
3-0-15-2
12.6
2
Richard Ngarava To Nuwanidu Fernando
Just over! On a length and wide outside off, Nuwanidu Fernando extends his arms again and slices it over leaping backward point for a couple of runs.
12.5
0
Richard Ngarava To Nuwanidu Fernando
Change of pace, full and outsie off, Nuwanidu Fernando throws his hands at it and looks to cut it but misses.
12.4
1
Richard Ngarava To Charith Asalanka
On a length and around off, Asalanka pushes it towards mid on and takes a quick single to get off the mark.
Charith Asalanka is the next man in with Sri Lanka in a slight spot of bother.
12.3
W
Richard Ngarava To Kusal Mendis OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT! Double whammy for Richard Ngarava and he is pumped up as the set batter Kusal Mendis goes for 38(35). Richard bowls it short and well outside off, angling away from the batter from over the wicket. Mendis hops and looks to use the pace of the bowler to cut it over backward point. But as the ball is too far from his body, Mendis is only able to slice it off the outer half of the bat and the ball goes towards deep third. Tinotenda Maposa runs across to his right a bit and takes it with a slide. Sri Lanka are three down and this is a good opening for Zimbabwe to cash in here, as there are two new batters on the crease.
12.2
1
Richard Ngarava To Nuwanidu Fernando
On a length and around off, Nuwanidu Fernando opens his bat off late and guides it to deep third for a single to get off the mark.
Nuwanidu Fernando comes out to the middle now.
12.1
W
Richard Ngarava To Kusal Perera OUT!
OUT! TAKEN! An excellent catch and Sri Lanka are suddenly two down. Richard bowls it on a length and around middle, and tries to angle back in from wide of the crease. Kusal Perera goes deep in his crease and looks to flick it but gets a top edge as the ball skids through. The ball goes miles up in the air over backward square leg. Brian Bennett calls for the catch from deep square leg, runs forward, covers a good ground, and dives in the end to pluck it just above the turf. What makes it even better is the fact that he was looking straight at the sun but still managed to hold on to it. Perera walks back for 4(8) and Sri Lanka are 102/2.
End Of The Over 12 : 102/1
4 Runs
- 111.1
- 011.2
- 211.3
- 111.4
- 011.5
- 011.6
K. Mendis
38 (34)
K. Perera
4 (7)
S. Raza
3-0-21-0
11.6
0
Sikandar Raza To Kusal Mendis
Short and around leg, Mendis goes back and looks to flick it but misses and gets hit on the outside of the front pad. There is a stifled appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head again.
11.5
0
Sikandar Raza To Kusal Mendis
Nagging length and outside off, Mendis opens his stance and cuts it down to backward point.
11.4
1
Sikandar Raza To Kusal Perera
A low full toss, around off, KP reaches out as he gets down on one knee and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for one.
11.3
2
Sikandar Raza To Kusal Perera
Full and around middle, Kusal Perera shuffles a bit and drills it to the left of deep mid-wicket to pick up two runs. 100 comes up for Sri Lanka.
11.2
0
Sikandar Raza To Kusal Perera
Massive appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head! Full and drifting down leg, Perera comes forward and looks to flick it but gets beaten on the inside edge and gets rapped on the front pad. Could be sliding down leg again.
11.1
1
Sikandar Raza To Kusal Mendis
Tossed it up and around middle, Mendis comes forward and nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single. He wants two but is sent back.
End Of The Over 11 : 98/1
2 Runs
- W 10.1
- 010.2
- 010.3
- 010.4
- 110.5
- 110.6
K. Mendis
37 (31)
K. Perera
1 (4)
T. Maposa
3-0-22-1
10.6
1
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Mendis
Lands it full and a bit outside off, Mendis pushes it towards mid off and takes a quick single.
10.5
1
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Perera
Back of a length and around middle, turned away to deep square leg for one.
10.4
0
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Perera
Nagging length and around middle, Perera looks to pull it but misses.
10.3
0
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Perera
Another appeal for LBW is turned down by the umpire! On a length and skidding through, around leg, Kusal gets squared up as he looks to pull it but misses and gets hit high on the back pad. Could be sliding down leg.
10.2
0
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Perera
An appeal for LBW but is turned down! Back of a length and around leg, Kusal Perera looks to flick it but misses and gets hit on the outside of the front pad.
Kusal Perera walks out to bat at number 3.
