After a dominant win in the first match in Harare, Sri Lanka suffered a shocking collapse in the second T20I as they were bundled out for just 80 runs. Despite some early jitters in the chase, Zimbabwe cruised to victory by 5 wickets, leveling the three-match series 1-1 and setting up a decider in the final game.
Sri Lanka’s total of 80 was their second-lowest score in T20I history. Earlier this year, they were bowled out for 77 against South Africa in the T20 World Cup, and once again their batting frailties came to the fore.
Winning the toss and batting first, Sri Lanka lost both openers Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka for just 17 runs. The visitors continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and were skittled out in 17.4 overs. Kamil Mishara top-scored with 20 runs, while Sikandar Raza starred with the ball for Zimbabwe, claiming 3 wickets for 11 runs in his 4 overs.
Chasing a modest target, Zimbabwe were reduced to 27/3, but Brian Bennett and Ryan Burl steadied the innings with a crucial stand. Burl made 20 off 22 balls, while Tasinga Musekiwa’s unbeaten cameo of 21 off 14 balls guided Zimbabwe home with 34 balls to spare. Despite Dushmantha Chameera’s 3 wickets, Sri Lanka could not prevent the inevitable defeat.
This marked Zimbabwe’s first-ever victory over a full ICC member nation in 2025. The series decider will take place on Sunday at the same venue in Harare.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka: 80 in 17.4 overs (Mishara 20, Asalanka 18; Evans 3/15, Raza 3/11, Muzarabani 2/14)
Zimbabwe: 84/5 in 14.2 overs (Bennett 19, Burl 20, Musekiwa 21*; Chameera 3/19)
Result: Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza
Series: Three-match series level 1-1
