Harare, September 6, 2025 – Zimbabwe produced a memorable performance at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, scripting a historic five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I of the three-match series.
The triumph not only leveled the contest 1-1 but also set the stage for a thrilling series decider on Sunday, September 7.
The day belonged to Zimbabwe’s bowlers, who dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting line-up with relentless accuracy. Put into bat first, Sri Lanka never looked settled and crumbled to 80 all out in just 18 overs. This paltry total was their second-lowest score in T20I cricket and their lowest ever against Zimbabwe. Brad Evans and skipper Sikandar Raza spearheaded the attack with three wickets apiece, constantly applying pressure and ensuring Sri Lanka’s batting order never gained momentum. Even experienced campaigners like Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka struggled to build partnerships as wickets kept tumbling.
Chasing 81, Zimbabwe’s innings began nervously. Dushmantha Chameera gave Sri Lanka hope by striking twice in successive overs, removing Tadiwanashe Marumani and another batter to spark a brief collapse. Binura Fernando also chipped in with the key dismissal of Brian Bennett, who had starred in the opening game of the series. At 40 for 4, the contest looked tighter than expected, and Sri Lanka’s bowlers sensed an opportunity to script an unlikely comeback.
However, Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. They rotated the strike effectively, punishing loose deliveries while ensuring the asking rate never spiked out of control. By the 10th over, Zimbabwe required only 25 runs, and although Theekshana managed another breakthrough to raise Sri Lanka’s hopes, the hosts held their nerve. Eventually, Zimbabwe crossed the finish line in 14.2 overs with five wickets in hand, sparking celebrations in the stands and in the dressing room.
Speaking after the match, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza expressed his delight at the result, noting that it was a much-needed victory after a string of close losses. “This win gives us relief and belief,” Raza said. “I never doubted the abilities in our dressing room. The bowlers were fantastic today, and though we are not entirely happy with our form, we are working hard every day to give our fans something to cheer about.”
On the other side, Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka admitted his team had been outplayed. “We lost too many wickets in the powerplay, and that shifted the momentum,” he reflected. “Our target should have been closer to 130, but 80 runs is simply not enough in this format. We will regroup and come back stronger in the decider.”
With this result, Zimbabwe have firmly reignited the series. Their spirited bowling, combined with composure under pressure while chasing, highlighted the team’s progress and resilience. Now, with the series tied 1-1, all eyes turn to Sunday’s finale, where both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will battle for supremacy in what promises to be an electrifying contest at Harare Sports Club.