In a tightly contested opening T20 International, Sri Lanka managed to chase down Zimbabwe's target with four wickets in hand. The match, played at a bustling stadium in Colombo, saw the hosts post a modest total of 152 runs, anchored by a quick 45‑run cameo from the aggressive opener.
Pathum Nissanka steadies the chase
When the wickets began to tumble early, it fell to Pathum Nissanka to steady the ship. Nissanka, playing his first T20I of the series, blended caution with a touch of aggression, weaving his way to a well‑timed 56 runs off 38 balls. His innings featured four boundaries and a decisive six that swung momentum back toward Sri Lanka. By the time he reached his half‑century, the required run‑rate had slipped to a manageable 7.5 per over.
Kamindu Mendis delivers the breakthrough
While Nissanka built the platform, Kamindu Mendis turned the game on its head with a crucial wicket in the penultimate over. The left‑arm spinner, known more for his economical spell than wicket‑taking, trapped Zimbabwe's finisher with a clever flighted delivery that broke the partnership at 75‑2. The dismissal sparked a mini‑collapse, leaving Zimbabwe to limping into the death overs.
The final overs saw Sri Lanka inch forward, with lower‑order batsmen adding quick runs. A decisive two‑run boundary from a debutant sealed the chase with 12 balls to spare, cementing a Sri Lanka T20I win that will boost confidence ahead of the next fixture. Zimbabwe, despite a spirited fight, will look to regroup and adjust their strategies for the second clash.
