Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe to stay alive in the T20 tri-series

RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka on Tuesday produced a disciplined all-round display to beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets, keeping their hopes alive in the tri-nation T20 series hosted by Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Chasing a modest target of 147 runs, the 2014 champions comfortably racked up the winning runs for the loss of just one wicket and 22 balls to spare thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s blistering batting.

The right-handed opener led Sri Lanka to an unbeaten 98 off just 58 deliveries and with 11 fours and four sixes.

He received notable support from fellow top-orderers Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis, who made 12 and 25 not out, respectively.

For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans remained the lone keeper with a scalp.

Opting to bat first, Chevron managed to amass 146/5 in their allotted 20 overs despite strong cameos from all-rounder Ryan Burl and captain Sikandar Raza.

Zimbabwe got off to a torrid start to their innings as Maheesh Theekshana won their top order by dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers in the first two overs to reduce the total to 17/2.

After the early collapse, the experienced Brendan Taylor (14) joined Bennett for a brief 36-run partnership for the third wicket until he fell victim to Dasun Shanaka in the eighth over.

Bennett then shared another 36-run partnership – a crucial fourth-wicket stand with captain Raza – until he faced a strange wicket-taker dismissal against Wanindu Hasaranga.

The right-handed opener remained a standout performer for the Chevrons, scoring 34 off 26 deliveries with the help of four fours and a six.

Raza followed suit two overs later, also falling prey to Hasaranga, and remained the top scorer with 37 off 29 deliveries, comprising five fours and a six.

Burl then took over the reins of the Zimbabwe attack and played an unbeaten 37 off just 26 deliveries, smashing as many boundaries as Raza.

Battling all-rounder Tashinga Musekiwa held steady at one in Burl’s blitz and returned unbeaten with a reserved six off 14 deliveries.

For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga and Theekshana took two wickets each, while skipper Shanaka chipped in with one.

It is worth mentioning that the ongoing match is a must-win for bottom-placed Sri Lanka as a defeat would end their hopes of qualifying for the final, which will be held at the same venue on November 29.

Playing XI

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor(w), Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa and Richard Ngarava.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka(c), Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Eshan Malinga.