Zimbabwe stunned Sri Lanka with a 67-run win in the Pakistan T20 Tri-Series at Rawalpindi, marking their biggest-ever T20 victory over a full ICC member. Left-arm pacer Brad Evans starred with 3-9, while Richard Ngarava added 2-15 as Zimbabwe bowled out Sri Lanka for just 95.
Bennett and Raza Rescue Zimbabwe’s Innings
Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe were 40/2 before Brian Bennett (49 off 42) and skipper Sikandar Raza (47 off 32) forged a crucial 60-run partnership.
As a captain, you have to lead from the front. Once I can have good work ethics, I feel everyone will follow. You want to be there when the chips are down and be prepared to do the dirty work for the team. If I’m trying, I feel my team is going to try.
Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, Zimbabwe posted a defendable 162/8.
Sri Lanka Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing 163, Sri Lanka stumbled immediately. Early wickets of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera left them reeling at 29/4. Captain Dasun Shanaka’s lone resistance of 34 off 25 couldn’t prevent a dramatic collapse.
I think the intent was not there from the beginning. We cannot accept, with the players and experience we've got [this batting performance]. Hopefully, we can turn this around quickly.
Only Bhanuka Rajapaksa, besides Shanaka, reached double figures, and extras were the second-highest contributor to the Sri Lankan total.
Raza: Win Puts Zimbabwe in Strong Position
Raza admitted luck played a part but highlighted the team’s strong position in the Tri-Series
“We've put ourselves in a decent position to get to the final. We know how good Sri Lanka are. A bad game can happen, and I'm glad it happened against us!.
Bowling Brilliance Powers Zimbabwe
Evans’ key wickets of Rajapaksa, Eshan Malinga, and Maheesh Theekshana, combined with contributions from Ngarava (2-15), Raza (1-23), Ryan Burl (1-8), Graeme Cremer (1-17), and Tinotenda Maposa (1-17), ensured Zimbabwe’s dominance.
Zimbabwe 162/8 (20 ov): Bennett 49, Raza 47; Hasaranga 3-32, Malinga 2-27 Sri Lanka 95 all out (20 ov): Shanaka 34; Evans 3-9, Ngarava 2-15, Raza 1-23. Zimbabwe won by 67 runs.
