• Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis steered Sri Lanka to thrilling win in the first T20I against Zimbabwe.

  • Kamindu earned the Player of the Match for his splendid knock.

Fans react as Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis power Sri Lanka to thrilling win over Zimbabwe in 1st T20I
Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis sizzle in Sri Lanka win over Zimbabwe (Image Source: X)

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Sri Lanka got their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe off to a winning start with a thrilling four-wicket victory in the first game at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Chasing 176 for victory, the visitors rode on Kamindu Mendis’ explosive cameo and Pathum Nissanka’s fluent half-century to cross the finish line with five balls to spare.

Brian Bennett anchors Zimbabwe’s strong total

Put in to bat first, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 175/7 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to opener Brian Bennett’s brilliant knock. The right-hander scored a fluent 81 off 57 balls, striking 12 boundaries and holding the innings together. He found support from Sikandar Raza, who chipped in with a quick 28 off 22 balls, and Ryan Burl’s handy 17. Despite losing wickets in clusters during the death overs, Zimbabwe ensured they had a fighting total on the board.

Sri Lanka’s pace spearhead Dushmantha Chameera was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/30. Dushan Hemantha and Maheesh Theekshana also made crucial breakthroughs to prevent Zimbabwe from running away with the game.

Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis shine in the chase

Sri Lanka’s reply began with a brisk opening stand as Nissanka continued his fine form in white-ball cricket. His 55 off 32 balls, laced with four fours and two sixes, set the platform for the chase. Kusal Mendis played a steady hand with 38 runs, but the middle order faltered briefly as Zimbabwe struck back with quick wickets.

However, Kamindu  shifted the momentum decisively with a breathtaking innings of 41 off just 16 balls, smashing one four and four towering sixes. His counterattack took the pressure off Sri Lanka and left the hosts struggling to contain the run flow. Hemantha’s 14 off 9 balls ensured the chase was completed comfortably in the 20th over.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers produced moments of brilliance, particularly Richard Ngarava, who impressed with figures of 2/19 from his four overs. Raza’s tight spell of 1/26 also kept the game alive, but the inability to contain Kamindu’s late assault ultimately cost them the match.

Also READ: ZIM vs SL 2025: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025

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Also READ: Sri Lanka announce T20I squad for Asia Cup 2025, Wanindu Hasaranga returns

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AKSHAT GAUR
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