ZIMBABWE produced a ruthless all-round display to dismantle Sri Lanka by five wickets in the second T20 international at Harare Sports Club on Friday, squaring the three-match series at 1-1.
After being sent in to bat, Sri Lanka collapsed to just 80 all out in 17.4 overs, undone by sharp pace and disciplined spin. Sikandar Raza and Brad Evans each picked up three wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani struck twice at the top.
Sri Lanka’s innings never gained momentum. Only Kamil Mishara (20) and skipper Charith Asalanka (18) briefly resisted as wickets tumbled regularly. Pathum Nissanka managed eight before falling to Evans, while Kusal Mendis lasted only three balls. From 37 for four inside six overs, Sri Lanka never recovered.
Raza’s guile accounted for Kamindu Mendis (lbw for 0), Asalanka and Dushmantha Chameera in quick succession. Evans cleaned up the tail, dismissing Mishara, Nissanka and Maheesh Theekshana to finish with three for 15.
Sri Lanka’s last six wickets fell for just 43 runs.
In reply, Zimbabwe chased down the modest target with 34 balls to spare despite a few wobbles against Dushmantha Chameera’s fiery spell. The seamer removed Tadiwanashe Marumani (17), Sean Williams (0) and captain Raza (2) to give Sri Lanka faint hope at 27 for three.
Brian Bennett’s 19 and Ryan Burl’s steady unbeaten 20 steadied the innings, before youngster Tashinga Musekiwa smashed 21 from 14 deliveries to seal victory in style. Zimbabwe finished on 84 for five in 14.2 overs.
Chameera was the standout for Sri Lanka with three for 19, but the target was far too small to defend.
The series now heads into a decisive final game on Sunday.
