In the fifth match of the Tri-Nation T20 Series 2025, played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka delivered a spectacular performance, crushing Zimbabwe by 9 wickets. The hero of this victory was opening batsman Pathum Nissanka, who played an unbeaten stormy innings of 98 runs, leaving the bowlers stunned.
Sports News: Sri Lanka registered a splendid 9-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the fifth match of the Tri-Nation T20 Series 2025, played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This marked Sri Lanka's first win in the series, having previously suffered defeats against both Zimbabwe and Pakistan. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Zimbabwe team scored 146 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted overs.
Zimbabwe Scored 146 Batting First
After winning the toss in the match, Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza decided to bat first. However, the team had a very poor start. Zimbabwe lost two crucial wickets for just 17 runs, immediately putting them under pressure. Following this, Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor tried to steady the innings with an important 36-run partnership for the third wicket. Brendan Taylor was dismissed after scoring 14 runs off 16 balls. After Taylor's dismissal, Bennett, along with captain Sikandar Raza, formed another 36-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing the score to a respectable position.
Opening batsman Brian Bennett played a composed innings of 34 runs off 26 balls, which included 4 fours and 1 six. Captain Sikandar Raza, meanwhile, scored 37 runs off 29 balls. In the middle order, Ryan Burl also made a useful contribution, adding 37 runs, which allowed Zimbabwe to reach a total of 146 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana delivered excellent bowling performances, both securing 2 wickets each. Captain Dasun Shanaka also picked up 1 wicket. Throughout the match, the Sri Lankan bowlers maintained tight line and length, denying Zimbabwe's batsmen any opportunity to play freely.
Sri Lanka's Blazing Start, Nissanka's Brilliance
Chasing a target of 147 runs, the Sri Lankan team adopted an aggressive approach from the very beginning. The opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara swiftly advanced the scoreboard. They added 59 runs in just 5.4 overs, taking complete control of the match. Kamil Mishara was dismissed after scoring 12 runs, but Nissanka continued to lead the charge. He then formed a b 89-run partnership for the second wicket with Kusal Mendis, giving Zimbabwe's bowlers no chance.
Pathum Nissanka played one of the finest innings in T20 cricket, scoring an unbeaten 98 runs off 58 balls. His innings featured 11 fours and 4 magnificent sixes. He batted aggressively with complete composure, making the match a one-sided affair. Kusal Mendis, meanwhile, provided excellent support, scoring 25 runs.
Sri Lanka achieved the target in just 16.2 overs, winning the match by 9 wickets. The only success for Zimbabwe came from Brad Evans, but he could not prevent his team from defeat.
