In a commanding display by Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka clinched a 2-1 series victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday. The tourists were dismissed for a mere 82 runs, their lowest-ever T20 total, in Colombo.
Leading from the front, Hasaranga’s impressive figures of 4-15, which included two crucial wickets in the final two deliveries, paved the way for Sri Lanka’s comfortable nine-wicket triumph within 11 overs.
“Today we bounced back,” all-rounder and ex-skipper Angelo Mathews told reporters after the win.
“We have a very attacking captain who wants to achieve bigger things. He has created a good environment. That is the key.”
Pathum Nissanaka (39 not out) and Kusal Mendis (33) forged a crucial partnership, adding 64 runs in 46 balls. However, Zimbabwe managed a breakthrough when left-arm spinner Sean Williams deceived Mendis with a deceptive turner, dismissing him for the only breakthrough.
Nissanka sealed the victory for Sri Lanka by hitting Sikandar Raza for a six over long-on when the scores were level.
Despite a commendable start for Zimbabwe with 56-3 after the first six overs, they struggled to score boundaries once the fielding restrictions eased. Brian Bennett, the number three batsman, top-scored with 29 off 12 balls, but a Hasaranga catch off Mathews halted his innings. The tourists faced a quick collapse, losing their last six wickets for just 11 runs, including three in the final three balls of the innings.
Sri Lanka’s fielding redeemed itself after a disappointing performance in the second match, which resulted in a four-wicket defeat and Zimbabwe’s first T20 win in the island nation.
“We didn’t turn up today,” Zimbabwe captain Raza said after the disappointing finish to the series.
“When we needed courage and fighting spirit it wasn’t there,” he added. “There has been lot of good and bad in this series. We have been either really good or really poor.”
Hasaranga’s impressive bowling figures of 4-15 were complemented by a return to form for ex-skipper Mathews, who shared the new ball and claimed two wickets. Mathews had faced criticism for conceding 24 runs in the final over of the second match, leading to Zimbabwe’s come-from-behind win.
Thursday’s victory marked Sri Lanka’s first T20 series win since their Asia Cup triumph in 2022, ending a drought in the format.
