Rawalpindi (Abdul Basit): Zimbabwe produced a commanding and complete performance to dismantle Sri Lanka by 67 runs in the second match of the T20I Tri-Series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, as Sikandar Raza’s all-round brilliance and Brad Evans’ sensational bowling spell powered the Chevrons to a memorable victory.

Chasing 163, Sri Lanka were bundled out for a miserable 95 on the final ball of the innings—an effort marred by poor shot selection, disciplined Zimbabwean bowling, and the pressure created early in the chase. Apart from captain Dasun Shanaka, who fought a lone battle with a brisk 34 off 25 balls, no Sri Lankan batter crossed double figures except Bhanuka Rajapaksa (11), exposing the deep cracks in their batting unit.

Sri Lanka Collapse Under Pressure

Zimbabwe struck as early as the first over as the out-of-form Pathum Nissanka perished for a five-ball duck, edging Richard Ngarava to Cremer. The pressure mounted immediately, and Sri Lanka’s top order crumbled further:

• Kusal Perera (4) was dismissed by Maposa in the second over
• Kusal Mendis was run out for 6, ending a painful 12-ball stay
• Rajapaksa (11) fell to Brad Evans, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 29/4

Shanaka attempted to rebuild, launching a couple of sixes and showing resistance, but the wickets kept tumbling around him. Zimbabwe’s bowlers applied relentless pressure, mixing pace off the ball with tight lines.

Shanaka eventually departed for 34 with the score at 75/6, effectively ending all hope.

Evans, who delivered one of his finest T20I spells, finished with astonishing figures of 3/9 from four overs. He was backed by a superb all-round bowling display featuring Ngarava (2/15), Maposa (1/17), Cremer (1/17), Burl (1/8), and Raza (1/23).

Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 95, slumping to one of their most disappointing T20I batting displays in recent years.

Bennett and Raza Drive Zimbabwe to 162/8

Earlier, after being asked to bat, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 162/8, courtesy of a well-crafted top-order effort and a mid-innings charge led by their captain.

Brian Bennett anchored the innings with a classy 49 off 42 balls, striking five fours and a six. Despite losing early partner Tadiwanashe Marumani (10) and then Brendan Taylor (11), Bennett found strong support in skipper Sikandar Raza, who produced an entertaining 47 off 32, decorated with three fours and two sixes.

The pair added a crucial 61-run stand for the third wicket, lifting Zimbabwe to a commanding position at 101/2 in the 13th over.

Sri Lanka, however, clawed back through Wanindu Hasaranga, who dismissed Bennett, Burl (18), and Munyonga (0) in quick succession, triggering a middle-order slide and momentarily slowing Zimbabwe’s momentum.

Raza continued counterattacking before falling to Chameera for 47, and late cameos from Musekiwa (11 off 7) and Maposa (5)* pushed Zimbabwe to a respectable total.

Hasaranga finished with 3/32, while Malinga (2/27), Theekshana (1/30), and Chameera (1/27) chipped in but lacked support.

A Statement Win for Zimbabwe

The emphatic victory is likely to boost Zimbabwe’s confidence significantly in the tri-series, while Sri Lanka—who started their campaign with this fixture—will need tactical improvement and top-order clarity to avoid further setbacks.

For Zimbabwe, the blend of controlled batting, disciplined bowling, and Raza’s leadership delivered an all-round performance that reflected maturity and intent.

Scores in Brief

Zimbabwe 162/8 (20 overs)

• Brian Bennett 49 (42), Sikandar Raza 47 (32), Ryan Burl 18 (11)
• Hasaranga 3/32, Malinga 2/27

Sri Lanka 95 all out (20 overs)

• Dasun Shanaka 34 (25), Rajapaksa 11 (18)
• Brad Evans 3/9, Ngarava 2/15, Maposa 1/17, Cremer 1/17, Burl 1/8, Raza 1/23

Result: Zimbabwe won by 67 runs