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The Harare Sports Club witnessed a high-scoring spectacle as Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka clashed in the series decider of their three-match T20I contest. With both sides level at one apiece heading into the finale, the anticipation was immense, and the packed crowd was treated to a contest full of boundaries, partnerships, and individual brilliance. Zimbabwe, batting first, showcased their aggressive intent as their batters kept pushing the scoring rate throughout the innings.
Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, they managed to put up a competitive total that kept the home crowd hopeful. Sri Lanka, however, responded with a clinical chase, blending power with composure in the middle overs. What followed was a record-breaking display of batting that underlined their growing depth in the shortest format. The evening ended with Sri Lanka not only clinching the match but also wrapping up the series 2-1, a victory that reflected both dominance and precision.
Zimbabwe’s competitive total on back of Tadiwanashe Marumani
Asked to bat first after Sri Lanka won the toss, Zimbabwe’s innings was full of fireworks but lacked the finishing touch that could have made the target far more intimidating. The hosts posted 191/8 in their 20 overs, a total that seemed competitive on the surface but was perhaps 10–15 runs short given the true Harare pitch and lightning-fast outfield. Their innings revolved around the measured aggression of Tadiwanashe Marumani, who anchored the effort with a well-compiled 51 off 44 balls.
His knock may not have been the most flamboyant, but it offered stability at the top and allowed the likes of Sean Williams (23 off 11) and Sikandar Raza (28 off 18) to unleash their attacking instincts in the middle overs. The cameos that followed, from Ryan Burl’s quickfire 26 and Musekiwa’s enterprising 18, ensured Zimbabwe never lost momentum completely, but they also never truly broke free. Each time they looked set for a surge, Sri Lanka’s bowlers clawed their way back. Dushan Hemantha emerged as the standout, picking up three crucial wickets and stalling Zimbabwe’s charge.
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Sri Lanka’s dominant chase led by Kamil Mishara
In reply, Sri Lanka’s top order wasted no time setting the tone. Pathum Nissanka’s brisk 33 off 20 and Kusal Mendis’ 30 off 17 provided the perfect platform in the Powerplay, pushing the score to 58 inside 5.2 overs. Despite the early loss of both openers, the visitors never looked under pressure, thanks to a commanding partnership between Kamil Mishara and Kusal Perera. The pair combined for a breathtaking 117-run stand for the third wicket, the highest for Sri Lanka in T20Is, surpassing the previous record of 96. Mishara, calm yet aggressive, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 73 off 43 balls, mixing elegant strokes with clean hitting down the ground. At the other end, Perera rolled back the years with a belligerent 46 off just 26 deliveries, punishing Zimbabwe’s bowlers with ruthless power.
The duo’s dominance reduced the contest to a formality as Sri Lanka reached the target in just 17.4 overs, finishing at 193/2 to seal victory with 14 balls in hand.
🔥 Sri Lanka seal the deal in style!
They ace the chase against Zimbabwe to win the T20I series 2-1, cruising home by 8 wickets with 14 balls to spare in the decider. 💪🇱🇰
Scorecard: https://t.co/0OrxlQOhzV
Clinical finish from the visitors! 🏏✨ #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/9svD4UuPBe
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 7, 2025
The aggregate of 384 runs made this the highest combined match total between the two sides in T20Is, underlining the batting-friendly conditions and the quality of stroke play on display. Mishara was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten innings. By clinching the series 2-1, Sri Lanka not only silenced the home crowd but also demonstrated their ability to chase daunting totals with authority – a trait that will serve them well in bigger contests ahead.
For his brilliant batting performance, Kamil Mishara was adjudged Player of the Match#cricket #ZIMvSL #3rdT20I #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/s4yMNC3AJz
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 7, 2025
