In a nail-biting encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka secured a thrilling last-ball win over Zimbabwe, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Batting first Zimbabwe ended with 143 on board. Srilanka chased down the target off the final ball to secure a thrilling victory. Sikandar Raza‘s exceptional all-round performance, including a brisk 42-ball 62 and 3 wickets for 13 runs, went in vain as the hosts successfully chased down Zimbabwe’s total.
Zimbabwe’s Resilient Batting Display Sets Competitive Total
Put in to bat, Zimbabwe made a solid start with openers Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Craig Ervine contributing 37 runs in the first five overs. However, both fell during the powerplay and Maheesh Theekshana’s economical spell of 2-16 from four overs applied pressure on the middle-order batters. Despite the struggle, Sikandar Raza emerged as a lone warrior, playing a pivotal role with the bat.
Raza’s innings included five boundaries and two sixes, with a significant portion of his assault coming in the last three overs. Nuwan Thushara took the pasting from Raza and Luke Jongwe’s late onslaught as Zimbabwe reached 143/5 at the end of their innings. Newly appointed skipper Hasaranga carried his form from the ODIs picking up two crucial wickets.
Sikandar Raza’s Brilliance in Vain as Sri Lanka Clinches Last-Ball Thriller
In response, Sri Lanka faced an early setback with losing opener Pathum Nissanka in the first over of the chase. Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera attempted to stabilize the innings but fell during the powerplay, thanks to Raza’s effective bowling. The Zimbabwean all-rounder applied the choke in the middle overs, conceding runs sparingly and picking up crucial wickets, including Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Despite Raza’s heroics, Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka formed a crucial 55-run partnership, breathing life back into Sri Lanka’s chase. Mathews played a vital role, scoring 46 runs, before mistiming a slower ball by Blessing Muzarabani. The game reached a tense climax as Sri Lanka needed six runs in the final two balls. Dushmantha Chameera played a decisive role, securing a boundary off the penultimate ball before expertly chipping a slower ball over deep mid-wicket on the last ball of the innings, securing a dramatic victory for Sri Lanka.
Similar to the previous years it is all about Sikandar Raza when it comes to Zimbabwe Cricket Team. The veteran all-rounder is aging like fine wine and keeps improving with his performances. This game also saw Srilankan allrounder Angelo Mathews return to the T20I squad for the first time since 2021. The second T20I will be played at the same venue on January 16.