10.1
W
Tinotenda Maposa To Pathum Nissanka OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! GONE! Finally, Zimbabwe get the breakthrough and Pathum Nissanka walks back after an impressive inning of 55 off just 32 balls. Maposa bowls a short delivery, angling into the batter, around middle and gets some extra bounce on this occasion. Pathum presses back and looks to pull it but the ball gets big on him. He gets cramped and ends up getting a top edge that flies to the left of the keeper behind the wickets. Tadiwanashe Marumani moves to that side and pouches it easily. This is a big wicket for Zimbabwe, and now can they take more from here? Sri Lanka are 96/1, needing another 80 runs to win in 59 balls.
End Of The Over 10 : 96/0
10 Runs
- 19.1
- 29.2
- 29.3
- 29.4
- 29.5
- 19.6
P. Nissanka
55 (31)
K. Mendis
36 (30)
S. Raza
2-0-17-0
9.6
1
Sikandar Raza To Pathum Nissanka
Another short delivery, on middle, Pathum Nissanka pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.
9.5
2
Sikandar Raza To Pathum Nissanka
In the air...safe! Flatter, full and around off, Pathum Nissanka goes down to slog sweep it but fails to control the shot and mistimes it. The ball flies in the air but lands between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. The batters run another two. Three twos in a row.
9.4
2
Sikandar Raza To Pathum Nissanka
Dragged back and on middle, Pathum Nissanka rocks back and heaves it away wide of deep mid-wicket for another double. This is excellent running between the wickets.
9.3
2
Sikandar Raza To Pathum Nissanka
FIFTY FOR NISSANKA! He just continues his sublime form from the ODIs. This is his 15th half-century in T20Is, and he gets to it in just 28 balls. Tossed up, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run.
9.2
2
Sikandar Raza To Pathum Nissanka
Goes a bit short and on middle, Pathum Nissanka moves back and pulls it wide of deep square leg for a brace.
9.1
1
Sikandar Raza To Kusal Mendis
Floated, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis sweeps it through square leg for a single.
End Of The Over 9 : 86/0
6 Runs
- 08.1
- 18.2
- 08.3
- 28.4
- 28.5
- 18.6
K. Mendis
35 (29)
P. Nissanka
46 (26)
T. Maposa
2-0-20-0
8.6
1
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Mendis
DROPPED! A tough chance, but Zimbabwe have to take anything that comes their way. Tinotenda Maposa bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Kusal Mendis once again moves across to hook but gets hurried. He mistimes it high in the air towards the deep backward square leg region. Sean Williams runs a long way forward and to his right. He puts in a dive but just fails to get his fingers underneath. They cross. Mendis will look to make this count.
8.5
2
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Mendis
Goes fuller and outside off, Kusal Mendis squeezes it out towards deep point for a couple of runs. The runs are coming quite easily for the Lankans here.
8.4
2
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Mendis
Good length and on middle, Kusal Mendis nudges it through mid-wicket with soft hands for a brace.
8.3
0
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Mendis
Back of a length and on middle, angling into leg, Kusal Mendis moves across early to scoop it away but misses. The umpire signals nothing. Mendis looks uncanny and does not agree with the decision.
8.2
1
Tinotenda Maposa To Pathum Nissanka
On a length and on off, Pathum Nissanka pats it in front of short covers and sets off for the run. Sikandar Raza charges in but fails to pick it up on the first attempt. There was a chance of a run out there if he had picked it up cleanly.
8.1
0
Tinotenda Maposa To Pathum Nissanka
Swing and a miss! Hits the length hard and on middle, does not bounce that much. Pathum Nissanka looks to heave it away but the ball goes under his bat to the keeper.
Change? Yes, Tinotenda Maposa is back in the attack.
End Of The Over 8 : 80/0
7 Runs
- 17.1
- 17.2
- 17.3
- 27.4
- 17.5
- 17.6
P. Nissanka
45 (24)
K. Mendis
30 (25)
S. Raza
1-0-7-0
7.6
1
Sikandar Raza To Pathum Nissanka
Flighted, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka uses his wrists and chips it over mid-wicket for one more.
7.5
1
Sikandar Raza To Kusal Mendis
Quicker, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis works it to long on for one.
7.4
2
Sikandar Raza To Kusal Mendis
Flatter, shortish and around off, Kusal Mendis pushes it towards sweeper covers for a brace. The required runs have already come into two digits now.
7.3
1
Sikandar Raza To Pathum Nissanka
Dragged back, on middle, Pathum Nissanka pulls it to deep square leg for another run.
