T20I tri-series: Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka by 67 runs 

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Zimbabwe delivered a commanding performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 67 runs in the second T20 match of the tri series at Rawalpindi.

Chasing a target of 163, Sri Lanka was bowled out for just 95 runs. Captain Dasun Shanaka top-scored for his side with 34 runs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers were led by Brad Evans, who claimed three wickets, while Richard Ngarava added two more.

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first. Batting first, Zimbabwe posted a total of 162 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Brian Bennett contributed 49 runs, and Sikandar Raza added 47 to anchor the innings. For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga picked up three wickets, and Ishan Malinga took two, making his T20 debut in the match.

Both teams maintained the same playing XI from their previous matches. Speaking after the toss, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka highlighted the challenge posed by the damp, previously used pitch and emphasized the need to put early pressure on Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, with Sikandar Raza’s wicket being a top priority.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said his team aimed to set a challenging total by focusing on accumulating as many runs as possible in their innings.

Zimbabwe, determined to bounce back after a first-match defeat, executed their plan effectively.

Sri Lanka, struggling on Pakistani soil after losing all three recent ODIs, sought to reset their campaign in the T20 format but fell short. Earlier in the series, Pakistan secured a 5-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening T20 encounter.