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Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I Match Summary

ZIM vs SL, 2025 - T20 Summary

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Scorecard
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Match Ended   
1st T20I, Harare Sports Club, Harare , Sep 03, 2025
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
175/7 (20.0/20)
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
177/6 (19.1/20)
Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 4 wickets
  • Player of the Match
    Kamindu Mendis
    41(16)&0/15(2)
ZIM 175/7
Bat Top Batsmen
<a href=/cricket/players/115106-brian-bennet-playerprofile>Brian Bennett</a>
Brian Bennett
81 (57)
  • 12x4s
  • 0x6s
  • 142.10SR
<a href=/cricket/players/1569-sikandar-raza-playerprofile>Sikandar Raza</a>
Sikandar Raza
28 (22)
  • 2x4s
  • 1x6s
  • 127.27SR
Bowl Top Bowlers
Bowler
Dushmantha Chameera
ECON 7.50
4
OVERS
30/3
R/W
Bowler
Dushan Hemantha
ECON 7.00
4
OVERS
28/1
R/W
SL 177/6
Bat Top Batsmen
<a href=/cricket/players/112358-pathum-nissanka-playerprofile>Pathum Nissanka</a>
Pathum Nissanka
55 (32)
  • 4x4s
  • 2x6s
  • 171.87SR
<a href=/cricket/players/110395-kamindu-mendis-playerprofile>Kamindu Mendis</a>
Kamindu Mendis
41 (16)
  • 1x4s
  • 4x6s
  • 256.25SR
Bowl Top Bowlers
Bowler
Richard Ngarava
ECON 4.75
4
OVERS
19/2
R/W
Bowler
Sikandar Raza
ECON 6.50
4
OVERS
26/1
R/W
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Full Commentary
19 OV
5 Runs
R. Ngarava to D. Hemantha K. Mendis
  • 218.1
  • 018.2
  • 118.3
  • 118.4
  • 018.5
  • 1 LB 18.6
18 OV
26 Runs
T. Maposa to K. Mendis D. Hemantha
  • 417.1
  • 7 NB 17.2
  • 1 WD 17.2
  • 1 LB 17.2
  • 217.3
  • 417.4
  • 117.5
  • 617.6
17 OV
12 Runs
B. Evans to D. Shanaka K. Mendis
  • 116.1
  • 616.2
  • 316.3
  • 016.4
  • 216.5
  • W 16.6
16 OV
12 Runs
B. Muzarabani to K. Mendis N. Fernando D. Shanaka
  • 615.1
  • 115.2
  • W 15.3
  • 215.4
  • 115.5
  • 2 B 15.6
15 OV
7 Runs
S. Williams to K. Mendis N. Fernando
  • 114.1
  • 114.2
  • 214.3
  • 114.4
  • 114.5
  • 114.6
14 OV
5 Runs
S. Raza to C. Asalanka K. Mendis N. Fernando
  • W 13.1
  • 213.2
  • 113.3
  • 013.4
  • 013.5
  • 213.6
13 OV
4 Runs
R. Ngarava to K. Perera N. Fernando K. Mendis C. Asalanka
  • W 12.1
  • 112.2
  • W 12.3
  • 112.4
  • 012.5
  • 212.6
12 OV
4 Runs
S. Raza to K. Mendis K. Perera
  • 111.1
  • 011.2
  • 211.3
  • 111.4
  • 011.5
  • 011.6
11 OV
2 Runs
T. Maposa to P. Nissanka K. Perera K. Mendis
  • W 10.1
  • 010.2
  • 010.3
  • 010.4
  • 110.5
  • 110.6
10 OV
10 Runs
S. Raza to K. Mendis P. Nissanka
  • 19.1
  • 29.2
  • 29.3
  • 29.4
  • 29.5
  • 19.6
9 OV
6 Runs
T. Maposa to P. Nissanka K. Mendis
  • 08.1
  • 18.2
  • 08.3
  • 28.4
  • 28.5
  • 18.6
8 OV
7 Runs
S. Raza to P. Nissanka K. Mendis
  • 17.1
  • 17.2
  • 17.3
  • 27.4
  • 17.5
  • 17.6
7 OV
8 Runs
B. Evans to K. Mendis P. Nissanka
  • 16.1
  • 16.2
  • 16.3
  • 16.4
  • 06.5
  • 46.6
6 OV
8 Runs
B. Muzarabani to P. Nissanka K. Mendis
  • 15.1
  • 05.2
  • 45.3
  • 15.4
  • 15.5
  • 15.6
5 OV
11 Runs
B. Evans to P. Nissanka K. Mendis
  • 1 LB 4.1
  • 14.2
  • 24.3
  • 44.4
  • 14.5
  • 24.6
4 OV
14 Runs
T. Maposa to P. Nissanka K. Mendis
  • 2 NB 3.1
  • 03.1
  • 03.2
  • 43.3
  • 13.4
  • 63.5
  • 13.6
3 OV
11 Runs
R. Ngarava to K. Mendis P. Nissanka
  • 1 B 2.1
  • 22.2
  • 62.3
  • 12.4
  • 02.5
  • 1 WD 2.6
  • 02.6
2 OV
19 Runs
B. Muzarabani to K. Mendis P. Nissanka
  • 41.1
  • 11.2
  • 41.3
  • 41.4
  • 41.5
  • 21.6
1 OV
2 Runs
R. Ngarava to P. Nissanka K. Mendis
  • 00.1
  • 1 LB 0.2
  • 00.3
  • 00.4
  • 10.5
  • 00.6
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
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