7.2
1
Sikandar Raza To Kusal Mendis
Goes short again, on off, Kusal Mendis stays back and drops it in front of point for a run.
7.1
1
Sikandar Raza To Pathum Nissanka
Floated, short and on off, Pathum Nissanka punches it to cover-point for a single.
Change. The skipper, Sikandar Raza, brings himself into the attack.
End Of The Over 7 : 73/0
8 Runs
- 16.1
- 16.2
- 16.3
- 16.4
- 06.5
- 46.6
K. Mendis
26 (22)
P. Nissanka
42 (21)
B. Evans
2-0-18-0
6.6
4
Brad Evans To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! That spoils the over a bit! Brad Evans hits the length hard and just around off, Kusal Mendis waits for it and plays it late. He opens the face of the bat and uses the pace on the ball to guide it away. Threads the gap beautifully and beats the dive of backward point and short third for a boundary.
6.5
0
Brad Evans To Kusal Mendis
Good length and on middle and off, Kusal Mendis has no room to work with and pats it down towards point.
6.4
1
Brad Evans To Pathum Nissanka
Short of a length and outside off, takes pace off, Pathum Nissanka waits for it and cuts it to deep point for one.
6.3
1
Brad Evans To Kusal Mendis
Hard length and on off, Kusal Mendis heaves it away to deep square leg for another run.
6.2
1
Brad Evans To Pathum Nissanka
Fine stop! Fuller and on off, Pathum Nissanka drives it firmly wide of short covers. Tinotenda Maposa dives to his right to get a hand on it and parries it towards mid off. A run taken. He stops at least a certain boundary there.
6.1
1
Brad Evans To Kusal Mendis
Back of a length and around off, Kusal Mendis steers it through point for a single.
End Of The Over 6 : 65/0
8 Runs
- 15.1
- 05.2
- 45.3
- 15.4
- 15.5
- 15.6
K. Mendis
20 (18)
P. Nissanka
40 (19)
B. Muzarabani
2-0-27-0
5.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Kusal Mendis
Short of a length and on leg, Kusal Mendis rides the bounce and clips it to square leg for one more. Sri Lanka are 65 for no loss at the end of the Powerplay.
5.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Pathum Nissanka
On a length and on middle, Pathum Nissanka works it through square leg for one.
5.4
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Kusal Mendis
Uppish but safe! A slower one, full and around off, Kusal Mendis goes through his push early. He ends up chipping it but it goes through the vacant cover-point region for a run.
5.3
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Just playing with the field now! Back of a length and just around off, Kusal Mendis moves across early to get inside the line of the ball. He plays the scoop perfectly over short fine for a boundary.
5.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Kusal Mendis
Hits the length hard and on off, Kusal Mendis stays back and pats it to the right of the bowler.
5.1
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Pathum Nissanka
Good length and angling into the body of the batter, Pathum Nissanka tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
End Of The Over 5 : 57/0
11 Runs
- 1 LB 4.1
- 14.2
- 24.3
- 44.4
- 14.5
- 24.6
K. Mendis
14 (14)
P. Nissanka
38 (17)
B. Evans
1-0-10-0
4.6
2
Brad Evans To Kusal Mendis
Back of a length and around middle, Mendis pulls it down to the right of deep square leg and picks up two more runs. Sri Lanka are 57/0 after the first five overs, chasing a target of 176.
4.5
1
Brad Evans To Pathum Nissanka
On a good length, outside off, dabbed down towards backward point for a quick single.
4.4
4
Brad Evans To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! EXCELLENT HIT! Short of a length, down leg, Pathum Nissanka gets inside the line and hooks it over short fine leg for a boundary.
4.3
2
Brad Evans To Pathum Nissanka
Good effort! Pace off, full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka gets across, crouches and swipes it off the inner half of the bat towards deep square leg. The fielder in the deep runs across to his left, dives and cuts it off to save two runs for his side. Two runs taken.
4.2
1
Brad Evans To Kusal Mendis
On a length and around middle, nudged away to deep square leg for one.
4.1
lb
Brad Evans To Pathum Nissanka
Leg bye! Massive appeal for LBW from Evans but the umpire shakes his head. On a length, angling in, around leg, Pathum Nissanka hops back and looks to flick it but misses. Gets hit above the kneeroll on the front pad and the ball rolls away beside the strip on the leg side. Batters sneak a leg bye.
Change from both ends as Brad Evans comes into the attack now.
