SRI LANKA chased down a stiff target of 192 with ease, beating Zimbabwe by eight wickets in a run-filled T20 international at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Zimbabwe, batting first, posted 191 for eight in their 20 overs. Opener Tadiwanashe Marumani top-scored with a well-constructed 51 from 44 balls, while captain Sikandar Raza (28), Ryan Burl (26), and Sean Williams (23 off just 11 deliveries) all played quick cameos. Youngster Tashinga Musekiwa added 18 from 11, and Tony Munyonga chipped in with 13 not out.
Dushmantha Chameera struck twice, including the early wicket of Brian Bennett for 13, while Dushan Hemantha was the pick of the bowlers, taking three for 38. Binura Fernando and Matheesha Pathirana also claimed a wicket each, as Zimbabwe closed on 191 for eight, helped by 12 extras.
In reply, Sri Lanka’s top order came out blazing. Pathum Nissanka (33 off 20) and Kusal Mendis (30 off 17) gave the chase a flying start, racing to 67 in the Powerplay before both fell inside seven overs.
That only opened the door for Kamil Mishara, who played a match-winning knock of 73 not out from 43 balls, striking six fours and three sixes. He was well supported by Kusal Perera, who smashed 46 from 26 with four fours and two sixes. Together, the pair added an unbroken stand of 117 runs to take Sri Lanka home at 193 for two in just 17.4 overs.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs. Sikandar Raza was the most economical, taking one for 29 in his four overs, while Brad Evans picked up the wicket of Mendis. But with Mishara and Perera in full flow, Sri Lanka cruised past the target with 14 balls to spare.
