With the 2nd T20I between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka officially over, one side truly dominated this match despite a few moments where things looked like they were turning. As this Chevrons team came out with a 5-wicket victory, it was clear they had control from the beginning due to a strong bowling attack that carried the load.
Despite not adding Trevor Gwandu to their side once again in a shocking turn of events, they were able to replace him with some key pieces that have been dominating the domestic format recently. Sikandar Raza continued leading the way for this group and has brought back life to Zimbabwe cricket with his full-fledged skills, plus ability to make players feel comfortable at their positions.
Sri Lanka on the other hand, will have to rethink their approach as they were looking completely helpless when batting today. Although the scoreline ended up being much closer than many would have thought originally, it became quite clear that their side was losing an even bigger edge since their recent loss to Bangladesh 2-1 one in this same format.
With the Asia Cup on the brink and them still not knowing if Wanindu Hasaranga will be fully healthy, the problems that present this Sri Lanka side are pretty massive. Captain Charith Asalanka will try leading this unit very well and bring back that same confidence they once almost re-gained after coming back two matches in a row prior to this.
Sri Lanka: Order Really Struggled To Make Anything Out Of Their Opportunities
Looking at Sri Lanka’s batting today, it didn’t seem like a strength, even one bit, as they were completely rattled throughout their innings. Getting bowled out for 80 runs, it was a massive problem from the start, where Kusal Mendis couldn’t get anything going and got removed from 1 of 3.
Not possessing any type of boundary-hitting threat, losing Pathum Nissanaka a few overs later to a wonderful catch by Tony Munyonga put them in an even more tense situation. Going out for 8 after looking a little dangerous, issues continued from then on, as they couldn’t even create one stable partnership. Nwanidu Fernando didn’t seem comfortable at all when he came in and was removed on another catch after over-imposing his shots during this match’s power play.
Their only real positive sign was the innings of Kamil Mishra, who did look strong with four delightful boundaries and was looking to get his side out of that early jam. Scoring 20 runs and going at an above-average 100 strike rate for his side today, this piece was fooled by a slower ball from Brad Evans and ended up getting clean-bowled to make it 37/4.
As Kamindu Mendis departed right after him, there was a little hope for them to get near that 140 range, as Dasun Shanaka and Charith Asalanka had started a 20+ run partnership themselves. Continuing to rotate strike and not playing anything extraordinary, they managed to go on a 26-run partnership before the catch of Shanka caused him to leave for 15. From then on, it was downhill again as they were only able to score 16 runs for four separate wickets lost.
Zimbabwe: Elite Bowling Attack Really Dominated The Match For Their Side As They Set Up A Winnable Chance
For Zimbabwe, their bowlers were absolutely unstoppable in this match as they continued thriving within power play overs and further down the line. Spinners really led the way today, as captain Sikandar Raza took 3 wickets, while allowing just 11 runs during a full spell. Really moving the ball around their wicket, his 2.75 economy made it impossible for any Sri Lankan batsmen to hit boundaries on him easily and create great turn.
On the left side, Sean Williams also got to finish his full four overs and was very similar to Raza in being a key wicket-taking piece. Ending Dasun Shanaka from causing any further threat in this batting attack, he was reliable during middle overs when pieces like Charith Asalanka were really trying to take him on.
Talking about pacers, Richard Ngarava was key in the power play as he held on to just allowing 5.5 runs per over and almost taking two wickets that nearly hit the stumps. Using pure pace to really cause batsmen into playing more defensive shots, he looked really strong when there was swing added to his deliveries.
On the other end, Blessing Muzarabani finally redeemed himself after having two very tough outings in a row and got three really elite overs in. Having two vital wickets within that time and letting just 14 runs get past him, his bouncers were really on point today, while he kept building pace under pressure. Lastly, Brad Evans also managed to get three people out as he provided a very balanced attack, which let him keep an economy under 6.00.
Zimbabwe: Finish The Job Despite Having A Few Tense Situations Near Middle Areas
As Zimbabwe came out to bat, they started with a bit of a struggle, but were able to finally get the job done after their later pieces scored well. Brian Bennett was one of the openers today and created a pretty fast partnership with Tadiwanashe Marumani, who was carrying this team’s load. Scoring 17 in that opening 20-run partnership, he smashed three solid boundaries around all areas, while also looking very strong in his running style. Carrying on a 141.67 strike rate, he was removed on a catch that was edged right into Kusal Mendis’s hands. With Sean Williams removed right after him on two balls, a lot of pressure built on them after even Sikandar Raza was clean-bowled for just two runs.
This match started getting back into their own favor after Bennett created a strong partnership with Ryan Burl after they combined for 26 runs. Taking them to over 50 runs, the opening batsmen scored 19 runs on 23 balls and did hit a solid boundary, while switching the strike continuously.
Burl was also able to score a few of his 20 in that duo, and it looked like they were going to take over this match before it broke when Zimbabwe ended up being 53/4. Tony Munyonga also really struggled in the middle order and was out due to an LBW, which had them in trouble once again at 61 for 5 wickets lost. But knowing that Burl was still in there with Tashinga Musekiwa, 21 runs alongside three boundaries, they were able to close out this match pretty easily.
Sri Lanka: Bowlers Gave Their Best Effort To Keep It Close
Sri Lanka really had a strong bowling performance in this match as they created immense pressure despite already being at a deficient. One person who really need to be talked about was Dushmantha Chameera since he took three vital wickets and had created a bit of an advantage for his side near the middle. Keeping his economy under 5 runs an over, it was clear that his line and length were on point, while creating a masterful spell with left-handed Binura Fernando.
As Fernando himself allowed less than 4.7 in 6 balls, he also had a great caught-and-bowled wicket earlier on, while not letting Zimbabwe batsmen take him on. Spinners were on a little bit of a struggle bus today as Maheesh Theekshana was kind of expensive for a spinner, despite having a wicket, and Dushan Hemantha had given up the match-winning runs.
Also Read: ZIM vs SA : Wiaan Mulder Reflects On His Unbeaten 367 After Conversation With Brian Lara