End Of The Over 4 : 46/0
14 Runs
- 2 NB 3.1
- 03.1
- 03.2
- 43.3
- 13.4
- 63.5
- 13.6
P. Nissanka
31 (13)
K. Mendis
11 (12)
T. Maposa
1-0-14-0
3.6
1
Tinotenda Maposa To Pathum Nissanka
On a length and around middle, pushed towards mid on with soft hands and Pathum sneaks a single.
3.5
6
Tinotenda Maposa To Pathum Nissanka
SIX! Not where he wanted to hit, but gets the desired result. Short of a length, angling in, around middle, Pathum Nissanka swivels on his toes and looks to pull it but gets a top edge that flies all the way over the keeper behind the wickets for a biggie.
3.4
1
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Mendis
Short of a length and around middle, Mendis looks to pull but the ball gets big on him and he gets a top edge that falls in the vacant deep square leg region. A single taken.
3.3
4
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! PIERCES THE GAP! Hard length and outside off, Kusal Mendis uses the pace of the bowler and cuts it very late to beat the diving backward point fielder to his right. Also, the deep point fielder runs across to his left and puts in a dive but fails to stop the ball from going over the ropes.
3.2
0
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Mendis
Back of a length and over off, Mendis rises with the bounce and drops it down towards backward point. He wants to take a quick single but is sent back.
3.1
0
Tinotenda Maposa To Kusal Mendis
Nothing on Free Hit. Full and around middle, drilled down to mid on only.
3.1
nb
Tinotenda Maposa To Pathum Nissanka
Full and around middle, Pathum punches it towards cover point and takes a single. Uh-oh, Tinotenda Maposa has dislodged the bails on his follow-through at the bowling end and it is called a NO BALL. A Free Hit is coming up...
Tinotenda Maposa replaces Blessing Muzarabani.
End Of The Over 3 : 32/0
11 Runs
- 1 B 2.1
- 22.2
- 62.3
- 12.4
- 02.5
- 1 WD 2.6
- 02.6
K. Mendis
6 (8)
P. Nissanka
23 (10)
R. Ngarava
2-0-11-0
2.6
0
Richard Ngarava To Kusal Mendis
Pace off, a low full toss, outside off, Mendis throws his hands at it and pushes it to mid on off the toe end of the bat.
2.6
wd
Richard Ngarava To Kusal Mendis
WIDE! Lands it full but wide outside the tramline on the off side, Kusal leaves it. Called a wide.
The physio is out again but for Kusal Mendis this time. He got hit on the helmet and needs to pass a mandatory concussion check here. He seems fine and we are good to go again.
2.5
0
Richard Ngarava To Kusal Mendis
OOUCH! A bouncer, around middle, Kusal Mendis presses back and looks to pull it but misses. The ball goes past the upper half of the bat and hits him on the helmet. The physio is out for the mandatory concussion test.
Richard Ngarava is down on the ground, as he is feeling some discomfort in his left leg. The physio is out to have a check on him. Seems to be an issue with his left knee as he landed on the deck awkwardly in trying to stop the ball on the last delivery. All is well to continue further.
2.4
1
Richard Ngarava To Pathum Nissanka
Oh, what happened there? Full and around middle, Pathum comes forward and drills it back to the bowler where Richard extends his left hand to stop it but misses to get any hand on it. The ball goes on to smash the stumps at the bowling end and gets deflected towards mid on. A single taken but Richard is down on the ground, and he seems to be in some discomfort.
2.3
6
Richard Ngarava To Pathum Nissanka
SIX! WOAH! WHAT A STRIKE! Slightly short and around middle, and sits up nicely for the batter. Pathum Nissanka shifts his weight on the back foot, picks the length early and smashes it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
2.2
2
Richard Ngarava To Pathum Nissanka
Back of a length and around middle, Pathum gets top on the bounce and swipes it off the inner half of the bat towards deep square leg. Picks up two runs.
2.1
b
Richard Ngarava To Kusal Mendis
Bye! Excellent running between the wickets! On a length and outside off, angling away with pace taken off, Mendis goes across and looks to cut it but gets deceived by the lack of pace on it. The keeper moves to his right and fails to collect it and makes a fumble. Both batters take this opportunity and sneak a bye.
