Zimbabwe kicked off their tri-series campaign with a convincing victory over Sri Lanka, thanks to a stellar performance by Sikandar Raza. Chasing 163 runs, Sri Lanka collapsed to 95 all out in just 20 overs, with only captain Dasun Shanaka offering resistance with 34 runs off 25 balls. Bhanuka Rajapaksa was the only other batter to reach double figures, scoring 11.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack led the demolition. Brad Evans was exceptional, taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs in four overs. Richard Ngarava claimed two wickets, while Tinotenda Maposa, Graeme Cremer, Ryan Burl, and Sikandar Raza each chipped in with a wicket, completing a comprehensive bowling effort that left Sri Lanka reeling.
Earlier, Zimbabwe set a competitive target of 162/8. Despite early setbacks, they built a solid innings around their top and middle order. Wanindu Hasaranga disrupted the innings with 3 wickets for 32, but Zimbabwe’s counterattack, led by Raza shine, steadied the innings.
Tadiwanashe Marumani (10) and Brendan Taylor (11) fell early, leaving Zimbabwe at 40/2. Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza then shared a 61-run partnership, with Bennett top-scoring at 49 off 42 balls. Raza continued his aggressive approach, scoring 47 off 32 deliveries, featuring three fours and two sixes. His counterattack, which was another example of Raza shine, included a quick partnership with Ryan Burl (18 off 11), keeping Zimbabwe on track for a competitive total.
Raza’s innings ended in the 18th over with a sharp catch by Shanaka off Dushmantha Chameera, but contributions from lower-order batsman Tashinga Musekiwa (11 off 7) helped push Zimbabwe to 162.
Sri Lanka’s Malinga picked up 2 wickets for 31, while Chameera and Theekshana took one each. Zimbabwe’s emphatic win, driven by Raza shine, sets the stage for an exciting tri-series in Rawalpindi and gives them momentum heading into their next fixtures.
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