Sri Lanka survived a great scare than Late Blitz Kaminda Mendis led to the victory of four goals over Zimbabwe in the opening T20i in Harare on Wednesday (September 3). They chased 176, visitors looked in full control of 96 without loss, but were forced to be a desperate recovery for a spiritual struggle from the hosts.
Pathum Nissan gave Sri Lanka a flying start and continued his fine form from the ODI series. The opener broke three boundaries in the blessing of Muzarabani before he added two more six during the powerplay. Although Kusal Mendis is trying to find a rhythm at the other end, Nissan was driven for half a century when Sri Lanka reached 96 without losing halfway and appeared for comfortable persecution.
But Zimbabwe yelled back into the competition with a cluster of goals. Nissanka dragged the move and Richard Ngarava quickly removed Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis to discard the shifts. Sikandar Raza then joined the drama by dismissing the Charith Asalans and after such a dominant start he let Sri Lanka wind. The collapse continued with the fact that Muzarabani struck again and Brad Evans sent Captain Dasun Shanak back. Suddenly, from the cruise, Sri Lanka stared at the defeat.
With the aim of cropped at 59 of the last five exceeding and the remaining only four goals, the hopes of visitors rested On Kaminda Mendis. All-Rounder initially survived fear when Evans couldn’t hold a chance, but amazed on the rescue rope in a stunning way. Mendis faced Tinotend Mapos in 18th place and triggered two sixes and the border in over 26 runs and firmly swung the game back to Sri Lanka.
Although Ngarava tried to maintain its nerve after death, the damage was already caused. Mendis’s calm secured Sri Lanka crossed the five balls to save, and denied Zimbabwe what could be a famous victory.
Previously Zimbabwe published a competitive 175 after a live start. Brian Bennett played with Quickfire half a century and combined with Raza to create momentum. However, Bennett and Ryan Burl removed the brilliant penultimate dushmantha Chameer and limited the host only shortly from the 180-mark they looked at.
Zimbabwe’s pitchers showed the struggle for almost defense of the total number, but Mendis’s calculated aggression proved to be crucial. The victory gives Sri Lanka leadership 1-0 in the series with three matches, while Zimbabwe left for Rue missed chances of a lively display.
– ends
Published:
Amar Pancker
Published on:
3 September 2025