End Of The Over 2 : 21/0
19 Runs
- 41.1
- 11.2
- 41.3
- 41.4
- 41.5
- 21.6
P. Nissanka
14 (7)
K. Mendis
6 (5)
B. Muzarabani
1-0-19-0
1.6
2
Blessing Muzarabani To Pathum Nissanka
Lands it full and around middle, Pathum strides forward and mistimes his lofted shot off the inner half of the bat but still gets enough power to clear both mid on and mid off. Two runs taken and 19 came off the second over.
1.5
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! THRASHED! On a length and outside off, Pathum Nissanka pounces on it as he hops and crunches it through backward point for a boundary. Very expensive over from Blessing Muzarabani so far.
1.4
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Pathum Nissanka
EDGED AND FOUR! Back of a length, outside off, moves away with some extra bounce, Pathum Nissanka goes back and looks to defend it but gets squared up. The ball catches the outside edge of the bat and flies past the keeper to his right for a boundary.
1.3
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! BLUDGEONED! On a length and outside off, Pathum Nissanka extends his arms and crunches it through cover point for a boundary. No chance for any fielder.
1.2
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Kusal Mendis
Hard length and outside off, shapes away, Kusal hangs his bat and looks to cut it but gets a leading edge that flies to deep third on the bounce. A single taken.
1.1
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! CRUNCHED! Back of a length and outside off, Kusal Mendis gets enough width to free his arms as he rises with the bounce and cuts it to beat the diving backward point fielder to his right for a boundary. First of the chase.
Blessing Muzarabani to share the attack. An interesting stat about Sri Lanka - Since 2022, while chasing totals over 175 in T20Is, they have won three games but lost six.
End Of The Over 1 : 2/0
2 Runs
- 00.1
- 1 LB 0.2
- 00.3
- 00.4
- 10.5
- 00.6
P. Nissanka
0 (3)
K. Mendis
1 (3)
R. Ngarava
1-0-1-0
0.6
0
Richard Ngarava To Pathum Nissanka
Another swing and a miss! Hard length, outside off, shaping away, Pathum goes deep in his crease and swings across but connects with thin air only. Just 2 off the first over in chase of 176.
0.5
1
Richard Ngarava To Kusal Mendis
Back of a length, angling in, down leg, Kusal gets inside the line and tucks it to deep backward square leg for one.
0.4
0
Richard Ngarava To Kusal Mendis
Lands it full and around middle, Mendis drills it back to the bowler.
0.3
0
Richard Ngarava To Kusal Mendis
A swing and a miss! On a good length, angling away outside off, Kusal crouches a bit and throws his hands at it to cut it but misses.
0.2
lb
Richard Ngarava To Pathum Nissanka
Leg bye! Back of a length, shapes back in, around middle, Pathum gets cramped up and gets beaten on the inside edge as he gets hit on thigh pad in trying to flick it away. The ball rolls away beside the strip on the off side and both batters sneak a leg bye.
0.1
0
Richard Ngarava To Pathum Nissanka
BEATEN! STRAIGHTAWAY! Richard bowls it on a hard length, just outside off, angling away from the batter, Pathum Nissanka prods forward a touch and tries to push at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
0
Filters
Match Info
- Venue Harare Sports Club, Harare
- Weather Sunny
- Toss Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field
- Result Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 4 wickets
- Player of the Match Kamindu Mendis
- Umpire Forster Mutizwa (ZIM), Percival Sizara (ZIM) and Langton Rusere (ZIM)
- Referee Jeff Crowe (NZ)
Match Notes
- Innings Break: Zimbabwe 175/7 in 20.0 overs
- 4th wkt Partnership: 50 off 34 balls between B Bennett (28) and R Burl (17)
- Zimbabwe 150/3 in 17.1 overs
- 3rd wkt Partnership: 50 off 39 balls between B Bennett (21) and S Raza (28)
- B Bennett 5th T20I fifty: 50 runs in 33 balls (8x4) (0x6)
- Zimbabwe 100/2 in 10.5 overs
- Mandatory Power play (1-6): Zimbabwe 59/2
- Zimbabwe 50/1 in 4.4 overs
- Dushan Hemantha makes his T20I debut for Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka 153/6 in 17.1 overs
- Sri Lanka 101/1 in 11.3 overs
- P Nissanka 15th T20I fifty: 50 runs in 28 balls (4x4) (2x6)
- Mandatory Power play (1-6): Sri Lanka 65/0
- 1st wkt Partnership: 50 off 28 balls between P Nissanka (33) and K Mendis (12)
- Sri Lanka 50/0 in 4.3 overs
Advertisement
Worm
Advertisement